Defence Cuts..I mean re-organization!
From the MoD website today..just a snippet from Hoon's statement to the house...
"Mr Speaker, critical to our prosecution of the war against terror are our Special Forces. We were able to announce some improvements to our Special Forces in July. We are also looking at the broader arrangements through which the Armed Forces provide support to special forces operations. One option that has emerged in this continuing work is the creation of a tri-Service “Ranger” unit, which would be dedicated to special forces support. I have decided that it would be appropriate to develop such a unit over the next few years, which would take its place alongside the other enhancements to specialist support elements of the Army.
The fourth infantry battalion reduction will therefore be found by removing the 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment from the infantry structure, and using its highly trained manpower as the core of a new, tri-service ranger unit."
So only two Para Btns now in 16AA Bde! This could have far reaching consequences for the TAC AT world. Less ABEX's and MSP's. TRI SERVICE too. Imagine the scene in the local H bar when you have PARA REGT and 2 SQN RAF side by side in the same unit?
Could mean MORE AT work if this 'Ranger' Btn retains its PARA capability?
Interesting times what?