John Baron MP criticises latest Army Reserve recruitment figures

MP says Army reforms have created capability gaps and false economies

Today the MoD released the latest UK Armed Forces Quarterly Personnel Report, which confirms that recruitment into the Army Reserve is proceeding too slowly. In the period from 1st April 2013 to 1st January 2015 the Army Reserve has only gained 550 soldiers. In order to achieve its plans, around 11,000 Reservists will need to sign up by 2018.

John Baron MP has consistently criticised the Government’s Army reforms, believing the decision to replace 20,000 Regulars with 30,000 Reservists is unviable and will not prove cost-effective, and has led to the loss of otherwise well-recruited and historic units such as 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

John said,

“In nearly two years of the MoD’s plan to replace the 20,000 Regulars they have already axed with 30,000 Reservists, only 550 recruits have been trained despite high-profile media campaigns. This slow progress has not only resulted in capability gaps, but also in extra costs and financial incentives which threaten false economies.”

“The Government should ditch this ill-considered plan before more money is wasted. It is easier to recruit Regulars than Reservists, and the British Army should be restored to 100,000 Regulars. Recent events on NATO’s borders remind us of the need for strong defence.”