THE Army is running exercise camps to help unfit recruits amid a manpower crisis. The courses give wannabe soldiers a second chance to pass rigorous fitness tests. In addition, rules banning anyone with asthma or skin complaints are being relaxed. News of the moves to boost numbers came as the Army today launches a £3.1million […]
THE Army is running exercise camps to help unfit recruits amid a manpower crisis.
The courses give wannabe soldiers a second chance to pass rigorous fitness tests.
In addition, rules banning anyone with asthma or skin complaints are being relaxed.
News of the moves to boost numbers came as the Army today launches a £3.1million recruitment ad campaign.
It aims to attract youngsters by promising long-term confidence — instead of short-term “hits” like getting social media likes or a buff “Love Island-style” body.
Recruitment chief Colonel Nick MacKenzie said of the camps: “Those with borderline fitness — a bit slow on their run or a little bit too large — we effectively coach them through a four-week course so they meet the minimum standard required. If they don’t meet the standard after those four weeks, they don’t get in.”
He also confirmed rules on asthma or eczema, previously a bar to joining, would now be considered “case by case”.
Up to 200 have gone through the “soldier development course” in Pirbright, Surrey, since September.
It also helps youngsters who lack confidence. Under old rules, those found to be unfit would have got no further.
But officials said that more than 80 per cent who went on the course got to the required standard.
There are now just 73,000 fully trained soldiers, despite a target of 82,000.
From today, posters plus TV, radio and online ads will promise 16 to 24-year-olds a life-changing career.
Defence Secretary and ex-Army officer Ben Wallace said: “I know from my own experience the confidence, self-belief and camaraderie a career in the Armed Forces can offer.”
by Nick McDermott
TUBBY Brits prescribed fat-fighting classes shed nearly five pounds each — helping to cut their diabetes and heart death risk.
Nearly 90,000 patients took part in the £435-a-head scheme, with the NHS footing the bill.
Those attending more than five sessions dropped an average of 4lb 14oz.
The NHS now wants to sign up 200,000 people a year as part of its Diabetes Prevention Programme.
It offers overweight adults advice, alongside free cookery and exercise classes.
About two in three Brits are too fat, putting more than 12 million adults at increased risk of diabetes.
The NHS spends more than £10billion annually treating the condition.
