More than 13,000 members of Britain’s Armed Forces are officially deemed unfit for frontline service, shocking new government figures have revealed.
That’s roughly one in ten soldiers, sailors and airmen, all currently carrying medical restrictions that stop them from deploying to combat zones.
The figures, released by Defence Minister Louise Sandher-Jones, paint a worrying picture of a force already struggling with recruitment and retention.
The Numbers Behind the Sick Notes
A total of 13,133 service personnel have been classed as “medically non-deployable” meaning they’re unable to take part in operations abroad, though some can still train on UK soil.
Of those, 40 per cent (5,376 troops) are suffering from musculoskeletal disorders, everything from broken bones and ligament damage to chronic joint and back pain.
The second largest category, 2,747 personnel are battling mental health and behavioural disorders, highlighting the ongoing strain on those serving in high-pressure roles.
Other troops were sidelined due to digestive, hearing, eyesight, and skin conditions, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The MoD said: “Personnel graded as medically non-deployable are not fit to deploy on operations; however, they may be deployable on UK-based exercises.”
“A Force Already Under Strain”
The revelation has sparked concern among defence experts who say the situation highlights the fragility of Britain’s fighting strength.
Colonel Phil Ingram, a former Army intelligence officer, warned that the numbers expose deeper problems within the ranks.
“The number of personnel not able to deploy or with limited deployability adds to the woes of the Armed Forces, who are already badly under strength,” he said.
“Retaining people who can’t deploy is not a sensible answer unless that category is only temporary. The time has come for radical thinking and proper operationally focused leadership.”
A Growing Crisis in Combat Readiness
With recruitment targets repeatedly missed and frontline units shrinking, the revelation adds to fears that Britain’s military readiness is being quietly hollowed out.
While many of the medical downgrades are temporary, experts say the trend is troubling, particularly as global threats rise and the UK seeks to maintain its commitments across Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific.
As one defence insider put it: “When one in ten can’t deploy, it’s not just a medical issue, it’s a strategic one.”
