25 July 2006

Plans to reduce UK troops in Germany

The government has announced plans to reduce the number of British troops in Germany.

Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram announced that a full review would begin to establish whether it was possible to move Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC), 1 Signal Brigade and 102 Logistics Brigade from their bases in Germany to the UK.

In January, it was announced that 4 Armoured Brigade would convert to the mechanised role and move to the UK.

The decision will mean that around 2,450 soldiers will leave the barracks in Osnabruck with their wives and children, as well as around 200 British civilian support staff and their families. The barracks will be returned to the German authorities in early 2009.

The British Army will also be rationing its use of the remaining barracks in Stadt Munster.

12th Regiment Royal Artillery will also move from Paderborn to Thorney Island in the UK, as early as mid 2007 as part of a reorganisation of the UK's air defence units.

The long-term objective is to concentrate the presence of UK forces in Germany to bases in Bergen-Hohne and Paderborn, where 7 and 20 Armoured Brigades will continue to be based as part of 1st (UK) Armoured Division.

Some units, which support the two armoured brigades, will continue to be based in Gutersloh Garrison.

The withdrawal will mean the loss of around 530 local jobs with the British Forces in Osnabruck, but British military authorities said that they would work closely with local labour and other agencies throughout the period of the departure in order to provide appropriate advice and guidance to the individuals affected.

Commenting on the review, Mr Ingram said: "This study will ensure that the UK will have the right number of people available in the right place at the right time and equipped with the right skills to meet 21st century challenges.

"The moves of UK Forces and the study on the Future Basing of British Forces in Germany do not signal a change in either our commitment to the NATO Alliance or in our overall defence policy.

"With the continued support of the German government, the UK intends to continue the long-term basing of the UK's heavy armoured capability in Germany, However, as opportunities arise, the UK will look to rationalise the balance of its estate there."

(KMcA/SP)