© Imperial War Museum; Crown Copyright MOD
BRITISH ARMY Equipment
A British soldier is the best piece of kit the Army has, but what they use and carry with them is also an important part of the equation. British Army equipment is constantly updated and modified. Their specialised Trials and Development Units rigorously test all new developments in armoured vehicles, artillery and infantry equipment. Some of the latest and best equipment currently being used includes:
Mastiff 2 Mastiff 2 is a heavily armoured, 6x6 wheel-drive patrol vehicle which carries eight people, plus two crew. It joined operations in June 2009 for road patrols and convoys. With a maximum speed of 90km/h, Mastiff 2 is armed with the latest weapon systems, including a 7.62mm general purpose machine gun, 12.7mm heavy machine gun or 40mm automatic grenade launcher. These wheeled patrol vehicles have a less intimidating profile than tracked vehicles and give commanders on the ground more options to deal with the threats they are facing. They have Bowman radios and electronic countermeasures and are fitted with armour beyond the standard level to ensure they have the best possible protection. Mastiff 2 is just one of a whole range of protected vehicles being used on operations, including Trojan, Viking, Husky, Warrior, Coyote and Wolfhound.
Jackal 2 Jackal 2 is a high mobility weapons platform, with a unique air-bag suspension system allowing rapid movement across varying terrain. Used for reconnaissance, rapid assault, fire support and convoy protection, the Jackal 2 has the capacity to support itself and its crew over 800km. It has a maximum speed of 80mph (129km/h) on roads and weighs seven tonnes. Jackal 2 has a General Purpose Machine Gun as crew protection and can carry either Heavy Machine Gun or Grenade Machine Gun as the main weapon system in the fire support role.
Dragon Runner Dragon Runner is a lightweight, back- packable, multi-terrain robot capable of detecting a variety of devices with- out putting the operator in harm’s way, which helps bomb disposal experts find and deactivate improvised explosive de- vices. It has been acquired as part of the Army’s Urgent Operational Requirements and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Explosive Ordnance disposal activity. It is highly manoeuvrable and when configured with a manipulator arm can dig around suspicious objects as well as move them. It also has the ability to place small charges to disrupt suspect devices, and further enhancements, including the incorporation of wire-cutters, have been implemented.
Army Facts
• According to the National Army Museum, conscription was first introduced to the British Army in 1916 and ended in 1919. It was re- introduced in 1939 and replaced with National Service in 1947. National Service ended in 1960, and the last National Servicemen left the Army in 1963. Since that time, the Army has been composed entirely of volunteers.
• The strength of the UK Regular Forces was last reported to be 188,370, April 1, 2009 by Defence Analytical Services and Advice.
• The British Army wholeheartedly supports the principle of equality of opportunity in employment and is increasingly becoming more diverse. The percentage of the UK Regular Forces from an ethnic minority background has increased every year from 4.9% in 2004 to 6.5% in 2009. The percentage of the UK Regular Forces that are female has increased from 5.7% in 1990 to 9.5% in 2009.
• British troops in Afghanistan are sporting a new look as their uniform changed for the first time in more than 40 years. Troops deployed from March 2010 were being issued with new multi-terrain combat clothing taking into consideration the range of environments in Afghanistan such as jungle, compounds, crops, grassland and arid stone. It will be issued to all UK military person- nel by 2012. The US Army is about to adopt the same technology for its uniform in Afghanistan.
• The Regular Army has 24 military bands which supply first class music for military, state and associated charity events throughout the world. The Corps of Army Music has also developed a number of contemporary groups within each band. The annual Rhythm Force Rock & Pop Concert features the best Army Rock and Pop Bands along with guest stars. This year’s event is on September 25, 2010 at Kneller Hall, Twickenham.
• All personnel receive food from centralised catering facilities and only deploy with Operational Ration Packs when absolutely necessary. During early 2007, the cost of food was approximately £1.51 per day per soldier in the UK. With this amount, barrack cooks have to provide three meals per day. The cost for personnel serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan is £3.11 per day.
• The largest corps in the British Army is the Royal Logistic Corps with over 16,000 soldiers and officers working and operating in regiments of every type. Each member is a ‘soldier first’ and ‘tradesman second’. These trades include working as chefs, drivers and even post operators.
The Jackal 2 high mobility weapons platform
The life-saving Dragon Runner
• There are 136 museums across the country that help people learn more about the Army’s rich history. In addition to their collections of uniforms, badges, weapons and military memorabilia, many museums provide modern, interactive displays to educate and entertain their visitors. The Army Museums website www.
armymuseums.org.uk can help to locate these museums, including the prestigious National Army Museum and Imperial War Museum in London.
32 SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
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