Army will pay former drug-taking troops to return in specialised roles

Former army troops axed for illegal drug offences are being paid up to £10,000 to return to service in “specialised roles”, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed.

A Sunday paper reported that the payments were being offered to former troops to “plug a shortage” in the fighting force.

A spokesperson for the MOD confirmed that payments are being offered to former troops, but only in some cases to personnel in specialist roles and ranks.

The Mail on Sunday’s report said that troops expelled fol- 0 Falklands war hero Simon Weston said he was ‘appalled’

lowing drug offences were being contacted by MOD officials and told they can qualify for “golden hello” payments.

The report said the troops could return to active duty at the same rank, but did not specify that the payments were only available to personnel re-joining in specialist roles.

The paper reported that Falklands War hero Simon Weston, 57, said he is “truly appalled” by the decision.

He said: “That troops have been discharged for taking drugs can qualify for jobs which come with £10,000 ‘golden hellos’, and keep their old ranks, adds insult to injury.”

An army spokesperson said: “Those re-applying must meet our high standards in order to re-join the army and all applications are considered on a case-by-case basis”