WiFi Over Water: No Access To Social Media Affects Recruiting

With Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat it seems our life is now ruled by social media.

Younger generations appear to need to be constantly in touch with the outside world through their phones or tablets.

This is causing problems for the UK's military.

Research conducted earlier this year by 'PA Consulting' found that young people were reluctant to join certain arms of the forces because they did not want to be cut off from the internet for months at a time.

The Navy and Submarine Service are the worst affected with internet connection at sea being limited at best. 

In a special interview with Forces TV, Rear Admiral John Weale, the head of the Submarine Service, has said it's a generational change that's affecting the whole Armed Forces.

"It is something about the whole of society. We are facing a new generation of people which expect different things and have instant communications. So to the Navy and Submarine Service that is a challenge because when we go away to sea we are not in continuous communications."

Not having instant contact with the outside world through social media is one of a number of reasons that young people do not see a life on submarines as an attractive option.

The shortage of submariners also appears to have not been helped by the drive to man the new aircraft carriers. 

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