Rise in recruits to armed forces

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There has been a 15% jump in the number of people from Wales joining the armed forces.

BBC Wales' Dragon's Eye also found smaller rises in the previous three years.

Labour MP Dai Havard argues training is easier to attain inside the forces than in civilian life and offers "breadth".

But Plaid Cymru AM Leanne Wood said those without educational and employment opportunities were being left with no option but to join.

The British military has played a pivotal role on the frontline in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Its lost 430 personnel with many more injured. Many of the casualties are Welsh.

WELSH ARMED FORCES RECRUITS 2008/9: 1,377 recruits 15.3% increase2007/8: 1,166 recruits 4.7% increase2006/7: 1,111 recruits 4.1% increase<i>Source: Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by BBC Wales Dragon's Eye</i>

While Wales's population is 5% of the British total, it makes up 7-8% of the army's recruitment target.

Figures obtained under the freedom of information act show that during the financial year, 2008/9, the armed forces recruited 1377 people from Wales - an increase of over 15 percent on the previous year.

That followed two years of growth of more than 4%. The figures for 2004/5 also show an increase of just under 15%.

Lt Col Bob Slay, the army's commander of recruiting for Wales, said it is one of the largest apprenticeship trainers in the country, and also helps recruits improve basic skills.

He said: "We have a package, I think, that is genuinely very competitive in the marketplace for somebody of their age, with a combination of good training, great opportunities, good things to do, great mates and, of course, a good financial package."

Government should look at those areas where recruitment figures are high and economic opportunities are few and far between and ensure jobs are provided in those areas so that people do have a proper choice Leanne Wood AM

Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP Dai Havard believes the recession has had an effect on the number of Welsh young people joining the forces.

He argues the range of educational and training opportunities on offer to recruits compares favourably to those available in civilian life.

Mr Havard said: "I think that there is a huge revision that needs to be done for post-14 education in the country, that is the UK, but particularly in Wales and I think the assembly needs to look at providing an architecture that's consistent across the country so that all of the various providers know how they can make those offers to those young people across a broader range.

"Its far too narrow. It's far too parochial. What the armed forces offer is that breadth. And I think that's a key to some of the reasons why people join."

A spokesperson said the Welsh Assembly Government is committed to ensuring all young people are equipped with the skills they need to secure satisfying careers, through such schemes as the 14-19 Learning Pathways and Young Recruits programmes.

Welsh recruits have risen considerably despite the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Plaid Cymru's South Wales Central AM Leanne Wood said: "Government should look at those areas where recruitment figures are high and economic opportunities are few and far between and ensure that jobs are provided in those areas so that people do have a proper choice.

"Then those who choose to go into the armed forces are making a real choice and not being forced into following that as a career path because there's nothing else on offer."

Chris O'Neill spent five years in the military.

He says there is a shortage of help for people leaving the services, some of whom can have difficulty adjusting to civilian life.

He said: "In some cases, people do suffer from traumas that they've seen in situations. But in other cases its making that transition from a military head to civilian life and lacking, maybe, the key life skills that you need."