HL Deb 25 February 2002 vol 631 cc181-2WA
Lord Vivian

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many Army brigades completed full field training exercises with all their units in 2000 and 2001 respectively; and whether their infantry battalions and armoured regiments took part in these exercises with their full complement of companies and squadrons; and, if not, what was the reason for their non-participation. [HL2791]

Lord Bach

In 2000, one Army brigade deployed at full complement to carry out full field training exercises; 20 Armoured Brigade, based in Germany, deployed to Poland and 16 Air Assault Brigade completed a full field training exercise in the UK with a number of its units, including one of its three parachute battalions. It is usual for 16 Air Assault Brigade to deploy with only one battalion: this is due to its unique role, composition and readiness profile. One mechanized brigade was unable to complete a full field training exercise due to operational commitments, but some of its armoured regiments and infantry battalions took part in Exercise Iron Hawk in Canada.

Last year, 12 Mechanized Brigade completed a full field training exercise in Canada with all its units at full complement; 4 Armoured Brigade deployed to Oman on Exercise Saif Sareea II, with two out of its three battalions, the third being deployed on operations in Kosovo. Once again, 16 Air Assault Brigade completed a full field training exercise in the UK, with one of its infantry battalions at full complement.

Lord Vivian

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many regiments and battalions carried out full-scale regimental field training exercises in 2000 and 2001 with their full complement of squadrons and companies; and what were the reasons given by any that did not participate. [HL2792]

Lord Bach

I assume that by referring to regiments and battalions the noble Lord is inquiring about infantry and Royal Armoured Corps units. In 2000, a total of 18 regiments and battalions carried out full-scale regimental field training exercises with their full complement of squadrons and companies. In addition, one infantry battalion exercised without one of its companies due to undermanning and one armoured regiment exercised without one of its squadrons which was deployed on operations in Bosnia.

In 2001, 21 regiments and battalions carried out full-scale regimental field training exercises. and one armoured regiment exercised without one of its squadrons, which was deployed on operations in Kosovo.