§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what modifications his Department has made to(a) Royal Naval and (b) Royal Marines tactical doctrine since 11 September 2001. [92901]
§ Mr. IngramFollowing 11 September 2001 the increased danger from terrorist organisations to the Royal Navy (including the Royal Marines) has been recognised and work undertaken to ameliorate the risks to both deployed forces and those in their base port. Detailed Force Protection advice on countering the Asymmetric threat from terrorist attack is available in both Tactical and Reference publications and is the subject of continual assessment and periodic update as new information and feedback is obtained. This doctrine comprises both a generic description of likely threats and consideration of numerous measures that Commanding Officers need to consider adopting depending on their area of operations. The advice covers methods of reducing ship and personnel vulnerability to attack, enabling Commanding Officers to formulate a defensive posture commensurate with their operational state and location; reducing the risk of attack from an enemy who holds the advantage of surprise and method.
When ashore, RM tactical doctrine follows Land (Army) tactical doctrine. Events since 11 September 2001 have not forced modifications to existing doctrine but lessons identified in operations since, by the Army and RM, are undergoing evaluation in order to capture them, as necessary.