HC Deb 12 November 2003 vol 413 c325W
Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the percentage shortfall of personnel is in each service of the armed forces. [137487]

Full Time Trained Strenghts and Requirements
As at 1 April 1 september
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
All services
Total Trained Requirement 202,230 199,240 198,160 198,460 196,150 195,130 195,020
Total Trained Strength 194,040 191,130 190,420 189,020 187,620 188,620 189,170
Surplus/Deficit -8,190 -8,100 -7,740 -9,440 -9,030 -6,510 -5,840
Naval Service
Total Trained Requirement 41,190 40,940 39,860 39,900 39,180 38,510 38,580
Total Trained Strength 40,480 39,320 38,880 38,540 37,600 37,490
Surplus/Deficit -1,460 -1,620 -990 -1,360 -1,690 -910 -1,090
Army
Total Trained Requirement 105,770 105,270 106,400 106,970 106,980 106,730
Total Trained Strength 100,880 99,900 100,330 100,380 100,420 102,120 102,940
Surplus/Deficit -4,890 -5,370 -6,060 -6,600 -6,560 -4,850 -3,790
Royal Air Force
Total Trained Requirement 54,530 53,020 51,900 51,590 49,990 49,640 49,710
Total Trained Strength 52,680 51,910 51,210 50,110 49,200 48,900 48,750
Surplus/Deficit -1,850 -1,120 -690 1,490 -790 -750 -960

Note:

Due to founding the totals may not always equal the sum of the parts.

Source:

DASA(Tri-Service)

These figures include trained United Kingdom Regular Forces, Full Time Reserve Service personnel and trained Gurkhas. They exclude trained personnel in the Royal Irish Regiment (Home Service, full and part time), Gibraltar Permanent Cadre and mobilised reservists.