Putting uniformed soldiers back into frontline recruiting credited with boosting applications

The British Army's most senior non-commissioned officer believes putting uniformed soldiers back into frontline recruiting has helped boost its targets.

Army Sergeant Major WO1 Paul Carney told Forces News that there had been a rise in the number of potential recruits after "we put some soldiers back in frontline recruiting".

WO1 Carney also linked the upturn in applications to join the Army with the Chief of the General Staff's recent warning about preparing for war.

• RAF scraps its strict no hand tattoo policy for potential recruits and serving personnel
• Army's most senior NCO suggests decision on whether to allow beards may be imminent
• Applications to join Armed Forces rising, with Royal Navy at an eight-year high

It is unclear how many recruiting offices have been reopened and how many recruiting sergeants have been appointed across the country.

"Us being out there I think is what's making people want to join," said WO1 Carney who also hinted to Forces News that his bosses are finalising their decision on whether to allow beards in the British Army.

The news comes after the Defence Secretary said applications to join the Armed Forces had increased, amid rising tensions around the globe.

Grant Shapps said the Royal Navy had received an eight-year high in applications, while the British Army had seen a six-year high.

He also stated that the Royal Air Force was experiencing an increase in potential recruits.

Elsewhere, the RAF has scrapped its strict no hand tattoo policy for potential recruits and serving personnel, in a hope to boost recruitment.