Army turns to Twitter and Facebook to recruit 10,000 soldiers

British soldiers are to be quizzed about their careers in the forces through social media websites including Facebook and Twitter by members of the public, it has emerged.

The move is part of a campaign to recruit 10,000 new junior ranks and young officers into the army over the next year.

Television adverts are to form part of the ‘Step Up’ recruitment campaign, which aims to tackle a misconception held by many people that the army is not recruiting new soldiers.

The adverts will show the potential journey a soldier might take as during their career.

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In addition, the MoD said the campaign would “capitalise on social media”, with potential recruits being given the opportunity to quiz serving soldiers on their experiences.

The campaign comes as thousands of troops currently serving in the British Army face redundancy due to plans to cut the regular army to 82,000.

Brigadier Andrew Jackson, the director of recruiting and training for the army said: “No matter what its size, the army is always recruiting to ensure we have enough quality junior ranks and young officers to sustain the organisation and keep it ready for the challenges of the future.”