Sarge, I think I've changed my mind ...

When young people under 18 join the Army, they only have the chance to leave between the second and sixth month of service.  After that they must serve until they are 22.  They cannot buy themselves out.  They cannot obtain a discharge until they are 22.

Absence without leave is punishable by detention.  The length of time absent may be added to the release date after age 22.

Hundreds of young recruits go AWOL every year, many end up homeless on our streets.

In the Gulf War, 200 of our young people under 18 were sent to the Gulf on active service; 2 were killed in action.

Other European countries do not allow their young people under 18 to go on active service.

Together with other concerned national and international organisations, AT EASE believes it is wrong for juveniles - some as young as 16 - to sign contracts which bind them into adulthood.

If you know any youngsters who are thinking about joining the Army, make sure they know all the facts before signing up.  Don't let them find out the hard way.