CONFIDENT IAL
3RD DRAFT
embarking on cadet training or commissioned direct from civil life
are given in the table below:
1 April-31 December
(9 months)
Percentage
Difference
Method of Entry
1973
1974
1974 over 1973 (+ or -)
Officer Cadets
291
University Cadets
67
Direct Graduate Entry Scheme
44
62
Other Schemes
Total:
464
The quality of candidates coming forward for commissions has improved
and this has been reflected in the higher pass rate at the Regular
Commission Board. There have been record application lists for Army
scholarships and entry to Welbeck College. Again, the quality
appears high.
9. The recruitment of qualified doctors remains well below
target, though recently the rate of enquiries has improved over
the same period in 1973-74. There has been some improvement in
the conversion rate from Short Service to Regular Commissions in
the specialist cadre, but unfortunately this is not true of general
practitioners. The main source of medical officer recruitment continues
to be through the medical cadet scheme. Although there has been some
improvement, the numbers entering the scheme are still below those
needed.
Royal Air Force
10. Officer recruiting targets in 1973-74 were lower than in recent
years and the overall requirement for Air and Ground branches was 95
V-3
CONFIDENTIAL