Government have taken a huge gamble

Armed Forces

Following the announcement this week by the Ministry of Defence of more redundancies, Sir Peter Wall, head of the Army has outlined his concerns at the cuts: "The Government have cut the Army without a replacement plan in place. The country will worry about strategic shrinkage by stealth."

"The Government’s defence plans rest on doubling the number of Reserves and yet there is a recruitment crisis and employers have not been properly engaged. Ministers should put as much energy into recruiting Reservists as they do into sacking soldiers.

"This stark warning underlines that the Government have taken a huge gamble. The country will worry that reduced numbers in the absence of reform will limit Britain’s ability to meet our ambitions in the world. Our Services’ morale is continuing to fall.

"There are worrying skills shortages in the Army. Rather than salami slicing, strategic purpose should drive the capabilities."

The cuts which could affect as many as 5,300 troops, will see the British Army eventually reduced to just 82,000 regular troops, plus 30,000 reservists.

Councillor Alan McCarthy said: "As the Rochdale Armed Forces Champion my thoughts are with all those leaving the Army and their families.

"It is significant that so many have chosen to leave in such a tough economic climate. For the 700 plus who have been sacked this is a real kick in the teeth. Each and everyone deserves support to resettle in to civilian life and help finding work.

"Today’s news represents a broken promise and a failing strategy. These redundancies are not a result of military strategy but a stagnant economic plan. The Government talk the rhetoric of reform but the reality is reduced numbers and limited capabilities.
Ministers should listen to senior military figures."