MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Drastic cut in UK Armed forces manpower preparing for “the Army of the future”
UK’s Defence Secretary Philip Hammond announced that 17 units are to be axed from the British army as part of sweeping reforms that will reduce its overall strength by 20.000 posts. Read full article
Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesGreat move, lets work things out together, not against eachother...
Jul 05th, 2012 - 06:23 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Disband them all!! Make kettles and shovels of the firearms, lots of work to be done...
Feck of guzz you trolling sad feckwit...
Jul 05th, 2012 - 07:40 pm - Link - Report abuse 0This is the final acknowledgement that the Cold War is over. Twenty thousand British troops have been based in camps on the North German Plain ( down from 60,000 plus at the height of the Cold War) since the Berlin Wall came down.They cost the UK while contributing financially to various German states and cities. It is time to bring them home and reorganise the Army/Armed Forces for the modern world with a greater reserve component as do the Americans,Canadians and Australians to name a few allied nations.
Jul 05th, 2012 - 07:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The British Army will still be able to field 120,000 troops with the reduction in the Regular component being replaced by an increase in a more active reserve element.If done correctly it should be 'more bang for the buck' at the end of the day.
A much smaller British 'tripwire force' will be routinely rotated to Polish bases as the Americans are doing. This should reassure the East Europeans with their powerful and still volatile Russian neighbours.
Britain does not need any army to defend own Britannia island ,a domestic gendarme will be enough.!
Jul 05th, 2012 - 07:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 03. Don't forget 3 Commando Brigade :)
Jul 05th, 2012 - 07:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Agreed Strategicus....much as though it is indeed painful to see historic regiments consigned to history, we live in a far more different age of warfare...the experiences of Iraq and Afghanistan have shown us that a force doctrine designed to counter large soviet armed armoured formations on the plains of Germany is somewhat yesterdays thinking, the need for today is more mobility and intelligence lead operations...doing what we did in Oman....highly experienced personnel training and supporting local armed forces...preventing the need for large scale occupations....Also many reservists offer wholly unique skills at half the cost than many in the regulars.....Although I would have liked to have seen the regulars and reservists increased to 150,000...these reforms are long overdue.
Jul 05th, 2012 - 07:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The only conventional threat that really faces us is Argentina, but their armed forces are in such a state they couldn't even carry out an amphibious and airborne invasion of an island at the local boating pond, let alone 12,000km2 of island 400 km across the sea :)
let get some facts here,
Jul 05th, 2012 - 08:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0the british army can shrink,
and it can grow just as quick,
just in case anyone thinks differently.
some say, its a strong hint to CFK , but will she take the hint, or just talk.
just a thought .
I understand drastic cuts in such areas are up for discussions. I mean, what to do with all these men that only comprehends the verbs eat, shit, sleep and kill...
Jul 05th, 2012 - 08:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0But hey, it's a problem solved with time, training and shrinks can do the job, but as with poverty, a whole generation might be lost...
@8
Jul 05th, 2012 - 08:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Or maybe none of the above ,like the great demob of 1945 five million service-men and -women in the British armed forces
Less men and more technological weaponry is the trend in the future. There are less areas of conflict in the world today as democracy spreads and trade blocs are formed across continents.
Jul 05th, 2012 - 08:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0There are no threats to the UK in the world today other than Russia and China, because nobody else in their right mind will ever dare attack a country with an army and a military tradition like England´s, also a senior member of the NATO alliance.
But even Russia and China depend on trade with the west and the rest of the world more than ever, Russia has to sells its oil and gas to Europe, China its electronic stuff to Europe and the US.
Experience not handed on to recruits, and a bulk of part-time soldiers who will have to get permission from the employers to take part. Thos e of us who serve or have served for prolonged combat periods know the valie of being trained by people who've 'been there'. Rhetoric and sentiment are fine for converstations, but not for the real world.
Jul 05th, 2012 - 08:53 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Defence Secretary Philip Hammond
Jul 05th, 2012 - 09:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Admitted on TV today, that it was a risk,
Relying on 50,000 reserves, that will serve a six month stint every 5 years,
Others do it as by and by, it may not work for us, he was reminded that in fact, it would in fact take months to get them ready and fully equipped and armed and fully trained,
We may not have 7 months to wait,
It’s a risk that the government and the penny pinchers are willing to take, the top brass just seem to tag along ,
But the main truth is this,
We may not have enemies today, but we don’t know what will happen tomorrow,
And it’s not the politicians or the money pinchers that will be sent to fight.
