John Baron MP highlights poor Army recruitment figures

MP raises concerns about cancellation of Army Reserve courses

The Secretary of State for Defence today issued a statement on the state of recruitment into the reserves. The MoD is intending to offset the loss of 20,000 regulars by recruiting 30,000 reservists, but there are many indications that reserve recruitment is badly missing its targets. There have also been reports that Army Reserve TA courses for January and February (run out of Catterick) have been cancelled.

John said,

“These figures confirm that the MoD is struggling to recruit reservists. No amount of dissembling can hide this fact. Big questions remain as to the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the Government’s Army Reserve plans. A change in the IT system is the least of their problems.”

“Reports suggest that Army Reserve TA courses are being cancelled because of a lack of recruits. This is yet further evidence that the Government needs to re-think its plans and stop the disbandment of regular units until we know the reservists can take their place.”