British Military Current Events

[Colin Parkinson]

Cool they can call them Commandos or Royal Marines and maybe even the Parachute Regiment?

 

[OldSolduer]

Don't forget "The Claw" in the JR's Mess in Shilo.

Bridget the Midget in Wainwright

 

[blacktriangle]

I think you will see "conventional" combat arms types increasingly replaced by unmanned systems. I expect that in the not so distant future, the human component of ground forces will more closely resemble highly trained Light Infantry/Commandos/SOF. They will be given objectives of strategic value, and spend only enough time on target to accomplish the desired effect. They will not hold ground - because that will be less relevant, IMO. Highly trained, highly mobile, and with access to enablers across the various domains to support them.

I still see a need for personnel in roles that require a "human touch" - medical, maintainers, source handlers etc. As well as those engaged in military assistance/security force assistance to allies and developing nations.

So with that said, I'm not shocked to see a UK Ranger Regiment being formed. Good on them. I wonder what the age cut-off is.

 

[Colin Parkinson]

The majority of conflicts around the globe are all about holding ground or grabbing it and keeping it. It's only Western militaries that are not interested in long term clear and hold ops, well we are interested in holding ground in a political sense, as we want the locals to set up a system similar to ours and robust enough to survive so we can leave.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Looks like there's a Ranger Regiment in the Brit Army's future:


Army to form new 1,000-strong elite unit that will support the SAS

Because nothing says 'we mean business' like spawning more spay-shul units, right?

The problem is that failure rates for selection for these units are in the range of 70%. The Parachute Regiment and Royal Marines are continually challenged by having to find enough people who can pass their selections. Further selections, drawing on these well trained troops, for SOF type units, like 1 PARA (Tier 2) or SAS/SBS (Tier 1), can weed out another 70% or more.

Any 'Fish and Chip Mob' Infantry who try out for these units will likely fail in droves, then leave the Army as opposed to hanging around in another unit, as we saw in the PARAs when 'hats' occasionally gave P Company a go. 'P Company: If you can't hack it, become a Jacket!'

The overall effect might be to drastically shrink the overall strength of the Infantry and leave it gutted, unable to recruit enough to fill the special units.

Which might be the Machiavellian plan, of course.

Meanwhile, I'm sure that the Guards Division will continue to tick tock onwards, unmolested

 

[Colin Parkinson]

Some sort of monetary reward or bonus point to those that try out for the SOF but don't quite make it. If your above 50% you get X and then it goes up. A reward for trying in essence, but also pegged to staying in.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Some sort of monetary reward or bonus point to those that try out for the SOF but don't quite make it. If your above 50% you get X and then it goes up. A reward for trying in essence, but also pegged to staying in.

The other reality is that SOF is not the best at everything. They're very specialized, for obvious reasons, and can't adapt quickly for certain 'bog standard' Infantry roles like defensive tasks, armoured ops etc.

A heavy focus on SOF for your Infantry will therefore result in a certain lack of flexibility to adapt to certain threats.

 

[IRepoCans]

Funny thing is there's nothing Commando / Ranger about the proposed unit other than the name and that it is somehow more special than the specialist infantry battalions that it going to use as its nucleus, other than being a brigade / regiment postured towards DDMA / FID / SI or whatever it's called now; COIN; and, IW / UW. There's really no difference between what they're using to make it, and what it's proposed to be... so hard to see it replacing anything UKSF actually do?

But if the UK wants a Ranger unit 1-for-1 like that of the Americans, they better be prepared to dissolve the Marines and the Paras (and SFSG) because of the required talent pool and monies required to develop, sustain, and employ such a force.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Funny thing is there's nothing Commando / Ranger about the proposed unit other than the name and that it is somehow more special than the specialist infantry battalions that it going to use as its nucleus, other than being a brigade / regiment postured towards DDMA / FID / SI or whatever it's called now; COIN; and, IW / UW. There's really no difference between what they're using to make it, and what it's proposed to be... so hard to see it replacing anything UKSF actually do?

