MP highlights average reservist infantry age in House of Commons
Today, during Defence Questions in the House of Commons, John Baron MP pressed the Government to think again about its reservist plans, given the slow progress in recruitment and the age profile of the Reserves.
John said,
“Government figures show that the average age of a reservist infantryman is mid-thirties. Given that the trained strength of the Reserves has only increased by 500 in nearly two years of this plan, which has led to capability gaps and false economies, has the time not come to consider scrapping these plans and to stop trying to get our defence on the cheap?”
Julian Brazier, the Minister for the Reserves, said he made no apologies for broadening the age allowances amongst Reservists, and added that John might consider joining.
John said afterwards,
“Poor recruitment, on top of the age profile of existing reservists, suggest this is a problem of demographics as well as numbers. Meanwhile, we continue to waste money when the Regular recruitment tap can be so easily turned on. In these increasingly uncertain times, we need strong defence – not shortcuts.”
“I thank the Minister for suggesting I join the Reserves but, at 55 and with a gammy knee, I can only assume the MoD is even more desperate for recruits than I feared.”
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