Thousands of people inquire about the process of joining the armed forces each year. They include parents, teachers and students undertaking research as well as those considering a service career. Most make contact by telephone, mail, hits on the services career websites, or by visiting armed forces careers offices for information and advice. The number of applicants in each year since financial year 2000-01 who showed a firm interest in joining is as follows:
Naval service Army RAF 2000-01 Officers 1,427 1,925 4,692 Other Ranks 13,034 33,332 15,997 2001-02 Officers 1,497 1,893 4,005 Other Ranks 12,132 38,929 15,448 2002-03 Officers 1,494 1,984 3,757 Other Ranks 13,721 36,104 13,447 2003-04 Officers 1,165 2,265 3,719 Other Ranks 10,971 33,801 9,123 2004-05 Officers 1,125 1,795 3,193 Other Ranks 9,866 29,413 8,260 2005-06 Officers 1,714 1,963 2,685 Other Ranks 11,517 35,026 7,272