§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate how many army officers have requested early leave from their contracts to work for private military companies. [166135]
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§ Mr. CaplinArmy officers apply for early release through the Army Retirements Board. In the last six months the total number of officers requesting Premature Voluntary Retirement has been 346. There is no requirement to specify future employment intentions but we are aware that at least three of the 346 have applied to leave with the intention of joining private military companies ether than the United Kingdom defence industry.