Menu
11/06/2014
National Audit Office: 'Army Cut Plans Brings Risks'
The National Audit Office (NAO) has warned of "significant risks" posed by government plans to scale back the UK's regular Army and increase reservists, saying the decision was taken without "appropriate testing of feasibility".
The restructuring programme, which is known as Army 2020, was set out in the coalition's 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review.
Regular forces will be reduced from 102,000 in 2010 to 82,000 in 2018, while the reservist force must grow from 19,000 to 30,000 by 2018 to replace them.
However in the year to April, just 170 more reservists had been recruited, short of the government's required 2,750-a-year target.
The NAO report said the program of cutting regular forces and replacing them with reservists had been authorised without any feasibility tests being carried out and the recruitment process had been plagued by IT problems.
The chief of the National Audit Office Amyas Morse said said military judgement played an important role in the overall strategic plan, but added the MoD and Army "must get a better understanding of significant risks to Army 2020.
"Notably, the extent to which it is dependent on other major programmes and the risk that the shortfall in recruitment of new reserves will up the pressure on regular units," he said.
Margaret Hodge, chairwoman of the Commons public accounts committee, said the £1m a month being spent to cover "incompetence" in the reservist recruitment process was "scandalous".
(CVS/IT)
The restructuring programme, which is known as Army 2020, was set out in the coalition's 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review.
Regular forces will be reduced from 102,000 in 2010 to 82,000 in 2018, while the reservist force must grow from 19,000 to 30,000 by 2018 to replace them.
However in the year to April, just 170 more reservists had been recruited, short of the government's required 2,750-a-year target.
The NAO report said the program of cutting regular forces and replacing them with reservists had been authorised without any feasibility tests being carried out and the recruitment process had been plagued by IT problems.
The chief of the National Audit Office Amyas Morse said said military judgement played an important role in the overall strategic plan, but added the MoD and Army "must get a better understanding of significant risks to Army 2020.
"Notably, the extent to which it is dependent on other major programmes and the risk that the shortfall in recruitment of new reserves will up the pressure on regular units," he said.
Margaret Hodge, chairwoman of the Commons public accounts committee, said the £1m a month being spent to cover "incompetence" in the reservist recruitment process was "scandalous".
(CVS/IT)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 July 2013
New Kit And Training Grounds For Army Reservists
Some £40m in new kit will be supplied to 68 army reservist units alongside more overseas training, the Defence Secretary is due to announce. The reserve units will be paired with regular Army units. It is part of long-term plans to cut the size of the Army to 82,000, down from 102,000, while increasing reservists numbers to 30,000.
New Kit And Training Grounds For Army Reservists
Some £40m in new kit will be supplied to 68 army reservist units alongside more overseas training, the Defence Secretary is due to announce. The reserve units will be paired with regular Army units. It is part of long-term plans to cut the size of the Army to 82,000, down from 102,000, while increasing reservists numbers to 30,000.
22 July 2003
Nurses recruited overseas face 'exploitation'
Nurses recruited from overseas are facing racism and exploitation whilst working in the UK, according to a new report from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). The RCN found that many nurses are "charged extortionate and illegal fees" to come and work in the UK with some describing their employment as "slavery".
Nurses recruited overseas face 'exploitation'
Nurses recruited from overseas are facing racism and exploitation whilst working in the UK, according to a new report from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). The RCN found that many nurses are "charged extortionate and illegal fees" to come and work in the UK with some describing their employment as "slavery".
23 March 2006
Ingram announces TA changes
The government has announced a number of changes to the make-up of the Territorial Army. The changes will include the introduction of over 1,600 more engineers, 400 more Royal Armoured Corps and 400 more Army Air Corps and more Intelligence Corps.
Ingram announces TA changes
The government has announced a number of changes to the make-up of the Territorial Army. The changes will include the introduction of over 1,600 more engineers, 400 more Royal Armoured Corps and 400 more Army Air Corps and more Intelligence Corps.
12 June 2014
Over One Thousand More Jobs To Be Cut In UK Armed Forces
The Ministry of Defence Philip Hammond is to announce 1,060 armed forces cuts in its final round of reductions as part of the government's Strategic Defence and Security Review, known as Army 2020. As result of the cuts 995 service personnel will leave the Army, 10 will go from the Royal Navy and 55 from the RAF.
Over One Thousand More Jobs To Be Cut In UK Armed Forces
The Ministry of Defence Philip Hammond is to announce 1,060 armed forces cuts in its final round of reductions as part of the government's Strategic Defence and Security Review, known as Army 2020. As result of the cuts 995 service personnel will leave the Army, 10 will go from the Royal Navy and 55 from the RAF.
31 July 2013
MoD Confirms Death Of Third Army Reservist
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that a third Army reservist has died after taking part in a 40-mile training hike in the Brecon Beacons on July 13. The three reservists were taking part in SAS selection training exercises on July 13 when temperatures peaked at 29.5C.
MoD Confirms Death Of Third Army Reservist
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that a third Army reservist has died after taking part in a 40-mile training hike in the Brecon Beacons on July 13. The three reservists were taking part in SAS selection training exercises on July 13 when temperatures peaked at 29.5C.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
