John Baron MP raises Army recruitment at Defence Questions

MP says Army should be increased to 100,000

At Defence Questions in the House of Commons this afternoon, John Baron MP asked the Minister, Rt Hon Mark Lancaster MP,

“Although many of us believe the Regular Army should be 100,000 in number, we are struggling to reach the reduced target of 82,000. What can the Government do to address this issue?”

The Minister responded that there were challenges with the new recruitment system as well as changing demographics which make it harder to recruit.

John then asked,

“Reports suggest that 100,000 people last year tried to join the Army, but because of delays, only 7,500 became soldiers. What more can the Government do to streamline the recruitment process?”

The Minister responded that the Government was working to ensure joining the Armed Forces remains an enticing prospect, and is aiming to reduce the amount of time between starting the recruitment process and completing training.

John said afterwards,

“Recent changes to its recruitment processes have badly affected the flow of recruits into the Army, resulting in personnel shortages at a time when many countries, some not necessarily friendly to the West, are increasing their defence spending. The Government must get a grip on recruitment, and also increase the size of the Army to at least 100,000 full-time soldiers.”