But if the UK wants a Ranger unit 1-for-1 like that of the Americans, they better be prepared to dissolve the Marines and the Paras (and SFSG) because of the required talent pool and monies required to develop, sustain, and employ such a force.

My guess is it's all part of the mysterious internal workings of the MoD related to creating 'private armies' that have special mandates to address specific political agenda to get around any deeper, thoughtful and holistic rethink about what the UK wants their Army to do.

The (as yet) unstated long term goals for the TA will be interesting to see rolled out. I wonder if they'll download the more 'bread and butter' combat arms roles to them with the argument that it's cheaper, but just as effective, to lean on part time armoured Infantry.

Riiiiight

 

[daftandbarmy]

Meanwhile, this device was found in Camlough Co. Armagh last week....

Camlough: Security alert after suspicious object found

Police say Newtown Road near Camlough is likely to remain closed for some time.

www.bbc.com

 

[FJAG]

Worst kept secret ever!

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirms 10,000 troop cut to the size of the British Army as he insists new technology means 'greater effect can be delivered by fewer people' and blasts critics for playing 'top trumps' with military numbers​

• Defence Secretary Ben Wallace today announced a major Government shake-up of Britain's Armed Forces
• The Ministry of Defence's new Command Paper includes a 10,000 troop cut to the size of the UK's Army
• Labour said cut a 'mistake' and could 'seriously limit' UK's ability to conduct multiple operations at same time
• Tory MPs welcomed cash for new technology but warned it comes at 'huge price' of cuts to conventional force
• Plan will see major investment in drones, new weaponry while older aircraft like early Typhoons will be retired
• Ex-US military chief Admiral Mike Mullen said Army cut is a 'huge concern' and will leave Army 'pretty small'
• Ex-head of Army Lord Dannatt said cut will mean UK can no longer fight two major operations at same time

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirms 10,000 troop cut

 

[Weinie]

Worst kept secret ever!


Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirms 10,000 troop cut

Doing more with less. Where have I heard that before?

 

[Kirkhill]

Army Technology take

Defence Command Paper cuts: IFVs, tanks and army personnel numbers - Army Technology

The UK Ministry of Defence has today released its long-awaited defence command paper confirming previously rumoured reports that troop numbers, infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and main battle tanks would be cut.

www.army-technology.com

Army currently at 76,500 being unable to maintain mandated 82,000 - reduction to 72,000 through wastage.

Army to stand up two new brigades

- a new Security Force Assistance Brigade to be regularly deployed around the world to support the UK’s allies and partners with training while fighting alongside them.

- an Army Special Operations Brigade incorporating a Ranger Regiment from the current Specialised Infantry Battalions; 1 SCOTS, 2 PWRR, 2 LANCS and 4 RIFLES


The Army will be structured around

two Heavy Brigade Combat Teams which will be made of Boxer, Ajax and Challenger 3,
two Light Brigade Combat Teams,
one Deep Recce Strike Brigade Combat Team,
an Air Manoeuvre Brigade Combat Team and
one Combat Aviation Brigade Combat Team.

The Army is also set to invest in new longer-range artillery capabilities with £250m over the next decade to be invested into the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). The Army will also spend £800m over 10 years on a new ‘Mobile Fires Platform’.

The MOD will also make a short-term investment in sustaining the Exactor missile system (25 km NLOS-Spike), with a view towards a long-term upgrade in future.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Army Technology take

Defence Command Paper cuts: IFVs, tanks and army personnel numbers - Army Technology

The UK Ministry of Defence has today released its long-awaited defence command paper confirming previously rumoured reports that troop numbers, infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and main battle tanks would be cut.

www.army-technology.com

Army currently at 76,500 being unable to maintain mandated 82,000 - reduction to 72,000 through wastage.

