Armed Forces Readiness 2024-03-25
2024-03-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The UK armed forces are meeting their commitments but are very busy during a turbulent geopolitical time.
What progress has been made on improving the readiness of the armed forces? The shadow Secretary of State commended the efforts of all those in the armed services, but the Defence Committee's report substantiates that our armed forces are constantly overstretched and being deployed above their capacity. When will the Government appropriately respond to geopolitical challenges by driving up recruitment and retention?
The UK armed forces are meeting all commitments but remain busy. The Government is investing £1.95 billion extra in resilience and readiness, with services getting back into warfighting business. However, the world's complexity means extensive demands on the armed forces.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timelines for driving up recruitment and retention were not provided
The Answer Discussed Broader Geopolitical Context Rather Than Addressing Recruitment Specifics
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Richard Drax questions the idea that current armed forces are ready to fight a sustained war given the threats they face.
Acknowledging the Defence Minister's service, Richard Drax challenges the notion of being ready for war with existing armed forces. He cites increasing threats and asks if more money needs to be spent on defence.
Colleagues will note that when invited to respond, Defence Ministers have not missed the opportunity. The Government's responsibility is to reinvest in warfighting capability, given the current 'pre-war era'.
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Assessment & feedback
No direct commitment to increased funding was made
The Answer Emphasized The Need For Investment Without Committing
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A recent exercise showed that British Army would run out of ammunition within 10 days, raising concerns about readiness.
Why did it take from March or April 2022 to July 2023 for orders on new munitions to be placed? The delay cannot affordably continue in the Ministry of Defence.
The contract has been placed, significantly increasing .155 supply. However, I am not aware of the specific exercise referred to and have seen US senior commanders hold UK elements in high regard.
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Assessment & feedback
No timeline for addressing delays was provided
Discussion On High Regard From American Commanders
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister mentioned the 'ludicrous' recruitment system, noting that a generation used to instant gratification is not prepared for long wait times.
Joining tributes to the outgoing Armed Forces Minister, Mark Francois references problems with recruitment identified by the “Ready for War?” report. He asks when the 'Crapita' will be sacked.
Recent months have seen record expressions of interest in joining the armed forces due to geopolitical uncertainty. The time between expressing interest and training needs to be as short as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific action date was provided for addressing recruitment issues
Acknowledgment Of Record Expressions Of Interest
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Drax challenges the idea that current armed forces are ready for sustained war with threats faced.
Recognising the Defence Minister's service, Richard Drax questions if existing forces can sustain a prolonged conflict. He asks whether more funding is needed to ensure readiness.
Colleagues perceive the need for shortening time between expressing interest and starting training, but no specific commitment on increased funding was made.
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Assessment & feedback
No direct commitment to additional funding was provided
Acknowledgment Of Perceived Need Without Committing
Response accuracy