'Wok' £9.2m review into military spending calling for a more 'inclusive' army could fund 400 soldiers
A review into military spending that required a more 'inclusive' army cost £9.2 million – enough for almost 400 squadrons.
The 135-page judgementwhich went £700,000 over budget would fund the current £23,496 annual salaries of 391 soldiers.
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It comes amid a two-month inflation-driven period Department of Defense The capital expenditure freeze has devastated several military projects.
The report presents 67 ways to improve 'the supply' to specialists and recruits, such as improving salaries and housing, and using social media.
One chapter on equality suggests that commanders “view inclusivity as a central leadership challenge” – and that they change the way they give orders so that Gen Z troops are not offended.
Military figures said so money spent on the probe – by company director Rick Haythornthwaite, now chairman of NatWest sofa – could have been better used elsewhere.
Retired Colonel Richard Kemp said: “There is a touch of irony that when most other parts of the army cannot get enough money, £9 million is being spent on a review that makes suggestions that most soldiers have been talking about for years.”
He added: “Armed Forces The staff provides feedback through the annual attitude survey.
“It provides a big list of things that the servants think could be improved.”
Speaking about Mr Haythornthwaite, he said: “I don't understand why the person responsible for the review was a total outsider to the military.
“How can you evaluate a system and recommend dozens of changes if you've never been part of it?”
Former Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois, meanwhile, said the review's main proposals were “unpriced”, while the wider Defense Department budget was “already collapsing”.
A Ministry of Defense spokesperson said: “The Ministry of Defense is committed to improving the terms of service offered to armed forces personnel by implementing the recommendations from the Haythornthwaite Review.
“We are developing brand new terms of service that will be launched in due course. This means we need to work to fully understand the costs.”