British Army faces recruiting shortfalls under 2020 plans
The British Army is facing a gap in manpower in both regular and reserve forces if current recruiting practices are continued, the National Audit Office (NAO) claims.
In its report on the Army 2020 plans, released on 11 June, the NAO has estimated that there are 3,184 regular army training places unfulfilled for 2013-14 and that Capita, which was hired to recruit reserves, has managed to fill only 1,975 places out of a requirement for 6,000.
Army 2020 plans call for a total force of 30,000 reservists that will supplement a reduced regular force of 82,500 personnel by 2018-19,
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
Coming to America: companies look to tap into US with multi-domestic strategy
Non-US companies are increasingly looking to establish subsidiary and partnerships to access the potential billions of dollars of vehicle and land systems contracts and there has already been some success.
-
Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges
Pearson Engineering has provided equipment and engineering expertise to the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The British company is now working to deepen engagement with the Ukrainian defence industry, expanding its support for the country’s population and laying the foundations for future technological innovation.
-
AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
-
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
-
With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?
Traditional suppliers are struggling to meet the Middle East’s armoured vehicle modernisation needs, creating opportunities for South Korean manufacturers and regional defence industries.
-
AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements
New developments from MARSS, MyDefence, Mountain Horse Solutions and Rafael suggest that future counter-drone protection will increasingly depend on combining advanced detection, rapid interception and integrated defensive networks.