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18/07/2011
Army Numbers 'Fall In' As Cut-backs Loom
As part of a major overhaul of the armed forces, up to 19,000 jobs could be up for the chop in a move expected to be confirmed later today by the Government.
It is anticipated that Defence Secretary Liam Fox will inform the House of Commons that thousands more reservists will instead be trained for front-line operations.
The overhaul could see army numbers slashed from 101,000 to 82,000 by 2020.
In a BBC interview the Defence Secretary said: "We want to have a look at the shape of the armed forces from 2020 and beyond."
Dr Fox blamed the lack of investment for the drop in numbers leading to an "imbalance".
Discussing senior officers views of the proposed changes, he added: "They may be saying to themselves, 'This is all very well promising this, but will the investment actually happen, will the reservists get the uplift and training that is promised?' and that is up to us to deliver."
If the changes are approved the Army would be at its smallest size for a century.
(BMcN/BMcC)
It is anticipated that Defence Secretary Liam Fox will inform the House of Commons that thousands more reservists will instead be trained for front-line operations.
The overhaul could see army numbers slashed from 101,000 to 82,000 by 2020.
In a BBC interview the Defence Secretary said: "We want to have a look at the shape of the armed forces from 2020 and beyond."
Dr Fox blamed the lack of investment for the drop in numbers leading to an "imbalance".
Discussing senior officers views of the proposed changes, he added: "They may be saying to themselves, 'This is all very well promising this, but will the investment actually happen, will the reservists get the uplift and training that is promised?' and that is up to us to deliver."
If the changes are approved the Army would be at its smallest size for a century.
(BMcN/BMcC)
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As the Army is set to lose a fifth of its personnel over the next few year, the defence secretary is to announce details of how the Army will be restructured. Philip Hammond will reveal the units to be scrapped or merged as the number of soldiers is cut from 102,000 to 82,000.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
