MoD denies training cuts reports

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The Ministry of Defence has denied reports that training could be cut for nearly 1,000 new recruits to meet personnel shortages in Afghanistan.

The Times reported that training for some new Army recruits might drop from a minimum of 26 weeks to 14 weeks, to free up them for deployments earlier.

But the MoD said no-one was deployed on operations without the right training.

It added that it had no plans to change training for regular forces, but it was reviewing reserve forces' training.

'First class training'

The Times said the move to reduce training time was being considered because the battalions due to replace 52 Brigade in Afghanistan are at least 100 personnel short.

But an MoD spokesman said: "What we deliver is, and always will be, first class. It is not the case that the Army’s combat infantry course will be cut to 14 weeks.

"The MoD and the Army discuss different ways of delivering the training, but this by no way means that anything is compromised and that people aren’t prepared.

"The option for more focused, concentrated training is being looked at for reserve forces, not regular forces, and it would potentially increase the amount of training for certain individuals in the TA. No decisions have been taken.

"There are no plans to change training for regular forces."

In December, Prime Minister Gordon Brown pledged that 7,800 British troops would remain stationed in Afghanistan.