‘Woke’ £9.2m probe into military spending calling for more ‘inclusive’ Army could fund 400 soldiers

A PROBE into military spending that called for a more “inclusive” Army cost £9.2million — enough for almost 400 squaddies.

The 135-page review, which went £700,000 over budget, could fund the current £23,496 annual salaries of 391 privates.

It comes amid a two-month, inflation-driven Ministry of Defence ­capital spending freeze that has wrecked several military projects.

The report puts forward 67 ways to improve ‘the offer’ to specialists and recruits, such as improving salaries and accommodation, and using social media.

One chapter on equality suggests commanders “think of inclusion as a central leadership challenge” — and that they alter how they give orders so Gen Z troops are not offended.

Military figures said the money spent on the probe — by business executive Rick Haythornthwaite, now chairman of NatWest bank — could have been better used elsewhere.

Retired Colonel Richard Kemp said: “There’s a hint of irony that when most other parts of the military can’t get enough funding, £9million is given to a review that makes suggestions most soldiers have been talking about for years.”

He added: “Armed Forces personnel provide feedback through the yearly attitudes survey.

“It generates a large list of things those serving believe can be improved.”

On Mr Haythornthwaite, he said: “I don’t understand why the person in charge of the review was a total outsider to the military.

“How can you evaluate a system, and recommend dozens of changes, if you have never been a part of it?”

Former Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois, meanwhile, said the review’s key proposals “were uncosted” while the MoD’s wider budget was “already in meltdown”.

An MoD spokesman said: “The MoD is committed to improving the terms and conditions of service offered to Armed Forces personnel by implementing recommendations from the Haythornthwaite Review.

“We’re developing brand new terms and conditions of service to be launched in due course – this involves work to fully understand the costs.”

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Thomas Godfrey

February 17, 2024 8:27 pm