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Written question asked by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Monday, 17 November 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 November 2008. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Monday, 24 November 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Armed Forces: Deployment

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the (a) armed forces, (b) Army, (c) Navy and (d) Air Force are currently engaged in (i) operations and (ii) other military tasks.
Answer

The following table shows the requested percentage of UK Service personnel deployed on operations as at 7 September 2008. The total trained strength figures that were used to calculate the percentage are for 1 September 2008. The number of personnel in theatre will naturally fluctuate on a daily basis for a variety of reasons, including leave (rest and recuperation), temporary absence for training, evacuation for medical reasons, the roulement of forces and other factors.

Percentage of trained armed forces in operations
Percentage
Total armed forces 8.2
Army 10.7
Navy 4.1
RAF 5.8
Source:
DASA (Quad-Service)

Other military tasks encompass a wide spectrum of military duties. In its broadest sense this includes all duties carried out by Service personnel.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
483 c891W; 237806
Session
2007-08
Subjects
Armed forces Deployment
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk