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Written question asked by Liz Saville Roberts (Plaid Cymru) on Wednesday, 2 October 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 October 2019 (named day). It was answered by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton (Conservative) on Monday, 7 October 2019 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Army: Young People

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Army’s review of Junior entry has been completed; and if he will place a copy of that review in the Library.

Answer

The Army's review of Junior Entry (JE) enlistment has concluded. The Armed Forces offer some of the best training and education to people anywhere in society. Those opportunities begin at 16 with around 1,300 Junior Soldiers graduating from Harrogate each year. The Army Foundation College at Harrogate is the only JE Phase 1 training establishment in the British Army and the JE is a tried and trusted means of engaging young people leading them to a successful Army career. The college aims to create a well-rounded junior soldier, physically, conceptually and morally. The delivery of training is conducted in accordance with a carefully synchronised college programme and is aimed to be progressive and provide variety with a balance between classroom, camp and field training.

This review considered how the Army can continue to attract the best young people under the age of 18 and, in doing so, maximise the talent of the individual to the mutual benefit of the individual, the Army and society improving their social mobility. The tendency for under-18 recruits to serve for longer than their over-18 peers and the relatively high proportion of junior entrants that promote to senior NCO ranks over the course of their careers benefits the Army and the individual.

The Review found that while the JE scheme is performing well and remains attractive to potential recruits, it is not well known and could be advertised more effectively. To recruit effectively the JE model must appeal to all, including females and the growing Black Asian and Minority Ethnic workforce in the UK.

A copy of the report of the Army's review of JE enlistment will be placed in the Library of the House.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
293678
Session
2017-19
Related items
Deposited Paper DEP2019-0931
Monday, 7 October 2019
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Army: Young People
Thursday, 23 January 2020
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Army Recruitment Young people Reviews
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk