Today’s defence-related news includes reporting on a new £1 billion deal to support Royal Navy operations, coverage of Exercise Saif Sareea, and a story by the Mail On Sunday that incorrectly suggests ex-service personnel are being approached to return to active duty and offered financial incentives.
Ex-serving personnel returning to active duty
The Mail on Sunday incorrectly suggests that Ministry of Defence representatives are approaching former serving personnel and offering them one-off payments and a return to active duty at the same rank they achieved before they left.
- Neither the Army, nor its recruiting partner Capita, have written to individuals to invite them to re-join the Armed Forces. The Army's full statement was not carried in the story.
An Army Spokesperson said:
“We have always welcomed applications from individuals whose circumstances have changed since their time of leaving the Army.
“Those re-applying must meet our high standards in order to re-join the Army and all applications are considered on a case by case basis.
“In some cases, payments are available for personnel re-joining in specialist roles and ranks and on completion of a minimum length of service.”
Image of the day
The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, parade through Penicuik, Scotland after their Iraq tour.