HC Deb 25 January 1999 vol 324 c4W
21. Mr. McWilliam

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government are taking to reduce overstretch in the armed forces. [65544]

24. Mr. Borrow

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps the Government are taking to reduce overstretch in the armed forces. [65547]

Mr. Doug Henderson

We are firmly committed to addressing overstretch in the armed forces. We are taking a number of steps to increase recruitment to the armed forces which continues to improve for all three Services. The Army, in particular, anticipates meeting its challenging target for soldier recruitment this year, for the first time since 1991.

We are also making efforts to improve retention in the armed forces. Our new "Policy for the People" is designed to make the services a more attractive career, both for those already serving and for those considering joining. The Policy includes significant educational and training opportunities for service personnel, and improvements to Service life, for the forces themselves and their families.

In addition, the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review should reduce overstretch in the Services by improving the flexibility and operational effectiveness of the armed forces through better assignment of resources to commitments.

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