"UK "misleading media" on Army redundancies.

UK media "misleading"? Really? *gasp* Read on:

From the MoD:

Misleading media reports on Army redundancies and structure

A Defence Policy and Business news article

14 Nov 11

There have been various misleading and inaccurate media reports this weekend speculating on the future number of soldiers and the future structure of the British Army.

British soldiers cross a hill during a tab - a long-distance march carrying full kit (stock image) [Picture: Corporal Paul Morrison, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

The speculation was based on a memo put together by a junior officer. As the Defence Secretary, the Chief of the Defence Staff, and the Chief of the General Staff have all pointed out, the memo is factually incorrect.

It has already been announced that the Army has to reduce in size to 82,000 by 2020. The Army is still considering the criteria including size and shape for Tranche 2 and any subsequent redundancy, and nothing has yet been agreed.

Whilst every opportunity is being taken to reduce manpower through natural wastage and reduced intake, redundancies are needed to meet the 82,000 target.

There have also been media reports that personnel who are wounded, injured and sick will be forced out of the Army. No personnel who are medically downgraded will leave the Armed Forces through redundancy or otherwise until they have reached a point in their recovery where leaving the Armed Forces is the right decision. However long it takes.

The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards, has said:

"No-one will be forced out of the Army. They won't leave until it's right for them. Of course the Army is a young man's business. Most people leave within about ten years. So it's inevitable that they are going to have to leave the Army at some point and we've got to focus on being very combat ready and well trained. [ emphasis mine]

"There is undoubtedly a limit on the number of injured personnel we can employ, but no-one will be forced out. We've put a lot of effort into this. As part of the Defence Recovery Capability there are six Army Recovery Centres right round the country whose core task is preparing people for transition into civilian life, and I am pleased to say that lots of personnel have made a successful transition....

Yes, there is more here.