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04/02/2008
‘Sickies’ Affecting Army Operations
Thousands of soldiers who are off sick could be affecting Army operations, official figures suggest.
Former infantry commander Tory MP Patrick Mercer, who obtained the figures, said if this under-manning were typical, it would be “absolutely debilitating” particularly for artillery and infantry units.
According to the Ministry of Defence, 10 battalions recently sent to Iraq and Afghanistan left 400 sick behind which could mean 7,000 were unfit for active service.
The figures come a week after the defence select committee said it was deeply concerned that the armed forces had been operating above their nominal manning level for seven of the past eight years.
Mr Mercer told the BBC: "This is an albatross that hangs over commanding officers' heads.
"In times of peace it is fine, but in war it is a complete and utter liability."
It has been claimed that troop shortages are so acute that elements from at least six battalions will be needed to do the job of four battalions when the next brigade deploys to Afghanistan this spring.
To bring the four infantry battalions in 16 Air Assault Brigade up to full strength, elements of at least three extra units - 1 Rifles, the Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Scots and The Highlanders 4th Scots - will also be deployed.
(GC)
Former infantry commander Tory MP Patrick Mercer, who obtained the figures, said if this under-manning were typical, it would be “absolutely debilitating” particularly for artillery and infantry units.
According to the Ministry of Defence, 10 battalions recently sent to Iraq and Afghanistan left 400 sick behind which could mean 7,000 were unfit for active service.
The figures come a week after the defence select committee said it was deeply concerned that the armed forces had been operating above their nominal manning level for seven of the past eight years.
Mr Mercer told the BBC: "This is an albatross that hangs over commanding officers' heads.
"In times of peace it is fine, but in war it is a complete and utter liability."
It has been claimed that troop shortages are so acute that elements from at least six battalions will be needed to do the job of four battalions when the next brigade deploys to Afghanistan this spring.
To bring the four infantry battalions in 16 Air Assault Brigade up to full strength, elements of at least three extra units - 1 Rifles, the Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Scots and The Highlanders 4th Scots - will also be deployed.
(GC)
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