Originally Posted by
ORAC
Size of RN/RM in 1991 pre-GW: 62, 000.
Size of RN/RM in 2023, 33,300*
(* DCA Command Paper target for 2021 was 30,450 full time and 3,100 reserves)
Indeed. However the same could be said of every single branch of HMAF.
What those stats don't show is that the problem is recruitment and retention in a very tight jobs market, exacerbated by below inflation pay settlements and pinch point harmony issues. They also don't show a rebalance of almost 1000 posts from the RM to RN to cover off things like manning the carriers, such that although the overall headcount remains at 30450, there are 1000 more matelots and 1000 less Royal in that total.
The issue is the fall in trained strength - 1100 or so as shown in link below. Apparently the RAF have more than double that shortfall, which I'm sure our frigate enthusiast friend will be along shortly to confirm that it's all down to "the carriers".
https://researchbriefings.files.parl...0/CBP-7930.pdf