Forces need a better recruiting sergeant

The Army has a manpower problem. There should be 82,000 regular soldiers – itself an historically low number – but there are only 77,500. While there are plenty of applications and new recruits, more are leaving and the gap is not being closed quickly enough. To that end, the Army has launched a new advertising campaign specifically aimed at groups thought to be under-represented, including gays and ethnic minorities. The aim is to produce a more diverse Army, which is not in itself a bad thing. Clearly, this campaign helps the top brass demonstrate that they have ticked all the boxes now expected of public organisations.

Drawing recruits from a wider population pool that better reflect society as a whole is to be welcomed, provided there are no compromises on fighting ability. In the end, what matters is not how the Army looks but how it performs the tasks expected of it. With no overseas deployments of any significance, the lure of combat that has often acted as a recruiting agent for young working-class men seeking action and excitement is reduced. But the Army has much to offer in the way of training and discipline that will set a soldier up for life even if their career in uniform is brief.

It is, however, by no means clear if the real problem is one of recruitment or of retention. Certainly, recruitment could be done better. Ever since it was outsourced to Capita, there have been complaints that the process is too cumbersome and time-consuming. In a period of full employment, would-be soldiers often find another job while waiting to hear about their application.

Most high-street Army recruitment offices have been closed or “rebranded”. The best way of getting young people interested in joining up is for them to see and talk directly to soldiers. Internet applications may be the modern way but the old system worked better.

Retaining soldiers is proving at least as big a problem. Around 10,000 left the service last year, half resigning before their term was up. An erosion of benefits and legal vendettas against soldiers who served in combat have sapped morale.

Furthermore, a series of defence reviews leading to cuts in numbers have not helped convince serving or potential soldiers that politicians remain committed to defence. With the conclusions of another review imminent, the same mistakes must not be made again.