§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 28 June (WA 5), how delaying Phase One (Basic) training after recruitment selection for (a) single service or (b) multi-service recruits will help maintain balance in Army manpower numbers. [HL3515]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach):The Army's manpower requirements are dynamic, and subject to change in light of evolving doctrine, the strategic environment, changing commitments, equipment, and technology. To maintain a proper balance in Army manpower numbers it is sometimes necessary to make minor adjustments to inflow and outflow. Controlling when recruits enter the training system is a means of doing so as this determines the point at which they are taken on to trained strength.
There is currently a pause on some recruits starting their phase 1 training. Some of those who have successfully passed through the recruit selection procedure may be given a date to commence phase 1 training later in the year. This is a short-term measure that has been introduced to help maintain balance in Army manpower numbers, and is likely to continue until October. It does not equate to banning recruitment. There is no ban, freeze or cap on Army recruitment and no one expressing a wish to join the Army is turned away.
The Army does not conduct phase 1 training of recruits on behalf of the other services.