18 Nov 05. Northrop Grumman Corporation cut the ribbon today on a new 110,000 square-foot facility, located on Highway 370 near Offutt Air Force Base. The new three-story state-of-the art facility, which houses approximately 400 employees, marks the consolidation of Northrop Grumman’s four local sites into one single headquarters.
14 Nov 05. Afghanistan: OP HERRICK. In a Written Statement, the Armed Forces’ Minister confirmed that the Headquarters Group of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) was to lead the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from
May 2006 until February 2007. In addition, there were preliminary plans to establish a British-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in the Province of Helmand, Southern Afghanistan. In order to “prepare the ground” in Helmand, some 250 extra troops are likely to be involved. Units from 16 Air Assault Brigade and the Joint Helicopter Brigade are to start collective training on a contingency basis. A full (Ministerial) statement would be made “as soon as possible”. The Defence Secretary visited (16 Nov 05) EX ARRCADE SPEAR, which is designed to rehearse and improve HQ ARRC’s engagement with the potential challenges facing the ISAF. Comment: The ARRC is commanded by Lieutenant General D J Richards CBE DSO: a copy of the General’s biographical details is available to subscribers on request. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 05/44, 21 Nov 05)
17 Nov 05. RAF: Basing Decisions. The Armed Forces’ Minister announced the results of a year-long RAF basing review. RAF Lossiemouth will be the base for the Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA) as it replaces the Harrier “from around the middle of the next decade”. Should a second JCA base be required, RAF Marham and RAF Cottesmore are the potential candidates. The Nimrod MRA4 is to be based at RAF Kinloss, as the aircraft enters service “towards the end of this decade”.
Comment: As well as the three Stations mentioned, the following were considered as possible JCA bases: Kinloss, Leeming, St Mawgan, Wittering and Yeovilton. Waddington, as well as Kinloss, was considered as a possible Nimrod MRA4 base. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 05/44, 21 Nov 05)
24 Nov 05. The UK Armed Forces are currently at 98.6 percent Full Time Trained
Strength. The Full Time Trained Strength at 1 October 2005 was
185,300 against a target of 187,900.
* Full Time Trained Strength at 1 October 2005 was 98.6 percent
against requirement. This compares to 97.2 percent against the
requirement at 1 October 2004.
* The Full Time Trained requirement has reduced by 3.8% since 1
October 2004 as a result of restructuring announced in July 2004.
* Full Time Trained Strength at 1 October 2005 was 2.4% percent less
than at 1 October 2004.
* Gains to Trained Strength in the year to 30 September 2005 were
17.1% down on the year to 30 September 2004.
* Outflow from the Trained Strength in the year to 30 September 2005
was 12.0% greater than in the year to 30 September 2004.
The Full Time Trained Strength of the UK Armed Forces was 185,300 at
1 October 2005. This figure comprises 180,460 UK Regular Forces,
1,540 Full Time Reserve Service personnel and 3,300 Gurkhas. There
were also 17,180 untrained UK Regulars and 260 untrained Gurkhas.
24 Nov 05. Royal Assent has been given by Her Majesty The Queen for new
regimental titles in the Infantry, UK Defence Secretary, John Reid
announced today. The changes are part of the Future Army Structure (FAS) which is developing a more deployable, agile and flexible Army. This new
structure is now reflected in the titles of the new multi-battalion
regiments. After months of consultation with the regiments, the agreed title
changes evolved from those announced on 16 December 2004 are:
* The King’s Own Royal Border Regiment, The King’s Regiment and The
Queen’s Lancashire Regiment will form a new regiment to be known as
The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (King’s, Lancashire and Border). On
forma