Step-by-step guidance on your route to join us
Find out what it takes to join MDP as a New Entrant from an Other Force (NEOF)
The NEOF application process can take from 6-9 months, from your initial enquiry to the time of your appointment.
Stage 1
Eligibility
Serving officers or those who have left the service within the last 36 months are welcome to apply. While firearms experience is valued, full AFO training is provided to successful candidates.
Key eligibility criteria include:
- British nationality and valid British passport
- Ability to achieve Security Check clearance
- Capacity to meet our fitness standards (PES-JRFT)
- Additional vetting requirements for specialist posts
Check out our Entry Requirements for complete details about residency, financial checks, vetting procedures, and other important criteria before applying.
Stage 2
Application form
If you consider yourself eligible to apply, you can now request an application form by emailing: MDP-Resourcing@mod.gov.uk.
You will need to complete the form electronically and return, with copies of required documentation, to MDP-RecruitmentEnquiries@mod.gov.uk
To note: On receipt of your application, you will be sent an acknowledgement email: add MDP-RecruitmentEnquiries@mod.gov.uk as a favourite or trusted contact on your email account, to avoid correspondence being moved automatically to your Junk Mail folder. It may take up to 6 weeks before you will hear back from us. If you do not hear from us within that timeframe, contact MDP-RecruitmentEnquiries@mod.gov.uk. Please also remember to check your Junk Mail folder.
Stage 3
NEOF suitability interview
Successful applicants will be invited to attend face to face suitability interviews. The interviews will take 30-40 minutes and the questions will be based on your background, skills, motivation for applying and understanding of the role and core tasks and mission of the MDP.
Stage 4
Medical, fitness test, national security vetting and police vetting
If you’re successful at the NEOF Suitability interview, you’ll be invited to attend a medical and fitness test. Your National Security Vetting application for SC clearance will also need to be initiated and police vetting checks conducted; the Recruitment Team will guide you through these processes.
Once you have successfully completed all of the processes, you will be ready for appointment (subject to vacancy availability).
Stage 5
Hire
Candidates who successfully pass the recruitment process are held, pending an intake, and offered available positions.
Stage 6
Appointment and training
Congratulations, you’ve now successfully completed the application process and your MDP journey will be begin at the training school. Upon commencement of training you will be an MDP employee and you are therefore paid your salary from day one of the training programme.
Following successful completion of training, all NEOFs are required to complete the remainder of a 12-month probationary period.
