It is the job of the recruiting folks to get numbers.
But they can still be held accountable for any consequences caused by an individual inducted by them, so they are definately open to persuasion - if only to cover their own asses should the sh*t fall on their dept.
Write.
Get the lads doctor to write.
Involve local politicians etc.
The more the better.
Its not just this lads safety that is at stake (which is understandably your main concern) but he would also be risking his comrades and ultimately, his country, in the eyes of the world.