§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his appraisal is of the role of the Territorial Army in the Iraq war and subsequent peacekeeping operation. [186490]
§ Mr. CaplinThe Territorial Army (TA) has performed, and continues to perform, a vital and active role alongside their regular counterparts, contributing to a wide range of our operations in Iraq. Indeed, the TA currently provides approximately 20 per cent. of our ground forces in Iraq.
The TA is a highly valued and respected part of our armed forces, and the work of all those who have deployed has been greatly appreciated. The use of Reservists during thus campaign has been entirely in line with the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review. The roles undertaken by the TA have clearly demonstrated the strategic intent of having more capable, usable and relevant reserve forces, which support their regular counterparts on operations.