Army to stand up two new brigades

- a new Security Force Assistance Brigade to be regularly deployed around the world to support the UK’s allies and partners with training while fighting alongside them.

- an Army Special Operations Brigade incorporating a Ranger Regiment from the current Specialised Infantry Battalions; 1 SCOTS, 2 PWRR, 2 LANCS and 4 RIFLES


The Army will be structured around

two Heavy Brigade Combat Teams which will be made of Boxer, Ajax and Challenger 3,
two Light Brigade Combat Teams,
one Deep Recce Strike Brigade Combat Team,
an Air Manoeuvre Brigade Combat Team and
one Combat Aviation Brigade Combat Team.

The Army is also set to invest in new longer-range artillery capabilities with £250m over the next decade to be invested into the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). The Army will also spend £800m over 10 years on a new ‘Mobile Fires Platform’.

The MOD will also make a short-term investment in sustaining the Exactor missile system (25 km NLOS-Spike), with a view towards a long-term upgrade in future.

An example of what the Specialized Infantry Bns are up to... sounds like a permanent OMLT tasking....

4 RIFLES

4 RIFLES

4 RIFLES is a Regular Infantry Battalion based in New Normandy Barracks, Aldershot and is one of just two infantry units to pilot the new and exciting Specialised Infantry (Spec Inf) role. Spec Inf Battalions are expeditionary by design, capable and credible and will plan to have an element...

www.army.mod.uk

 

[Kirkhill]

An example of what the Specialized Infantry Bns are up to... sounds like a permanent OMLT tasking....

4 RIFLES

4 RIFLES

4 RIFLES is a Regular Infantry Battalion based in New Normandy Barracks, Aldershot and is one of just two infantry units to pilot the new and exciting Specialised Infantry (Spec Inf) role. Spec Inf Battalions are expeditionary by design, capable and credible and will plan to have an element...

www.army.mod.uk

Curious that - There seems to be a degree of confusion here - Is it one brigade or two?

The Times -

Army creates Ranger regiment to free up Special Forces

Hundreds of highly trained soldiers will be moved into a new special operations brigade that will deploy into hostile territory as part of a significant restructuring of the army.

www.thetimes.co.uk

Hundreds of highly trained soldiers will be moved into a new special operations brigade that will deploy into hostile territory as part of a significant restructuring of the army.

The Ranger Regiment will comprise four battalions of about 250 personnel who will be specially selected from across the infantry and will take over dangerous missions normally carried out by Special Forces.

Their role, modelled on the Green Berets, the US army’s unconventional warfare specialists, will include carrying out cyberattacks and electronic warfare and gathering intelligence backed by new technology such as drones.

The announcement of the 1,000-strong brigade came as military chiefs sought to defend looming cuts to the army by insisting that the new force would be more lethal.

That appears to be the Army Special Operations Brigade made up of the Ranger Regiment

If Army Technology is to be believed then there is also a Security Force Assistance Brigade whose job description sounds much more like the 4 Rifles OMLT Specialized Infantry description - a description that fits much more closely with the original Kennedy era US Green Beret ethos.

I guess we'll find out in the near term....

Meanwhile I found this curious - The First Sea Lord expounding against a back drop of 8 RM Commandos with SF type helmets standing around a Polaris MRZR.

First Sea Lord Promises 'Rich Decade' Ahead For Royal Navy Expansion

We talked to Admiral Tony Radakin about the Integrated Review and the Navy's role in the UK's future.

www.forces.net

 

[FJAG]

The British Defence Ministry's paper "Defence in a Competitive Age" can be found here.

 

[FJAG]

Curious that - There seems to be a degree of confusion here - Is it one brigade or two?

The Times -

Army creates Ranger regiment to free up Special Forces

Hundreds of highly trained soldiers will be moved into a new special operations brigade that will deploy into hostile territory as part of a significant restructuring of the army.

www.thetimes.co.uk

That appears to be the Army Special Operations Brigade made up of the Ranger Regiment

If Army Technology is to be believed then there is also a Security Force Assistance Brigade whose job description sounds much more like the 4 Rifles OMLT Specialized Infantry description - a description that fits much more closely with the original Kennedy era US Green Beret ethos.

