Tri-Service

Army Regulars 'Fall Below 80,000 As Recruitment Struggles'

The number of Army 'regulars' has reportedly fallen, with recruitment only bringing in 90% of what is needed.

79,590 full-time soldiers are now in the Army, according to the Telegraph, compared to the target of 82,000 that was set by the last government - a drop from 102,000 following austerity measures.

For their part, the RAF and Royal Navy are also said to be 'hundreds short' in their recruitment.

It leaves British Army troop levels at their smallest since the Napoleonic Wars.

Recruitment numbers are thought to be being harmed by a perfect storm of factors, such as low unemployment and the lack of current operations (deployments actually increase enlistment because, according to an Army source, "Soldiers want to get out there and get rounds down"). Low morale is also a factor.

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Author of Armed Forces of the United Kingdom and former Officer Charles Hayman has said that Capita, an external firm charged with recruiting, is being overly bureaucratic in its approach, and doesn't have the appeal of in-house recruiting using serving soldiers.

Meanwhile, a former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, Col Richard Kemp, has said:

"We depend on the US for significant security cover but there have been signs for some years of their exasperation with European countries for not doing enough to help themselves."

It comes amid reports that Army chiefs are handing out £100 shopping vouchers to soldiers if a friend enlists as a regular or reservist.

Posters advertising the scheme have been put up on walls of Army barracks throughout the country, according to the Daily Star, in a move some serving military personnel have described as "pathetic". They read:

"These aren’t just any mates. These are quick-thinking, morale-boosting legends. That’s why they fit in the Army. Maybe you know someone who would too? Get them to join us and you pocket £100 in retail vouchers."

One serving soldier is reported to have said:

"The posters are making us laugh. I think we’re in a pathetic situation if this is what Army recruitment has come to."

The MoD, meanwhile, says schemes like these have been used for years, and only play a small part in Army recruitment.

It added that it is committed to recruiting for the Army to the 82,000 target for regular troops.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "The Army offers exciting opportunities that inspire the best of our young people and we are committed to recruiting to 82,000.