Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that his Department retains the expertise and knowledge of senior former members of the armed services. [144028]

Mr Francois, Minister of State: The expertise and knowledge of former senior officers of the armed forces is highly regarded by the MOD.

The career-long experience of retired senior officers, Rear Admiral, Major General and Air Vice Marshal and higher, is retained via a range of methods, both formal and informal, including dialogue, mentoring and annual briefing days.

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