Teenage male British soldiers are 50% more likely to commit suicide than their civilian peers, according to a report by the Defence Analysis Services Agency.

Although the incidence of suicides among those under 20 has dropped by 10% since sweeping reforms were introduced in the wake of the self-inflicted deaths of four trainees at Deepcut Barracks between 1995 and 2002, the risk remains "statistically significant", the report says.

Figures show that 68 recruits and newly qualified soldiers aged 16 to 19 killed themselves between 1984 and 2007, although the overall number of military suicides in higher age groups was "significantly lower" than in the general UK population.

For the 24 years between 1984 and 2007, a total of 712 confirmed suicides occurred among armed forces' personnel across the three services. This included 694 males and 18 females, the vast majority of whom belonged to the army.

The breakdown of victims by service was 421 soldiers, 117 sailors and 156 members of the RAF.

An MoD spokeswoman said: "As in society as a whole, the armed forces will sadly never be able to eradicate suicide.

"Whilst any death is one too many, thankfully suicide is not endemic in the armed forces and there is a definite downward trend in recent years.

"The risks have been significantly reduced by careful management, improved supervision, welfare support, and practical new policies."

Meanwhile, the government is to back a review recommending the introduction of military-style cadet training for state school pupils to improve attitudes towards the armed forces and discipline.

This would involve firearms training for 16-year-olds.