Actually now that you mention it, no he didn`t specifify. Why would it go to neutral? :O

And whilen yeah, it may not be a sure thing that they will survive with less than a week of basic training if left alone, its better than just dragging them along as dead weight or leaving them behind, isnt it?

Oh, another question, what kind of equipment would a children believably be able to carry? padded is pretty much a thick jacket, so thats in, leather too I guess. Metal armor doesnt seem like it would be easy to handle by an untrained child, but hide? maybe?