Joint Rapid Deployment Force

HC Deb 11 June 1996 vol 279 c87W

14. Mr. Dunn

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the role of the joint rapid deployment force; and if he will make a statement. [30896]

Mr. Portillo

The joint rapid deployment force will strengthen the UK's capability effectively and rapidly to deploy military forces worldwide in support of our interests. It will be capable of fulfilling a wide range of combat or non-combat missions.

24. Mr. Alison

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the improvement to Britain's defence capability from the introduction of the joint rapid deployment force. [30907]

Mr. Soames

The military response to future challenges will almost certainly be on a joint service basis. The joint rapid deployment force will enhance the UK's ability to respond very rapidly to future crises, drawing from all three services. The core of the JRDF will be three Commando Brigade and five Airborne Brigade, but it will also draw on other elements across the services.