22ANDUK

Army recruitment officials are calling for a review of the rules on foreigners serving in the British forces after a surge of interest from Poles.

Foreigners are currently barred from joining up unless they first live here for five years and become British citizens, while those from Commonwealth countries can sign up at any time.

But with the Army struggling against a serious manpower shortage, senior officers revealed yesterday that the level of interest from Polish immigrant workers has prompted them to consider changes in the regulations.

Should we change the rules to let Poles join the British Army? | the Daily Mail

If managed well, a good idea. There's nothing new in this, certainly precedents have been set in the British Army with the Gurkhas and Commonwealth soliders.

What line would be best is a matter for debate, whether a Polish Regiment or disperse them around the forces if they have a particular skill or interest. Or indeed establish a 'British Foreign Legion' in the same vein as the French do.

I would also imagine language ability etc would be taken into account and like other Non-British soldiers they would be barred from joing the Army Intelligence Corps etc.

It would also be a great way for many immigrants to intergrate into British society, the real immersion in the British military will bring them closer to Britain and certainly allow them to understand what British values are and allegience to the Queen etc. Though I would still rather have restricted numbers, rather than an open recruitment.

Certainly the Poles already have a proud record in serving the UK, as many airmen, sailors and soliders made their way to fight the Nazi war machine in the Second World War.

kernow

I think it's a goods idea , providing we don't allow such numbers in that they could overthrow the army, hence overthrow the Country!

ranter

Why the hell should we have to rely on forigners to get the numbers up? press gang all the yobos terrorising our city centers and whip a few of them into shape first

Hartlepool

Better if the Army/Military had good equipment,housing and a very big salary increase along with all the other services that are spending their lives looking after us and the chavs.

Little Englander (sour)

Special mention was made of the Poles and how they fought alongside the British in WW2.
If the Poles want to go and fight in Iraq or Afghanistan let them join the Polish army.
or
More likely, the Euroarmy.

__________________
Little Englander (bigoted)

kernow

Because one volunteer is better than ten pressed men!

kernow

Well said! I agee 100%!

eublues

The EU will be insisting on the forces being open to all "Europeans" before long anyway.