Our government promises the world, but gives actually very little,
We have lots of powerful equipment coming on line in the years to come,
But it wont put boots on the ground.
Just a worried thought .
.
@11 I do wonder about this concept about reducing the army by five battalions. Surely there are parts of the army that could be “reduced” without reducing the combat personnel? I live close to a garrison town. The army seems to be like a little world of its own, divorced from civilian society. I can understand why a tank regiment would need its own mechanics. The garage down the road is unlikely to understand the complexities of a Challenger 2 main battle tank. But dentists?
Jul 05th, 2012 - 09:58 pm - Link - Report abuse 0@guzz “all these men that only comprehends the verbs eat, shit, sleep and kill...”
Jul 06th, 2012 - 01:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0Only verbs the argies knoew is shit... Post office!!!
The Prophecy of the Fox
Jul 06th, 2012 - 02:41 am - Link - Report abuse 0”Her army and her navy
England shall cast aside;
Soldiers and ships are costly things,
Defence an empty pride ...
GUzz etc- the reductions are over 5-8 years so will actually be very few job losses - just less rplacong of folks who leave and move on in rality - reserves - they are somewhat different from Arg reservists - they do spend quite a lot of time - and will do so more in future - on the front line regularily!
Jul 06th, 2012 - 10:33 am - Link - Report abuse 0Marcos - push comes to shove UK can at anytime now or in 2020 put 5000-10,000 fighting troops into the Falklands in a matter of a few weeks and the first 2000 or so in a few days.
Not the first time UK has cut military numbers - this was first announced a year or two ago - just not the detail until now! UK did it after WW2- after withdrawl of Pacific bases in 1968- after end of Soviet era etc.
It es called moving with technology and times - something we realise Argentina is incapable of.
16
Jul 06th, 2012 - 11:04 am - Link - Report abuse 0Argentina doesn't need to, their army consists of 15 morons that didn't pass the school exams. In that sense, Argentina is light years ahead of you folks :)
15 Marcos Alejandro (#)
Jul 06th, 2012 - 11:40 am - Link - Report abuse 0The Prophecy of the Fox
”Her army and her navy
Argentina shall cast aside;
Soldiers and ships are costly things,
Defence an empty pride ...
1982, correct .
.
The TA are not going to cut the mustard, its stupid and not possible to think reserve forces can be as good as the regulars. Like saying to semi-pro football teams to take on the world cup final from a standing start...just won't happen.
Jul 06th, 2012 - 01:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I think it was Stalin who once said “You may not need the soldier for a hundred years, but you cannot afford to be without him for one day.”
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2169462/Fight-war-Soon-tiny-army-barely-Trooping-Colour.html#ixzz1zq7ac4MN
Sure sounds like Stalin... Word of advice though, beware of following his example...
Jul 06th, 2012 - 01:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 016 Islander1 “Marcos - push comes to shove UK can at anytime now or in 2020 put 5000-10,000 fighting troops into the Falklands in a matter of a few weeks”
Jul 06th, 2012 - 07:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0That's it?
Pakistan can put a million of their citizens in England in matter of hours.
we very much doubt it,,
Jul 06th, 2012 - 08:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0but that has nothing to do with the british .
Marcos,
Jul 06th, 2012 - 08:55 pm - Link - Report abuse 0And your point is please? Do try and keep to the subject matter!
Marcos has no point, fantasy is his preferable choice.
Jul 07th, 2012 - 09:08 am - Link - Report abuse 0“Pakistan can put a million of their citizens in England in matter of hours.”
LOLLLOLLLOLOLLOL
@21 “Pakistan can put a million of their citizens in England in matter of hours.”
Jul 07th, 2012 - 03:11 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Really, so if pakistan can transport 1 million ot it's citizens covertly through British border patrol in just a few hours, despite not having the planes, the ships or the star trek transport technology - Then how come they can not even control the northwestern parts of their country that are currently under the control of the taliban?
Its like saying argentina can take the falklands even though they do not have the military means to do so. God - marcos you are so mentally incapable of making any logical comments or arguments!
