Critics say bullying, racism and sexism could be to blame for the record number of desertions.
Official figures show that last year around one in every 48 soldiers either deserted or went absent without official leave (AWOL), compared with one in 55 four years ago.
The Army says it has taken a robust approach to the issue, with initiatives to combat problems such as initiation rites for junior ranks.
But it seems to be unable to hang on to many of its young soldiers at a time when it is already 7,000 under strength and facing major recruitment problems.
Brigadier Sebastian Roberts, of the Irish Guards said: "Just like absenteeism in any organisation, whether it is the village shop or an enormous multi-national, there is a bit of it around."
Allegations of brutality
There were nearly 2,000 recorded cases of desertion last year, the highest since the end of National Service.
Some cases were spurred on by the pressures of military on family life, others by mistreatment or bullying by army superiors.
The Special Investigation Branch of the military police is currently looking into 30 allegations of brutality, mainly among junior ranks of soldiers, who are the least paid and often the least motivated.
"Over the years there is no question that these are things we have had to deal with," said Brig Roberts.
He said: "We have extremely robust policies which state absolutely openly, for all to see, that respect for others and integrity of the individual are the bywords of service in the Army."
The Ministry of Defence says although 2,000 people going AWOL may appear high, not all were deserters.
Servicemen and women reporting a few hours late after leave are registered as AWOL along with those who have run away with no intention of returning.
The MoD also makes clear the level was not a sharp increase on previous years and that in several years in the early 1990s, there were around 2,500 people going AWOL.
Upheaval
It seems day-to-day British life does little to prepare them for the harsh disciplines and sparse conditions of army life and many leave as soon as they can.
Periods of absence can range from just a few days to years.
Often soldiers go absent because they are denied compassionate leave at times of personal or family crisis.
Shadow defence secretary Iain Duncan Smith dismissed suggestions bullying was the key reason.
He said: "The reality for most soldiers is the increasing level of commitments to places like Kosovo, Iraq, Northern Ireland and others, and the incredibly short time spent with families.
"The cut of £800m and the constant pressure of 3% efficiency savings piled in on the armed forces, that is the real story."