Armed Forces Size Targets 2022-07-18
2022-07-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by concerns over the adequacy of Britain's military response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It follows an assessment that reductions in troop numbers predate this conflict.
What assessment has been made of the potential merits of maintaining current targets for the size of the armed forces in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine? The outgoing Chief of the General Staff expressed discomfort with a 73,000-strong Army and Lord Dannatt stated that the force's capability is below expected levels.
Nobody in the Ministry of Defence will argue against more money for defence, but if additional funds were available, other priorities would take precedence over regrowing the Army. Immediate focus would be on enhancing lethality and deployability of current forces before considering manpower expansion.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether to reverse the cut of 10,000 troops or expand the army further was not directly addressed.
Let Us Be Clear
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The discussion centres around the role of autonomous weapons in future conflicts, focusing on doctrine and necessary skill sets for soldiers.
Given that autonomous weapons are expected to be force multipliers in the future, how does this affect the assessment of manpower requirements? What doctrine is needed to govern their use, and how will soldiers with the right skills be recruited?
Autonomy in weapons systems could make future forces more lethal without necessarily increasing workforce. This aligns with the integrated review and defence industrial strategy, aiming for a trend towards greater lethality through advanced technology.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The conversation is about the future implications of autonomous weapons in military operations, specifically regarding manpower requirements and recruitment criteria.
Autonomous weapons are expected to be force multipliers. How does this impact manpower assessments? What doctrine will govern their use, and how will soldiers with necessary skill sets be recruited?
Autonomy in weapons systems could lead to a more lethal force without necessarily needing more workforce. This aligns with trends towards advanced technology and within the defence industrial strategy.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy