Second Group of Parts – Miscellaneous Matters Enlistment, terms of service etc
650.The sections relating to enlistment and terms of service are almost exclusively applicable to those holding the rank or rate of warrant officer and below. One (section 330) applies equally to officers, but this relates to disciplinary matters where it is thought right that the same rights or restrictions should apply.
651.Enlistment is the process by which a person joins the regular forces without being commissioned. A person offering to enlist becomes a member of a Service when he takes an oath of allegiance (or affirms his allegiance) to the Sovereign and the validity of his enlistment is attested by a recruiting officer. However, with regard to the Royal Navy, at present a person “enters” service and does not swear an oath of allegiance to the Sovereign. Under the provisions of the Act the Royal Navy will align its procedures and terminology with those of the other Services.
652.A person who enlists into one of the Services agrees to join for a specified period of regular service and perhaps also for a subsequent period in the reserves. In the Army, the person enlists on the understanding that he will serve in a particular corps, although this is subject to the recruit successfully completing training. A recruit’s enlistment may be subject to a final approval process to take account of any significant changes in circumstances since his offer to enlist was originally accepted by the Service.