Look around yourselves, I don't know how they do it but I see Pakistani everywhere in England.
Jul 07th, 2012 - 04:26 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Welcome to Ukistan.
26 Marcos
Jul 07th, 2012 - 09:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Pakistani everywhere in England.
,,,,,,,,,,
Boy we must therefore congratulate you on that award winning remark,
Interesting Great Britain [England] over run with foreigners,
And yet, mysteriously the mysteries and secluded Argentineans, from this elusive country, are all purebreds,
No aliens, no foreigners , and no brits,
Wow what a perfect country you have,
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
p/s
If eye was you Marcos, I would keep very very quiet, abt this exposure,
For if all these foreigners and other riff raffs from planet earth, ever find out that argentina is as pure as snow, and full of virgins, you may well get bombarded and smothered with billions of immigrants,
So best be quiet [eh]
mmmmmmmmmmmmmm
.
@Marcus #26 “Look around yourselves, I don't know how they do it but I see Pakistani everywhere in England.”
Jul 07th, 2012 - 09:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0I think you must be colour blind, as their is by far a majority of White people in the UK Population, the next biggest is black african population, followed by the minority indian, pakistan and asian. Just because those from pakistan mainly live in Bradford, it doesn't mean they are overrunning the country. Hell, where i live see hardly anyone other than White coloured people.
Oh but them Marcos has never set foot in britian and is basing his knowledge on BNP propaganda only, such as racially motivated videos on your tube, that are recording in areas where pakistanis live. Yet on oxford street the majority are white british people.
Not only that marcus, what is so wrong with pakistanis, they work hard, those that come here respect british culture and values whilst also respecting their own, its called multiculturism. Oh but then considering you like to remove people from their homes and claim their lands, you probably have no idea what multiculurism is, hell you don't even have any respect for the naitives who you slaugthered by the millions and now leave to starve and fend for themselves.
we would rather pakistani, in britain,
Jul 07th, 2012 - 09:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0that suzzyusa that you have, proud are you .
19 British Lion...I take offense to your lack of faith in the TA, they are and always have been a heavily under utilized resource, just look at ww1 and ww2 the majority of the army back then were territorials and despite having less training they went on to thrash the finest army on the continent.
Jul 07th, 2012 - 11:08 pm - Link - Report abuse 0The majority of the US combat force in Iraq and Afghan were and are National guard...their version of our territorials and they have performed exemplary....10% of our forces in Afghan are territorials and I certainly wouldn't say that 10% of our afghan force aren't up to the Mustard quite the opposite, they are as professional as our regular counter parts....as for a max hastings....very good historian, but a couple of months in 4 para doesn't make you an expert I wouldn't read to much into his sanctimonious “we need a large army in case the soviets invade” mentality.....
The strategic thinking now and should be is prevention of war so we don't get caught up in extended decade long fuck ups like Afghan and Iraq....
More crap....I am amazed you're still alive.
Shhhhhh Adam, don't tell anybody.
Jul 08th, 2012 - 12:50 am - Link - Report abuse 0@20 Guzz You're nothing but a troll now, as you know nothing about the subject you are speaking of. We may cut our soldiers by 20,000 but we will have enough money to increase the reserve force, and upgrade all of our equipment. So our fighter jets will be like alien spaceships to you guys. Shame you will never be able to live like the rest of us. And for the record, try have some class like the majority of the world, and not roll in your own shit every day.
Jul 08th, 2012 - 02:47 am - Link - Report abuse 0Theman
Jul 08th, 2012 - 10:01 am - Link - Report abuse 09 times out of 10 you guys comment on any SA matter, you proove your ignorance as to what is going on there.
With your arguments, you guys here would be a community raising a monument of the troll God...
30 Rhaurie-Craughwell
Jul 08th, 2012 - 10:35 am - Link - Report abuse 0Sorry you took offence to my comments. I did not want to offend anyone. My point was to criticise the Governments defence stratergy by cutting vital regular units that are already over worked and increasing the TA reservists. Its an army on the cheap, the TA soldiers are keen and able, but, not as well trained as their regular brothers in arms. You can't get as good a result from a soldier that spends most of his time working as a civilian then following some weekend training sessions put them in frontline duty compared with the regular who is training all the time. I take my hat off to the brave TA for what they have done in the past and the present, for without them we would be screwed, the simple truth is this Government have got it so wrong and the soldiers will suffer, not them as per usual.
