An Army recruitment drive using video game Fortnite that had to be scrapped after an angry backlash cost £100,000.
Top brass commissioned a YouTube promo to advertise an “exclusive” livestream on the battle simulator – which has a 12-plus age rating and is a hit with teens – featuring Army characters.
They also spent cash signing up influencers including Yung Filly and Talia Mar to get Fortnite fans to tune in for an “Operation: Belong” event.
But defence bosses pulled the campaign amid claims it targeted underage potential recruits. Social media user Derek Watson said: “Attempting to indoctrinate and recruit children by using a popular game is sick and disturbing.”
In response to a parliamentary question, Defence Minister Andrew Murrison confirmed trailers “cost in the region of £100,000”. Ex-Army intelligence officer Col Philip Ingram said: “This is a clear example of the Army wasting taxpayers’ money with crazy ideas.” The Army has a recruitment crisis after numbers fell from 79,139 to 75,983 last year.
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General Sir Patrick Sanders caused alarm this week when he said we must consider training a “citizen army” to fight in a future land war, highlighting the growing threat posed by Russia.
The Army's recruitment trailer has been pannedThe news comes after a world affairs expert has told the Mirror the whole of the UK must prepare for conscription within six years unless Vladimir Putin is defeated. Downing Street was forced to rule out widespread military call ups after the head of the Army General Sir Patrick Sanders said British civilians would need to prepare to fight Russia in a future war. Under current Government proposals, it is predicted the number of fully-trained soldiers will be reduced to 72,500 from a commitment of 82,000 by next year.
He told the International Armoured Vehicles conference in Twickenham on Wednesday the Army would not be big enough to fight an all-out-war with the former Soviet nation even if it numbered 120,000. Gen Sir Patrick said we need a military that can expand rapidly and train and equip a citizen army, while a shift in mentality of the every day person is needed.
However, on the same day the PM's official spokesman said No 10 did not agree, adding: “The British military has a proud position of being a voluntary force. As I say, there’s no plan for conscription.”
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