MoD “penny pinching” threatens future of army cadet programme warns Rennie
December 18, 2009 11:34 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Hundreds of army cadet camps, including the St Andrews Army Cadet Force in Fife are under threat as a result of the decision by the Ministry of Defence to slash funding given to the army cadet programme according to Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson Willie Rennie MP.
In an answer to a Parliamentary Question tabled by Willie Rennie, the MoD revealed plans to cut funding to army cadet programme by 10%-saving a paltry £4million.Willie Rennie MP: Liberal Democrats Defence spokesperson
The Army Cadet Force is one of the largest youth organisations in the country with more than 8500 instructors and 45,000 members aged 12 to 18, with the MoD's own research showing that between 15 and 20 per cent of youngsters who train with the cadets go on to join the forces. Mr Rennie has expressed his concern that the MoD's "penny pinching" could have an adverse effect on future recruitment to the armed forces.
Commenting Mr Rennie said:
"The MoD is clearly involved in crisis management, slashing budgets wherever they can, with penny pinching defence chiefs effectively asking army cadet instructors to train the next generation of soldiers for nothing.
"Programmes such as the St Andrews Army Cadet Force in Fife are renowned for promoting strict discipline, achievement and good citizenship. But the MoD seems more concerned with saving a quick buck instead of training the next generation of soldiers.
"The MoD has got their priorities all wrong and I'm very worried about the impact this will have on future army recruitment and retention rates."
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