Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the average length of time taken is between the start of phase one training and deployable capability for an infantry soldier aged (a) 18 or over and (b) 16; and what the average (i) training, (ii) salary and (iii) other costs are for that training.

The average length of time taken between the start of Basic Training, and completion of Initial Trade Training for a Regular Army Infantry Over 18 Standard Entrant is 277 days. For the Regular Army Infantry Under 18 Junior Entrant it is 489 days.

The single Service estimated average costs, for a Regular Army Infantry Over 18 Standard Entrant is as follows:

Direct Training - £6,000

Salary - £40,600 (this includes trainer and trainee salary costs)

Other costs - £6,400

The single Service estimated average costs, for a Regular Army Infantry Under 18 Junior Entrant is as follows:

Direct Training - £33,700

Salary - £62,300 (this includes trainer and trainee salary costs)

Other costs - £7,500