Record numbers of military personnel, particularly those with technical qualifications, are leaving the Defence Forces, attracted to better-paid jobs in civilian life, according to military sources. The departures so far this year are from all ranks from recruit to colonel. Some 240 soldiers who could have continued serving left early, mostly for jobs in the private sector in the first six months of this year. Almost 100 bought themselves out of the services, mostly to take up better-paid jobs outside.
In one instance it is understood that a young officer with a degree in information technology paid over £30,000 to buy himself out of the Army. It is understood the company he joined covered this.
According to Army sources there are also instances of soldiers with qualifications purchasing themselves out within two years of completing the period of service which would entitle them to index-linked State pensions of half their Army pay.
Senior non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and mid-ranking officers with technical qualifications are reported to be leaving in unprecedented numbers. These experienced and qualified soldiers, aged from their late 20s to early 40s, are regarded as the management backbone of the Defence Forces.
Figures for the first six months of this year show that 11 captains and seven commandants have taken early retirement and left the Defence Forces for jobs in civilian life. A further two lieutenants, both in their 20s, two lieutenant colonels and a colonel have also left.
According to military sources all have left for better-paid jobs. Some of those who left also expressed the view that they saw little prospect of significant career advancement in the Defence Forces.
A cause of considerable concern is the rate of departing non-commissioned officers, soldiers of corporal and sergeant rank who have technical qualifications particularly in information technology, communications and engineering.
Between January and June, almost 100 personnel chose to leave by buying their way out of their military contracts, known as "discharge by purchase". Of these, 55 are privates and 42 are new recruits. That represents around 10 per cent of the entire year's intake.
A further 89 NCOs also left the Defence Forces early in the first six months after serving 21 years and achieving their maximum pension allowance. Of these, there is a high percentage of experienced NCOs. Some 52 sergeants and corporals who might otherwise have chosen to complete their military careers have left for jobs outside.
Another 29 soldiers of all ranks left having completed their contracted period of service, known as "termination of engagement". In other years most of these would have been expected to renew their contracts.
According to military sources the departures are causing stresses in technical support units where there is a depletion of experienced, middle-ranking personnel. One Army officer pointed to a technical unit which should have a staff of 14 but which now has four soldiers. The departures of people from middle-ranking management positions means that officers are carrying out tasks normally ascribed to more senior ranks. According to a number of sources it is now normal practice for captains to carry out work previously ascribed to commandants and for commandants to be doing work normally done by lieutenant colonels.
According to sources in these middle-ranking jobs, there is increasing pressure on the officers remaining and many are becoming more frustrated.
"Every week there are notices up in messes about officers leaving. Many of us have CVs out there already and this is going to continue. It is causing strain on those who choose to stay or can't get jobs outside."
Another officer said the experience of recent years with the reduction in size of the Defence Forces and almost continuous management reviews - during which the Government reduced the Defence Forces from 13,500 to 10,500 - had been a significant cause of disillusionment among officers and soldiers who had hoped to make a career out of military life.
However, not all see the departures as entirely damaging. One very senior officer pointed out that the resignations opened the way for faster promotions for young officers and NCOs. "There are more prospects for young soldiers. We also have continuous recruitment which means we can fill the places." In response to the increased rate of departures the Defence Forces is seeking an increased number of recruit and cadet intake at the end of the summer.