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18/07/2011
Army Numbers 'Fall In' As Cut-backs Loom
As part of a major overhaul of the armed forces, up to 19,000 jobs could be up for the chop in a move expected to be confirmed later today by the Government.
It is anticipated that Defence Secretary Liam Fox will inform the House of Commons that thousands more reservists will instead be trained for front-line operations.
The overhaul could see army numbers slashed from 101,000 to 82,000 by 2020.
In a BBC interview the Defence Secretary said: "We want to have a look at the shape of the armed forces from 2020 and beyond."
Dr Fox blamed the lack of investment for the drop in numbers leading to an "imbalance".
Discussing senior officers views of the proposed changes, he added: "They may be saying to themselves, 'This is all very well promising this, but will the investment actually happen, will the reservists get the uplift and training that is promised?' and that is up to us to deliver."
If the changes are approved the Army would be at its smallest size for a century.
(BMcN/BMcC)
It is anticipated that Defence Secretary Liam Fox will inform the House of Commons that thousands more reservists will instead be trained for front-line operations.
The overhaul could see army numbers slashed from 101,000 to 82,000 by 2020.
In a BBC interview the Defence Secretary said: "We want to have a look at the shape of the armed forces from 2020 and beyond."
Dr Fox blamed the lack of investment for the drop in numbers leading to an "imbalance".
Discussing senior officers views of the proposed changes, he added: "They may be saying to themselves, 'This is all very well promising this, but will the investment actually happen, will the reservists get the uplift and training that is promised?' and that is up to us to deliver."
If the changes are approved the Army would be at its smallest size for a century.
(BMcN/BMcC)
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01 September 2011
Armed Forces 'Shrinkage By Stealth' – Labour
Labour has hit out at Thursday's announcement that 17,000 military jobs will go by 2015. The first tranche of job losses will affect 930 RAF and 920 Army personnel, while Gurkhas make up most of those in the army who will be told that they have been selected for compulsory redundancy.
Armed Forces 'Shrinkage By Stealth' – Labour
Labour has hit out at Thursday's announcement that 17,000 military jobs will go by 2015. The first tranche of job losses will affect 930 RAF and 920 Army personnel, while Gurkhas make up most of those in the army who will be told that they have been selected for compulsory redundancy.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
