THE Army has apologised after 38 of its most experienced soldiers received emails telling them that they were being sacked.

Downing Street described the treatment of the men – including a Royal Tank Regiment veteran serving in Afghanistan – as “completely unacceptable” while Defence Secretary Liam Fox demanded to know how it had been allowed to happen.

Dr Fox – who said he was “furious” at the incident – was summoned to the House of Commons to make an emergency statement explaining what had gone wrong.

“This is a completely unacceptable way to treat anyone, not least our Armed Forces,” Dr Fox told MPs.

“The correct procedure was not followed. I regret this and want to reiterate the unreserved apology already made by the Army and on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

“Arrangements have already been put in place to make sure that this does not happen again. The Army are already investigating the particular circumstances.”

A national newspaper disclosed that the men had received the email – headed “Start planning your resettlement” – informing them that they were being made redundant as part of the Government’s defence cuts.

The men, all warrant officers, were on what is known in the Army as a versatile engagement long career (VEngLC) having completed 22 years in the service.