Army and Air Force Act 1961

2 Terms of enlistment in regular forces

(1) The term for which a person enlisting in the regular forces may be enlisted shall be such term, beginning with the date of his attestation, as is mentioned in the following provisions of this section.

(2) Where the person enlisting has attained the age of eighteen years the said term shall be—

(a) a term of twenty-two years of army service ; or

(b) such term, not exceeding twelve years, as may be prescribed, being a term of army service ; or

(c) such term, not exceeding twelve years, as may be prescribed, being as to such part thereof as may be prescribed a term of army service and as to the remainder a term of service in the reserve.

(3) Where the person enlisting has not attained the age of eighteen years but has attained the minimum age for man's service the said term shall be—

(a) a term ending with the expiration of the period of twenty-two years beginning with the date on which he attains the age of eighteen years, being a term of army service; or

(b) a term, ending with the expiration of such period, not exceeding twelve years, beginning with the date on which he attains the age of eighteen years, as may be prescribed, being a term of army service; or

(c) a term, ending with the expiration of such period as is mentioned in the last foregoing paragraph, being as to such part thereof as may be prescribed a term of army service and as to the remainder a term of service in the reserve.

(4) Where the said person has not attained the minimum age for man's service the said term shall be—

(a) a term ending with the expiration of such period, not exceeding twelve years, beginning with the date on which he attains the age of eighteen years, as may be prescribed, being a term of army service ; or

(b) a term ending with the expiration of such period as aforesaid, being as to such part thereof as may be prescribed a term of army service and as to the remainder a term of service in the reserve.

(5) References (however expressed) in the four next following sections to a person's enlisting or having enlisted on a long-term enlistment shall be construed as referring to his enlisting or, as the case may be, having enlisted for such a term as is mentioned in paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of this section or paragraph (a) of subsection (3) thereof; and in the said sections the expression " relevant date " means.—

(a) in the case of a person who enlisted after having attained the age of eighteen years, the date of his attestation, and

(b) in the case of a person who enlisted before having attained that age, the date of his attaining that age.