Tri-Service

Youth Recruitment: UK Criticised For 'Army Of Children'

Britain is the only state in Europe or Nato that still enlists minors, a policy criticised by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.

[Junior Soldier at Otterburn Training Area, Northumberland.] The MoD says it depends on 16-year-olds for a quarter of the intake needed to sustain UK forces.

Globally, Britain joins the ranks of El Salvador, Mexico, North Korea, Zimbabwe and Iran in enlisting minors into the Armed Forces.

After a six-month trial, 16-year-olds are locked in to the forces until they reach 22, meaning a life-changing decision is made at a brutally young age, says Veterans For Peace co-ordinator Ben Griffin, 37, who served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan in the SAS and the Parachute Regiment.

A report, meanwhile, claims that younger recruits are more likely to suffer from PTSD, alcohol problems and suicide than those who join as adults.

An MoD spokesman said: “We recruit across all age groups and as part of our duty of care to recruits no young person under the age of 18 may join our Armed Forces without the formal written consent of their parent or guardian.”

David Cameron, who attended Eton’s Combined Cadet Force, has set a target of creating 100 new units in state schools to build “character, grit and determination”.

Colonel Richard Kemp, former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, defended the practice of recruiting 16-year-olds.

"Some of the finest soldiers I commanded during my 30 years in the Army started their careers as juniors, enlisting at 16."

He added that the approach "unquestionably boosts the quality and fighting effectiveness of the Armed Forces".

It's also been argued that military service can help to provide discipline and direction to youngsters who might otherwise be in danger of going down the wrong path in life.

Prince Harry, speaking of the recruits he encountered as a Troop commander remarked: "Naughty is not the word, they were on a different level."

But having seen them change despite their background and issues, the prince was quick to recommend military life and national service.

Former Commander of 3 PARA Stuart Tootal noted: "93% of people who join at 16 and then go on to serve as adult soldiers at 18 years of age would recommend a career in the Army to their friends"