Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to recruit soldiers to the Army.

The Army recruits through a diverse and wide range of methods and is taking a number of steps to improve its recruitment processes.

Applications to the Army are received through the Army Website, and as of September 2016 the online application process has been enhanced by the launch of the "Quick App" making the application process faster and more user friendly. During the last 12 months there has also been an increased spend on marketing, including on the 'This is Belonging' campaign which is active on television, radio, cinema and a variety of social media outlets. In addition, the Army advertises for specialist staff through online job advertising boards.

These developments are showing signs of progress, over 8,000 people joined the Regular Army last financial year and since April 2017 application levels are over 20% higher than the same period last year.

This is all supported by extensive Army regional engagement to promote awareness across society of the role of the Army and the career opportunities that it presents. The Army is Britain's biggest provider of apprenticeships, offering not just a job, but a career with ongoing training and qualifications.

The Armed Forces also seek to attract recruits from across the UK, and continue to work hard at recruiting a diverse work force. The Army has made addressing issues of equality, diversity and inclusivity a priority in order to ensure that it is a modern employer which is capable of recruiting talent from all elements of society. The lifting of the exclusion for women serving in Ground Close Combat roles highlights the commitment to offering maximum opportunity for all.