Call for retiring military to have psychology tests

ARMED FORCES personnel should be assessed by psychologists before they leave, to help them avoid prison and homelessness, the former head of the Army has told The Daily Telegraph.

General Sir Lord Richard Dannatt, Chief of the General Staff from 2006 to 2009, said proposals for mental health assessments for retiring soldiers, sailors and airmen “had merit” and should be provided “as part and parcel of the pre-existing resettlement package”.

His comments come as campaigners revealed the combined number of veterans in prison or on probation, or who are homeless or suffering with mental health problems might be as high as 66,000.

Harry Fletcher, of the Victims’ Rights Campaign, said: “There needs to be a comprehensive medical assessment of the condition of all military personnel prior to discharge from service.”

The Ministry of Defence did not respond to requests for comment.