With increased military activity in Europe, efforts are underway to strengthen the UK military, including exploring wider recruitment from the Commonwealth to address current recruitment shortfalls.
However, commonwealth recruits report negative experiences due to role misalignment, underutilisation of their skills, discrimination, and systemic barriers to career progression, which contributed to retention challenges.
In her Policy Brief drawing on the experiences of UK foreign-born veterans from West-African Commonwealth countries (Military Migrants [MMs]) who joined the British Armed Forces (BAF) between 1998 and 2013, Dr Adejumoke recommends:
- The UK armed forces should re-evaluate their recruitment, retention, and career and leadership development programs/strategies to better attract and retain Commonwealth recruits.
- Increased recognition of foreign qualifications and skills
- Improved efforts to address discrimination grievances and foster an inclusive environment
- Ensure role alignment with skills and interests where possible, and equitable access to career advancement opportunities
Read the full policy Brief here