3.26 The military needs to recruit regularly at entry level to sustain its forces as they promote from within. In the 1990's military recruitment stopped, which caused skills gaps that have often been filled by using more experienced personnel than was required for the role. The Army has calculated that the resulting gaps have cost £250 million over 20 years from retaining more experienced personnel. While the Department continues to recruit military personnel, it is at much reduced levels.
3.27 There is a risk that the Services could have further skills shortfalls in the future as the Department consequently faces a difficult choice: whether to proceed with reducing headcount, risking critical skills gaps and rehiring personnel; or risk not meeting headcount savings targets with more painful cuts to other parts of its business. Subsequent reports will review and assess how the Department's senior management have balanced these competing priorities.