I guess we'll find out in the near term....

Meanwhile I found this curious - The First Sea Lord expounding against a back drop of 8 RM Commandos with SF type helmets standing around a Polaris MRZR.

First Sea Lord Promises 'Rich Decade' Ahead For Royal Navy Expansion

We talked to Admiral Tony Radakin about the Integrated Review and the Navy's role in the UK's future.

www.forces.net

I've looked through this thing a bit and it's really not a big change from Army 2020 Refine which was the previous defence structure that the UK Army had been working towards.

The big change is the switch from a brigade to a Brigade Combat Team (note the US terminology here). Under Army 2020 Refine, 3 UK Div's logistic resources were all combined in the 101 Logistics Brigade and the artillery all in 1 Arty Bde. By going to BCTs each BCT will have it's own combat service support battalion and close support artillery regiment. The original plan for 3 UK Div was 2 armoured and one strike brigade plus an "experimental strike group" which is a bde sized group tasked with developing tactics and doctrine for the new type of force. So it looks like 3 UK Div does not change much except for the reorg of its logistics and arty support.

Under Army 2020 Refine there was already a slot for a "Specialized Infantry Group" at Aldershot which is a colonel's (very light brigade equivalent) command with four (maybe five) low strength (roughly 300 pers) infantry bns (1Scots; 2PWWR; 2Lancs; and 4Rifles - I think that 3Gurkhas might also be added to this org) The whole org is something similar to a US Army Security Force Assistance Brigade albeit that an SFAB has companies dedicated to training various arms incl inf, arty, engrs, recce and support while the Brit SIG seems to be primarily infantry oriented. I'm wondering if by changing the name of the SIG to a SFAB they will also change the configuration to add an all-arms character to it. The SIG was supposed to be part of 1 UK Div (which essentially holds several light infantry brigades which (like 3 UK Div) contains several reserve infantry etc battalions) but I think it was reslotted into 6 UK Div (which itself used to be called "Force Troops Command"). I think that the plan is to keep this group/bde of folks as originally planned but now call it an SFAB. Note that the aim is to rotate people from the regular line light battalions into and out of the SIG/SFAB.

The "Ranger Regiment" didn't exist under Army 2020 Refine and it seems to me it will syphon of people from other regiments/battalions over time and, I presume, that the Special Forces Brigade that it will belong to will be the existing joint UK Special Forces Directorate which will probably be rebranded as a brigade. I think the reference to 1Scots, 2PWWR, 2 Lancs and 4 Rifles in the paper re the Rangers is that as those four battalions are reduced in establishment to 300 each for the SIG, the balance of them (roughly 250 each) will go to the Ranger Bns. So in the end those 4 bns will form two light organizations, a SIG and a Ranger Regt. At the end of the day I think that practically speaking we are talking a PY distribution as it is most likely that both the SIG/SFAB and the Rangers will be constantly fed by a variety of cap badges from across the entire Army

By the sound of the "no lost cap badges" rhetoric it sounds like there won't be many significant changes to the rest of 1 UK Div.

It sounds like there may be some repurposing going on within 6 UK Div which carries a whole hockey sock of diverse organizations under its tent.

The only other thing that I note is the formation of a combat aviation brigade combat team (sounds somewhat redundant in there). There already is a 1 Aviation Brigade as part of the Joint Helicopter Command. I expect there will be some reconfiguring going on here. For example CH 47s right now seem to belong to the Air Force but are treated as an Army asset in the text of the paper. I'm not sure if this is signaling a realignment or not (The paper shows a CH 47 icon on each of the Army's and Air Force's inventory pages but makes no reference to it in the RAF text body.

