Written question asked by Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Drayson (Labour) on Monday, 19 June 2006.

Armed Forces: Active Service Overseas

Question: Whether they will visit and explain government objectives to military personnel of all ranks prior to their leaving the United Kingdom for active service overseas.

Answer: Operational mission directives are derived from government objectives, both of which are outlined formally in the directive issued by the Chief of Defence Staff for every operational deployment. These objectives are then cascaded by military commanders to all personnel when preparing to deploy and while deployed on operations. Ministers regularly visit military personnel in the UK and in operational theatres as part of routine business. It would not be practical for Ministers to visit all ranks of military personnel deploying for active service overseas, whether based in the UK, Germany, Cyprus or elsewhere.

Secondary information