Letter: Self-sustaining Army snobbery

Sir: I fully endorse the views expressed by Major Eric Joyce regarding the Army's antiquated and "classist" commissioning policy. Why else was I required to disclose whether I was a day pupil or boarder at school, list the occupations of my family and describe my "military connections" during a recent Army Commissioning Board?

I am sure that many young people, like myself, have no wish to join an organisation that appears content to portray itself as being discriminatory and outdated. Suspending Major Joyce for speaking out against the Army will only serve to confirm such views amongst the public. Is it any wonder that the Army is currently experiencing a recruitment crisis?

PETER G WOOD

Rowton, Cheshire