The statistical information in regard to the number of personnel, male and female, who have joined the Permanent Defence Force in each of the past five years, is set out in the following table.
Year
|
M
|
F
|
Total
|
2001
|
853
|
101
|
954
|
2002
|
587
|
51
|
638
|
2003
|
487
|
59
|
546
|
2004
|
604
|
58
|
662
|
2005
|
427
|
47
|
474
|
It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at a level required to meet military needs and as set out in the White Paper, that is, 10,500 Permanent Defence Force all ranks.