Video: Government confirms thousands of Army jobs are to go Up to 5,300 people will leave the Army under plans first announced in October 2010. The goal is to reduce the Army to 82,000 personnel while reinforcing the reserves. Mr Francois defended the plans, insisting they were necessary to meet a defence spending deficit. He pledged the Ministry of Defence would seek volunteers where possible and give support to those leaving the forces. Shadow defence secretary Jim Murphy said the cuts made no sense in face of emerging Africa threat.