To sum up not brilliant but luckily the rgs friends the marines, paras, the guards and not forgetting the Gurkhas can still pop down south if needs be. Shame for the over stretched chaps in afghan as the have to do loads of tours, not good for families. But upside they will be battle ready and proven if something does kick off.
Jul 08th, 2012 - 11:42 am - Link - Report abuse 0@33 Guzz no you guys are the ignorant people coming up with random posts and always speak about issues like the Falklands when the article isn't even about it, an example being this one. Once we see these random, pointless and downright stupid posts, we therefore reply rightfully and have to repeatedly put you guys in your places. You guys keep on trolling, saying that the Falklands are yours, when in fact history agrees with us, the majority of the world disagrees with your claims, but you guys love to keep on trolling, and trying to insult us just because your leaders make you look stupid. Just remember, you stop your crap, then we stop. That's how it works.
Jul 08th, 2012 - 03:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Theman
Jul 08th, 2012 - 09:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0That's all happening in your head.
You talk about random comments and hurry on to talk about the Falklands, stating we don't stick to the subject.
I recommend you to read this thread again. I've been talking about cuts in UK forces and answered to other comments.
All of the sudden you come up with the Falklands [not randomly, of course].
Furthermore you lie about the world backing the opposing nations, thy I can easily come up with more nations backing Argentina (CELAC) than you could ever do with the UK. Not that it matters, but the definition of a troll is someone who speaks crap in order to create a discussion, just so you know.
And that, my friend, is how it works.
@37 Again I will say that I was talking about you guys, the Argie trolls AS A WHOLE (not including you this time, for once), love to come on here to spout out random rubbish about how bad the UK is, how the islands are not ours, and all of the usual rubbish which you know of.You should take your own advice and re-read the comments. If you look further up, you will see where I have proven my point. Mr Alejandro started crap on the Falklands and the army.
Jul 08th, 2012 - 11:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Also, please give me a list of all the countries that have a great influence in the world and support Argentina's claims to the FALKLANDS, in your next comment. Then I will take my time to scrutinize these countries, look up their views on this in the reliable internet sources I have, then come back to you with my results.
@37 Guzz - sorry Guzz but THEman is right. In nearly all articles to do with the UK or falklands where said article is nothing to do with the subject of sovereignty, it is always the case that an argentine troll like marcus and co will come along and start speaking crap about “the UK is finnish” or the “falklands are ours, pirates go home” etc etc.
Jul 09th, 2012 - 05:09 am - Link - Report abuse 0So yes it is the likes or Marcos and co that are ignorant, your posts here are also ignorant. Not only that your first post could easily be deemed a reference to the falklands sovereignty dispute “Great move, lets work things out together, not against eachother” - Now what is their to work out Guzz? As for us there is nothing that needs to be worked out, it is purely just an argentine government fantasy issue created to deflect the argentina populations attention from the problems developing in your own country, the only reason the argentine government refuse to take it to ICJ is because they know they would lose and they can not afford to lose, as that would mean they would no longer be able to use the falklands sovereignty issue to deflect attention from the real internal problems in argentina.
38
Jul 09th, 2012 - 09:20 am - Link - Report abuse 0I already did. CELAC, ECLAC in english.
39
I'm sorry Sir, but a comment does not become ignorant just because you fail to comprehend its message...
I agree with you the Falklands issue is (and has been historically) a mean to deflect attention.
What I'm saying is that, no matter our differences, we should solve them at a table and not with firearms...
@40 Ok you've gave me about 20 or just a little more countries that support Argentina. I would like to point out that most of these countries only support them probably because of economic reasons, and not because they believe them. That's my opinion. Also, that commission includes Carribean countries, many of which are Commonwealth members, and support the UK's stance. The EU also supports us, Canada supports us, Australia and NZ generally supports us too. So we pretty much have more support than Argentina does, and they will never get the backing they need since these countries are the economic powerhouses of the world and have the greatest influence on other countries. Again my opinion.
Jul 09th, 2012 - 04:56 pm - Link - Report abuse 0Commenting for this story is now closed.
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