Military Manpower Shortages Lead To ‘Fast Track’ Training

Soldiers may have to go into frontline operations without the normal levels of preparations.

Senior army officers are suggesting that nearly 1,000 new army recruits may have their training cut by half to allow them to be rushed to the battlefields of Afghanistan.

The Times has reported this ‘exceptional measure’ is being proposed as a drastic method to tackle the serious shortage in manpower.

It is usual for soldiers to spend 26-28 weeks on the army’s combat infantry course before being deployed to Afghanistan.

But one senior defence source has admitted that the new recruits would not be properly qualified to fight since they would receive only 50% of the basic training usually given to qualified combat infantrymen.

Under the new form of 'accelerated training', selected recruits would be put on a fast track into the army and on to Afghanistan. Under the scheme the recruits would also be offered a shorter engagement – less than the normal commitment of four years.

The Times report figures shown at present every battalion due for deployment next year has at least 100 soldiers short of the required target.

The army has filled gaps in infantry battalions in the past with soldiers from other regiments to ensure that they are of sufficient strength to fight a war.

Many of the infantry battalions have suffered manpower shortages, including the Parachute Regiment.

The MoD has already had to offer generous bonuses and welfare packages, such as free phone calls home when serving overseas, in an attempt to retain troops with combat experience.

(GC)