asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will review the maximum period of service of 22 years which an enlisted soldier is allowed, in light of increasing life expectancy and the operational need to retain skilled senior soldiers. [HL361]

The longer career model was introduced for the Staff and Personnel Support Branch of the Adjutant-General’s Corps in November 2004 offering the possibility of three to five years’ extension of service beyond the 22-year point. As a result of a review undertaken by the Army into soldiers’ career structures, this is to be extended with the introduction of a new versatile engagement, which is due to replace the present 22-year open engagement on 1 January 2008. This will mean that all soldiers will be engaged on an initial short career of 12 years. Soldiers will then be selected for a full career to 24 years. Thereafter, selected soldiers will be able to serve on a long career up to the normal retirement age of 55.