————————————————————————
Web page sponsored by General Dynamics Land Systems Force Protection Europe (GDLS FPE)
http://www.gdls.com
——————————————————————-
11 Feb 15. Sierra Leone: OP GRITROCK. The Department for International Development (DfID) spent the following amounts on bi-lateral health projects in Sierra Leone: 2005/06 to 2009/10 – £22.9m and 2010/11 to 2013/14 – £63.8m. The UK has also pledged £1,000m in 2014-16 and £1,000m in 2016-20 for health support via multilateral bodies. (Written
Answers (WA), 11 Feb 15.)
Public Health England (PHE) confirmed that the two military healthcare workers, admitted to the Royal Free Hospital on 31 Jan and 2 Feb 15, have been discharged from hospital. The individuals are to “receive ongoing monitoring and support while residing in appropriate private accommodation close to the Royal Free.”
(PHE, 12 Feb 15.)
Comment: The Committee of Public Accounts published a report on ‘The UK’s Response to the Outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa’ as HC 868 for £6.50. The report concludes that DfID “failed to respond with sufficient urgency to an emerging crisis which could have been contained had action been taken sooner”. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/08, 16 Feb 15)
09 Feb 15. Iraq: OP SHADER. Air activity, involving Tornado GR4 or Reaper, was reported for 6, 7 & 9 Feb 15. (MoD, 9 Feb 15.)
The UK has deployed two types of armed aircraft in the Operation against ISIL: the Tornado GR4 and Reaper remotely piloted air system. As at 31 Jan 15, these aircraft have flown 392 missions and released 206 weapons against ISIL targets. The UK has also provided other aircraft to perform surveillance, air refuelling and air transport roles. (WA, 9 Feb 15.)
1,000 surplus Vallon counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) metal detectors are intended as a gift from the UK to Iraq. The C-IED training team will add to the 560 UK military personnel in the region. (Written
Statement, 10 Feb 15.)
Comment: There are some 60 nations said to be involved in the coalition against ISIL and “over a dozen” in current air activity over Iraq and Syria. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/08, 16 Feb 15)
11 Feb 15. Afghanistan: OP TORAL. The Armed Forces’ Minister said that the UN now has around 470 troops contributing to the NATO “train, advise and assist” mission. The UK is leading international support to the Afghan National Army Officer Academy, to help develop the next generation of Afghan military leaders. The UK has also committed £70m a year to help sustain Afghan security forces as well as £178m a year in development aid.
Comment: The House of Commons debated ‘Afghanistan’ on 11 Feb 15. The debate is recorded in Hansard, starting in Column 272 WH and with the Ministerial summing-up starting in Column 290 WH. (It is suggested that the busy reader turns straight to the Ministerial Statement in Column 272 WH.) (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 15/08, 16 Feb 15)
16 Feb 15. UK Armed Forces: Trained Requirements and Strengths. As at 1 Jan 15 the trained (Regular) Armed Forces were under strength by 6,140 (4.0%) against a reduced requirement of 151,820 all ranks.
TRAINED ARMED FORCES
FULL TIME REQUIREMENTS AND STRENGTHS AS AT 1 JAN 15
Requirement(1) Strength(1) Deficit/Surplus
RN/RM Officers 5,950 6,030 +80
RN/RM Other Ranks 24,370 24,160 – 210
Army Officers 12,450 12,300(2) -150
Army Other Ranks 74,840 71,040(2) -3,800
RAF Officers 7,580 6,950 -630
RAF Other Ranks 26,630 25,200 -1,430
Total Trained 151,820 145,680(3) -6,140
Notes
1. Includes trained UK Regulars, trained Gurkhas and Full Time Reserve Service personnel liable for overseas deployment.
2. Including Gurkhas: 110 Offi