MP says Catterick course of 7 recruits is a waste of taxpayers’ money
John Baron MP, and many other Parliamentarians, has opposed Government plans to replace 20,000 Regulars with 30,000 Reservists, fearing such plans will create unacceptable capability gaps and false economies. The MoD is having severe trouble recruiting Reservists and is throwing more money at the problem. This has included doubling the £5,000 incentive for ex-Regulars to sign up, introducing a £300 incentive for civilians to join up, and pension changes.
Despite these measures, the latest Army Reserve training course in Catterick proceeded with only seven recruits, despite having a capacity of 96. Furthermore, the latest quarterly manning figures reveal that the untrained strength of the Army Reserve is now 35.6% lower than in April 2013.
John said,
“The MoD is having to commit more money as it struggles to attract recruits into the Reserves. False economies loom. Proceeding with Reservist training courses at less than 10% strength is a further waste of money.”
“The MoD is becoming increasingly desperate in its search for recruits. Reservist numbers actually fell during 2013, despite recruitment campaigns. The problem is compounded by the need to dramatically improve the age profile of the existing TA.”
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