Army: We can’t find enough whizzkids

THE British Army is struggling to recruit enough technical experts for a secretive psychological warfare unit intended to combat Islamic State’s domination of the internet and social media.

The specialised 77 Brigade, launched with great fanfare in January in response to the jihadis’ mastery of online propaganda, is in disarray after failing to enlist the right personnel.

Earlier this year, it was widely reported that the brigade would be made up of 2,000 social media and psychological warfare exponents who would enable UK forces to fight wars ‘in the information age’.

But The Mail on Sunday can reveal that even when fully operational, the brigade will number just 454 regular and reservist troops. And in a letter to his troops, the brigade’s commander says he has failed to recruit enough ‘talent’ to challenge IS’s ascendency online.

Brigadier Alastair Aitken says he needs computer whizzkids skilled in ‘social media, financial operations and counter-criminality’ but admits that civilians with the relevant experience are not natural recruits for the Army.

The role of these keyboard warriors was expected to include covertly leaking messages about British successes to the enemy, via platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and contacting jihadis directly to spread false information.

Brigadier Aitken’s letter adds: ‘We are potentially not attracting the broadest range of talent from across the nation.

‘Capacities such as social media, financial operations and counter-criminality will need an increased diversity of talent, opinions, skills and viewpoints.

‘We may need to redesign our terms and conditions of service to attract those that have these skills.’

The letter suggests some reservist troops will lose their posts in 77 Brigade, while many soldiers do not know what roles they will be assigned. Sources say this has led to a ‘mutinous atmosphere’ at the brigade’s HQ – Denison Barracks in Hermitage, Berkshire.

Last night, the Ministry of Defence said reservists who lost their posts in 77 Brigade will be offered alternative roles.