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HQ
3 (UK) Division continues to command the Multinational
Division (South-East) (MND(SE)) in Iraq, with contributions
from the Czech Republic, Denmark, Italy, Lithuania,
the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal and Romania.
We
have begun a process of roulement of United Kingdom
Forces, which involves the incremental replacement of
HQ 3 (UK) Division with a composite HQ MND(SE); the
replacement of 19 Mechanised Brigade with 20 Armoured
Brigade; the replacement of HQ 101 Logistic Brigade
with a composite HQ UK National Support Element (NSE);
the roulement of the combat service support units that
will make up the UK NSE; and the mobilisation of around
1,000 Reservists. We expect the maritime and air elements
of our presence in theatre to remain broadly stable.
A
number of adjustments to our force levels in Iraq were
made over the summer. Some of these were relatively
minor, such as the withdrawal of around 30 armoured
engineers and the short-term deployment of around 30
personnel from 23 Pioneer Regiment Royal Logistic Corps
to undertake building and construction tasks around
Shabah Logistics Base.
On
a larger scale, we also deployed the 2nd Battalion The
Light Infantry (2LI) and the 1st Battalion The Royal
Green Jackets (1RGJ), to conduct a number of additional
security and training tasks and provide MND(SE) with
the flexibility and capacity to carry out surge operations
designed to counter crime and enhance security. A recent
major operation in MND(SE), Operation Sweeney,
has resulted in 291 arrests, the seizure of six weapons
caches, and the interception of 57 vessels and 58 vehicles
involved in criminal activity.
Some
of the additional requirements for which 2LI and 1RGJ
deployed are now being reduced or progressively transferred
to Iraqi security forces. But some other requirements
will continue over the next few months, including the
provision of training for the new Iraqi Civil Defence
Corps. In overall terms, we assess that these continuing
requirements can be met by approximately one battalion
rather than two. When 2LI and 1RGJ are withdrawn from
theatre in November and December they will therefore
be replaced by the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment
(2 PARA). We envisage that 2 PARA will deploy from early
November.
In
addition to adjustments to force levels, we have also
deployed further equipment to theatre, including over
200 armoured Land Rovers, three Puma helicopters and
three Gazelle helicopters. Taken together, these enhancements
provide MND(SE) with greater mobility, force protection
and surveillance capabilities, increasing the flexibility
and effectiveness of the force.
We
will continue to keep the size and mix of forces in
theatre under close review, and we expect to make further
adjustments as a matter of routine to ensure that MND(SE)
have appropriate capabilities for the tasks in hand.
This is likely to include temporary increases in force
levels when appropriate, to provide the General Officer
Commanding MND(SE) with additional tactical flexibility
and help ensure that progress and momentum are maintained
and where possible accelerated. To facilitate this process
we intend as a matter of course to nominate two battalions
as over-the-horizon operational reserves for Iraq.
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