Army training provides skills, says army bosses

The army's frontline strength of 108,000 is 8,000 short of full strength.

According to military figures in Scotland, some 1,500 new soldiers are needed each year to maintain current staffing levels.

But officials have said that within the UK's personnel divisions there is a shortage, particularly in the infantry battalions.

Recruitment process

Search Consultancy will handle most stages of the recruitment process, including the initial selection of potential soldiers.

The final selection of recruits will remain in military hands.

The campaign will aim to convince would-be recruits that army training has great relevance to civilian careers.

The Army says it also wants to "reinforce its position as a modern career alternative to industry or higher education".

From April, Search will work with the army's own recruitment staff, offering specialist advice on the technical, manufacturing, construction and engineering sectors.

Armed Forces Minister John Spellar said: "This is a bold new initiative which shows the army has its finger on the pulse when it comes to modern recruiting methods.

"I am optimistic that the army's partnership with Search, a highly reputable recruitment organisation, will enhance army recruitment across the board."

A spokeswoman for the army in Scotland said: "This will be a joint effort. Search knows how to target audiences and its job is to get the right type of people up to the door. The selection process will be up to the army."