The Ministry of Defence (MoD) says it has had a surge of enquiries from solicitors and barristers about joining the army as legal advisers. Although figures from this year’s annual intake are not yet available, the MoD said the number of applicants was higher than in recent years, possibly because of the economic downturn. About 130 legal advisers serve in the army, starting with the rank of captain. Successful candidates undergo 10 weeks of training, including four weeks at Sandhurst (pictured). After training, recruits experience life in the army in the UK before being deployed in operations abroad, the MoD said.