The numbers issue is interesting in that the force is already well below its trained authorized strength and not far from it's target strength. While that means no large force reduction programs are in the offing, there still needs to be a trimming of PYs off various establishments. Since there is a promise not to cut "cap badges" does this mean that 2Scots could be cut but 1 and 3-7 Scots continues; or does the company-sized 5th Scots (doing ceremonial duties) gets cut; or does everybody lose their mortar and pioneer platoons?

 

[FJAG]

One add-on. The Daily Mail says one Reg F bn, 2 Mercian, will be removed from the order of battle.

The UK Defence Minister's speech indicated 2 Mercian will be merged into 1 Mercian and form a Boxer equipped battalion.

It also looks quite clear that the Ranger Regt and the SFAB will be two separate organizations.

And the way that it is worded, the Ranger Regt will form the core of the Special Operations Brigade which indicates that the Tier 1 folks will stay separate.

16 Air Assault Bde will get an additional infantry battalion.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Meanwhile, at BAE.... from 2018 (but I missed it):

BAE unveils ‘Black Night’ – the first fully-upgraded Challenger 2 tank​

https://pinterest.com/pin/create/bu...+–+the+first+fully-upgraded+Challenger+2+tank

BAE systems say that Black Night comprises cutting-edge technologies and capabilities, which are being offered to the Ministry of Defence as part of the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme.

Simon Jackson, Campaign leader for Team Challenger 2 at BAE Systems said:

“The UK is home to some of the world’s finest engineering companies, who have pushed the boundaries of combat vehicle design with Black Night.

We are providing the bulk of this upgrade from home soil, however, we have chosen the best defence companies from around the world to collaborate with also, including names from Canada, France and Germany who bring unique skills and proven technology.

The British Army has our commitment that we will deliver the most capable upgrade possible, and the best value for money.”

The features touted by BAE include:

• Active Protection System – Systems allow the tank to detect incoming anti-tank missiles or armour penetrating rounds and automatically launches a counter-explosive to neutralise the threat.
• Laser Warning System – When targeted by enemy weapon systems, the tank can identify the source of the threat then automatically slew the gun to point at that source, making it quicker for the crew to counter-fire.
• Regenerative braking – The tank has been made more energy efficient by using less energy-hungry kit and installing regenerative braking in the turret, which generates power when the gun slows down into position.
• Thermal Imaging Technology – Front and rear infrared cameras (similar to those used in television programmes such as Planet Earth II) provide extremely sharp night imagery, helping troops identify potential threats and move undetected in hostile situations, while also shaving valuable seconds off reaction times.
• Accelerated fightability – New equipment controlling tank’s weaponry is faster, meaning the crew can identify an enemy, target and engage more quickly.

The Challenger 2 tank, built by BAE Systems in the 1990s, served in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. BAE Systems is now leading the strategic partnership Team Challenger 2 bid to keep the tank battle-ready for the next twenty years, as part of the Ministry of Defence’s decision to extend the tank’s life until 2035.

BAE unveils ‘Black Night’ – the first fully-upgraded Challenger 2 tank

BAE systems say that Black Night comprises cutting-edge technologies and capabilities, which are being offered to the Ministry of Defence as part of the Challenger 2 Life Extension Programme.

ukdefencejournal.org.uk

 

[Kirkhill]

One add-on. The Daily Mail says one Reg F bn, 2 Mercian, will be removed from the order of battle.

The UK Defence Minister's speech indicated 2 Mercian will be merged into 1 Mercian and form a Boxer equipped battalion.

It also looks quite clear that the Ranger Regt and the SFAB will be two separate organizations.

And the way that it is worded, the Ranger Regt will form the core of the Special Operations Brigade which indicates that the Tier 1 folks will stay separate.

16 Air Assault Bde will get an additional infantry battalion.

The SAS/SBS/SRR/SFSG (1Para) are grouped under Strategic Command with various intelligence and diplomatic assets - including defence attaches and academies.