§ 21. Charlotte AtkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action his Department is taking to improve the rate of retention in the armed forces. [6527]
§ Dr. ReidThe Government are fully aware of the need to recruit and then retain sufficient numbers of the personnel of the right quality to meet the armed forces' requirements. My Department has taken several initiatives to improve the retention of trained personnel in all three services. In particular it has implemented the recommendation made by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body, in its 1997 Report to the Prime Minister, that the Commitment Bonus for Other Ranks, which is payable at the 4½ or 5 year service points, should be raised from £2,000 to £3,000. It has also targeted bonuses at specific groups of service personnel where retention problems have been identified; for example Sea Harrier pilots and 53W Marine Engineering mechanics in the Royal Navy, Army Private soldiers where skill shortages exist and junior ranks in the Royal Marines. The Government are also actively considering what other measures might be appropriate to improve retention in all three services.