Wounded soldiers 'won't feel forced out'

Under the Ministry of Defence programme, sick and injured soldiers will receive improved support to help them either return to duty or pass smoothly into civilian life.

The Army's strength stands at about 102,000, but concerns were raised about the number of troops who are not fit to deploy on operations.

Launching the Army Recovery Capability (ARC) scheme at the MoD's Whitehall headquarters, General Sir David Richards said: "I confidently expect that no soldier who thinks it is in his interests to stay will be forced out.

"Let me be quite clear, no one will leave the Army while they have not reached a point where it is right for them to do so.

"It is about the doing the right thing for the people and the right thing for the Army."

The Government has pledged 30m to the scheme, with the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes adding 20m each.

About 500 severely injured troops could be immediately involved when the scheme gets under way in June.

Bryn Parry, co-founder of Help for Heroes, said: "What we are seeing today is the beginning of something wonderful."

Soldiers wounded in Afghanistan will continue to be treated at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham and to receive rehabilitation therapy at Headley Court in Surrey.

But under the scheme, they will receive support from one of 12 "personnel recovery units" around the UK, led by a commanding officer, which will provide a programme aimed at either getting them fit to return to a military post or preparing them for life outside the armed forces.

Those who leave the Army will be monitored and supported with their health, education, employment and accommodation.

Figures obtained by the Conservatives last month suggested 5,000 soldiers, or 20 per cent of the infantry, were unable to fight on the front line because of illness, injury, lack of fitness or other non-medical reasons.