Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Independent Labour) on Wednesday, 30 November 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 December 2016. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 December 2016 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Afghanistan: Reserve Forces

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Statement by Earl Howe on 18 November (HLWS268) concerning the call-out of Reserve Forces for service in Afghanistan, what is the purpose of a continued British military presence in that country, and why it is necessary to use Reserve Forces rather than serving personnel.

Answer

The UK continues to make a key contribution to NATO's Operation RESOLUTE SUPPORT; non-combat, train, advise and assist mission to build a secure and stable Afghanistan. Our forces are focussed on mentoring at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy and advising Ministers and officials in the Afghan Security Ministries. The UK also leads the Kabul Security Force, which coordinates security for NATO personnel in Kabul, holds the position of Deputy Commander Operation RESOLUTE SUPPORT and contributes three Puma helicopters to assist UK and NATO mobility.

Reserve Forces make an essential contribution to delivering the nation's security and are a highly valued part of our Armed Forces. The Army 2020 structure sets out our whole force concept, and our Reserve Forces serve alongside their Regular counterparts on operations around the world, including the UK's current military contribution to NATO's Operation RESOLUTE SUPPORT in Afghanistan.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3723
Session
2016-17
Related items
Subjects
Deployment Reserve forces Afghanistan
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk