I think perhaps this is being misinterpeted.
I didn't read it as they're looking to recruit airsofters at all.
What I took from it is that the MOD are looking to procure RIFs for use at recruiting events. I'm sure we've all seen the recruiting tables where real weapons are chained to the table and you're allowed to pick them up and handle them.
I imagine the RIFs are for a similar purpose, and can also perhaps be used for small shooting ranges alongside the stalls, as well as allowing more stalls to be set up, without having to tie up real weapons. There comes your engagement part - young guys with an interest in firearms, probably not even knowing what airsoft is, walk past the stall and get invited to come and try shooting one for free. Wow- this is fun - how'd you like to get paid to shoot real ones?