MANAGEMENT ON THE MOVE
LOCATIONS
16 Jan 08. C-130 Transport Aircraft: Change of Base. The Armed Forces’ Minister confirmed (16 Jan 08) that the (20) C-130K and (24) C-130J are planned
to transfer from RAF Lyneham to RAF Brize Norton during Summer 2011. The RAF is expected to leave Lyneham by the end of 2012.
Comment: The older C-130K aircraft had been expected to remain at Lyneham for the rest of their service. However, the out-of-service date for the aircraft is now 2012 rather than 2010 (in order to accommodate the anticipated late arrival of 25 A400M). The out-of-service date for the C-130J remains 2030. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 0804, 21 Jan 08)
10 Jan 08. NATO: Mine Countermeasures Group 1. A NATO change of command ceremony took place in Zeebrugge (10 Jan 08) when HMS ROEBUCK assumed flagship duties from BNS GODETIA.
Comment: Mine Countermeasures Group 1 is a multi-national force of five survey ships, minehunters and minesweepers. The Group is now: HMS ROEBUCK, HMS HURWORTH, FGS WEILHEIM, HMLMS URK
and LVNS IMANTA. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 0804, 21 Jan 08)
14 Jan 08. Germany: Stationing of Army Units. The Defence Equipment Minister said (14 Jan 08) that there are approximately 20,900 military and 2,200 civilian personnel based in Germany, as part of the British Force. The two principal Army units in Germany are 1 (UK) Armoured Division and the United Kingdom Support Command (Germany). With the approval of the German Government, the MoD plans to continue to station two Armoured Brigades and their supporting units in Germany for the foreseeable future.
Comment: There are plans for about 30% of UK Service personnel based in Germany to be relocated to the UK. 4 Mechanised Brigade is due to move in late 2008. HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps may move in 2009; to be followed by 102 Logistic Brigade and 1 Signal Brigade. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 0804, 21 Jan 08)
17 Jan 08. Paris to House Defense Administration in ‘French Pentagon’. French Defense Minister Hervé Morin has created a small executive committee as part of management reforms and plans to relocate the central administration to a new building at Balard, just inside the edge of Paris, dubbed “the French Pentagon.”
Formed as part of a government efficiency drive, the new committee includes the
Joint Chiefs of Staff, the head of the Délégation Générale pour l’Armement procurement office, Sécretaire Générale pour l’Administration, which handles administrative matters, and Délégué aux Affaires Stratégiques, the think-tank arm. Among other reforms are the creation of a committee to decide on large investments, whether they be in armaments or infrastructure, and a strengthened role for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with enhanced powers in planning, budget and programs. The procedure for the design and launch of arms programs also will be reorganized, with a clarification of responsibilities of the various actors working in integrated teams. The ministry will move to a modern, purpose-built building that will bring the various departments and service chiefs of staffs scattered around Paris under one roof. Savings are expected from the move. Financial details were not available. (Source: Defense News)
JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
16 Jan 08. France’s defence ministry is considering cutting up to 50,000 jobs under a plan to redistribute resources and help the country meet other spending commitments. Three scenarios are being evaluated that would cut 20,000, 30,000 or 50,000 jobs from 426,000 posts, the FT’s French partner paper, Les Echos, has learnt. The forces employ almost 80,000 civilians. The conclusions of a review ordered by Hervé Morin, defence minister, are expected to be announced in March or April. The review is expected to recommend a sweeping overhaul of the organisation of forces, with support services pared and tasks such as payroll and maintenance contracted out. (Source: FT.com)
PERSONNEL
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