BATTLESPACE BOOK CLUB
14 May 09. Operational Support: National Audit Office (NAO) Report. The NAO published (14 May 09) a Report on Support to High Intensity Operations. The Report is in four parts: Equipment, Logistics, Pre-deployment Training and Support to Personnel. The background to the Report is summarised as: “….the MoD has successfully delivered around 300,000 personnel and 90,000 tonnes of freight to Iraq and Afghanistan over the last two years.”.
Comment: This excellent Report is a mine of interesting information. While there are some criticisms of the logistical chain, the Report records that “personnel have widespread confidence in the medical system”. The Report is available, as HC 508, for £14:35. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 10/20, 01 June 09)
18 May 09. National Security: Defence Committee Report. The Defence Committee published (18 May 09) a Report on The Defence Contribution to UK National Security and Resilience. The Committee concludes that “guidance for Government Departments in need of assistance from the Armed Forces in a national emergency needs improving”. The Commander-in-Chief, HQ Land Forces told the Committee that the current framework for providing military aid to the civil power could be improved.
Comment: Of the Report’s 12 Conclusions and Recommendations, possibly the most chilling draws attention to ‘London 2012’, with the security of the Olympic and Paralympic Games described as “an immense challenge”. The Report is published as HC 121, for £15:50. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 10/20, 01 June 09)