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I'd like to know more about those signing up as 16 year olds. I bet they are predominantly from disadvantaged backgrounds which makes the army one of few options. If they join as an apprentice at 16 they should not be committed to serve until they are 22. Under the current system once they have served for 6 months they can't voluntarily leave earlier, even if they are still a minor.
I'm sure there are lots of 16 year olds for which joining the army was the best thing they ever did but there are others who change their mind, are still a minor and are stuck.
jellybaby
@Dibble
My Grandfather joined the RAF as a 14 year old apprentice but that was in 1922.
If you are 16 just done your GCSEs and are convinced you want to join the army what should you do, something completely unrelated at college for 2 years or join the army as an apprentice.