One-fifth of soldiers are "unfit for frontline"

One in five soldiers is not fit for front-line duty; nearly 5,000 officers and soldiers cannot be deployed for combat duties because of injury, illness, a lack of fitness or non-medical reasons, according to latest figures.

The statistics were revealed in a written Parliamentary answer to Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin in January, and emerged as the government separately unveiled plans to develop 'customised care plans' for injured servicemen and women before they move into civilian life.

The answer to Jenkin related to 36 battalions and three guards companies and included troops aged under 18, excused from front-line duty for compassionate reasons, and facing disciplinary action.