- Reaction score
- 12
- Points
- 530
OK, just read the following in a platform piece on saving the Scottish Regiments at The Scotsman wherein the writer makes the following statement:
According to the Department for Education and Skills:
Granted, most of my interaction with UK forces has been with RMP but the times I have been around their Infantry, I haven't noticed anything which would indicate most at the entry level can only read and write at a Grade 5 level. Then again, maybe my viewpoint is biased given the quality of recruits we generally get for our Infantry.
If anyone has any insight, I'd be most interested.
I'm sorry, although the writer cites a MoD report, these numbers seem a little out of whack and do a pretty good job of perpetuating the stereotype of the uneducated Infantryman. Checking the UK Recruiting website it indicates there aren't any formal educational requirements for entry into infantry but still...is it that bad?? I've been able to dig up a MOD report here which states:No longer would 70 per cent of infantry recruits at Catterick have a reading age of 11 or less (as noted in recent Ministry of Defence report).
(Side note: This report implies 18% don't pass their Infantry School but not details on reasons...)The RAF and, to a lesser extent, the RN normally recruit individuals with at least GCSE/Key Skills qualifications. The Army also recruits among this group, but takes in large numbers at Basic Skills level or below, with few or no formal qualifications.
According to the Department for Education and Skills:
so it does appear the recruiting demographic exists to draw these folks from.There are no details for the UK as a whole. The figures for England are as follows:Up to 7 million adults in England have literacy skills below those expected of an average 11 year old. Even more have a problem with numeracy.
Granted, most of my interaction with UK forces has been with RMP but the times I have been around their Infantry, I haven't noticed anything which would indicate most at the entry level can only read and write at a Grade 5 level. Then again, maybe my viewpoint is biased given the quality of recruits we generally get for our Infantry.
If anyone has any insight, I'd be most interested.