Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, has condemned the Government’s plans to cut training for the Territorial Army. The plan, which is designed to save the Ministry of Defence £20 million, would lead to the end of weekend exercises and drills for some members of the TA. At present the TA has 500 soldiers in Afghanistan operating alongside regular army forces. The Ministry of Defence has stated that TA units currently due to go to Afghanistan would not be affected by the spending cut.

Mr Turner said:
“This is another example of the government letting down the armed forces of this country. If reservists are to face the same level of risk as full time soldiers, they should be trained to the same standard. Only regular training can ensure this. Though pre-deployment training may still exist for units about to go to Afghanistan, cutting training for units between now and just before their deployment will place their lives in danger. Skills fatigue may set in. In such a challenging and rapidly changing environment as Afghanistan, a steady current of training is necessary to enable our forces to effectively counter this. Many units of the TA work with specialist elements of the army, and require the same specialist training. This is a shocking abdication of responsibility to the armed forces and their families.

“Cutting such preparation may well lead to the size of the reserve force shrinking as members leave to pursue other opportunities. Furthermore, how are we to know exactly which units of the TA will be sent to Afghanistan further down the line? Cutting training for units not going to Afghanistan now places them in jeopardy should they go in the future.”

END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808