Army thousands of soldiers short after ‘disastrous’ drive to swell ranks flops and misses every target
Bosses to launch £3million advertising campaign in desperate bid to attract new soldiers after all 12 major regiments and corps missed hiring targets
THE Army is facing a recruitment crisis after a drive to swell the ranks proved a “disastrous” flop.
Official figures reveal a shortfall of 2,670 soldiers after defence chiefs failed to hit every target for the year.
Twelve major regiments and corps all missed their recruitment goals, leaving the Army strength four per cent below its required strength of 82,000.
Top brass are to launch a revamped £3 million advertising blitz in a desperate bid to turn around their falling numbers.
Last year they set a target of hiring an extra 9,580 regular troops – but new stats show only 6,910 signed up.
Labour MP Kevan Jones, a former defence minister, branded the campaign “disastrous” on top of severe cuts to the armed forces.
He said: “These figures expose further reductions to the strength of the British Army.
“Ministers need to explain urgently why there is such a serious recruitment problem.
“Otherwise, we could be forgiven for thinking it could be a deliberate attempt to balance the defence budget.”
A new campaign of TV adverts is focusing on the “unique lasting bonds of friendship” found in the Army – replacing the boast of the skills soldiers can learn.
The switch came as an outsourced recruitment operation was found to be delivering 10 to 15 per cent fewer recruits than needed.
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Defence chiefs have set out a plan for an Armed Forces of 142,000 by 20225.
An Army Spokesman said yesterday: “The Army has enough people to perform all of its operational tasks to keep Britain safe.
"The Army continues to offer exciting opportunities that inspire the best of our young people.
“We have seen an increase in recruitment over the last year and we expect this trend to continue.”