From worrying what A levels to study to finding jobs and apprenticeships, many 16-year-old find themselves at a cross roads when trying to decide their future career path.
One of the options open to school-leavers is the opportunity to join the armed forces with teenagers currently able to apply for roles with parental consent from the age of 15.
However, campaigners and religious figures have hit out at the British Army recruiting under 18-year-olds.
The human rights group Child Soldiers International sent an open letter asking the Ministry of Defence to increase the joining age from 16 to 18.
Despite all Church of Wales bishops signing the letter along with other Christian peace groups around the UK, the MoD said it had no plans to change the recruitment age, insisting that enlisting could be beneficial for youngsters.
MM took to the streets of Piccadilly to find out what the public made of the proposal.
Should the British Army be allowed to recruit under 18s?
| Options | Results |
| Yes | 28% |
| No | 62% |
| Don’t know / Undecided | 10% |
Helen Tonge, 64, a retired teacher living in Bolton, said: “Young people may jump at it because jobs are hard to come by these days and they maybe see this as an easy alternative but it isn’t. I really don’t think they’re mature enough to make a decision like that.”
David Mellor, 49, a baker from Oldham, said: “I think it’s too young. The discipline you receive is very harsh and you have to be mentally and physically ready for it.”
Many people, like Jess Matthews, 22, a student from Birmingham, believe that under 18’s are simply not ‘mature enough to make such a big decision’ like joining the British Army.
Chris Walker, 28, a city worker from London, said: “You’re basically still a kid. I think it’s dangerous that people as young as 16 are being trained up – everybody is expected to grow up so fast these days and at that age they really aren’t ready.”
However, others, such as Jack Smith, 22, a promoter, from Reading, said: “I think it’s a good career path and they are doing something for their country. I also think that if politician’s can send people to war then they should be prepared to send their own children as well.”
Darren Jones, 37, from Stockport, unemployed, said: “They can start from the beginning- from the early age upwards which I think is good. My brother is in the army, in Iraq and he has always said it’s a fantastic career.”
“It’s a good opportunity as they encourage ambition and it’s what I want to do long term because there’s a lot of prospects there,” said Kieran Birchall, 19, a manufacturer from Manchester.
Jeffery Millar, 50, a field archaeologist from Oldham, who was selling memorial poppies, said: “I was a combat engineer at one point and I was 21 when I joined the army. I would say that some 16-year-olds are mature enough but it obviously does depend on each individual. We have army cadets at the age of 12 and it provides a good structure and they get discipline.”
Image courtesy of defence images, with thanks
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