Future Basing of British Forces in Germany

UK Ministry of Defence, A full review will begin to establish whether it is possible to move Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC), 1 Signal Brigade and 102 Logistics Brigade, from their bases in Germany to the UK, Armed Forces Minister, Adam Ingram announced today. 
 
Following the announcement in January 2006 that 4 Armoured Brigade would convert to the mechanised role and move to the UK, it has also been decided that the barracks in Osnabruck should be returned to the German Authorities in early 2009. 
 
12th Regiment Royal Artillery will move from Paderborn to Thorney Island in the UK, as early as mid 2007 as part of a reorganisation of the UK's air defence units. 
 
The UK's long term objective is to concentrate the presence of UK forces in Germany to bases in Bergen-Hohne and Paderborn, where 7 and 20 Armoured Brigades will continue to be based as part of 1st (UK) Armoured Division. We will also continue to base some units, which support the two armoured brigades, in Gutersloh Garrison. 
 
Mr Ingram said: 
 
“This study will ensure that the UK will have the right number of people available in the right place at the right time, and equipped with the right skills to meet 21st century challenges. The moves of UK Forces and the study on the Future Basing of British Forces in Germany do not signal a change in either our commitment to the NATO Alliance or in our overall defence policy. 
 
“With the continued support of the German Government, the UK intends to continue the long-term basing of the UK's heavy armoured capability in Germany. However, as opportunities arise, the UK will look to rationalise the balance of its estate there.”  
 
Background Information and Notes: 
 
1. An initial review of the opportunities for further rationalisation of our basing arrangements in Germany has developed proposals for the possible return to the UK of Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC), 102 Logistic Brigade (102 Log Bde) and 1 Signal Brigade (1 Sig Bde), over the period 2008-2012, including identifying exactly where these units will be based in the UK. A Project Team is being established to assess these proposals in greater detail, and to determine whether they are practicable and offer value for money. An important part of the team's remit will be to consider in more depth where in the UK we could re-locate HQ ARRC and the two brigades. The team will produce an initial report around the end of the year; it is unlikely that we will be in a position to announce final decisions until well into 2007. 
 
2. The MoD announced in January 2006 that the British Army's 4 Mechanised Brigade would be returning to the UK. The decision will mean the departure from Osnabruck of some 2,450 soldiers, with their wives and children. Also leaving will be around 200 British civilian support staff with their families. The barracks and most British military family housing belong to the Federal Government and will be returned to the Federal authorities. Some housing that is rented on the open market will be handed back to the landlords under the terms of the contracts involved. 
 
3. At the same time the British Army will be rationalising its use of the remaining barracks in Stadt Munster. The detailed planning necessary to achieve these rather demanding objectives will now begin. The British Army will rely on the city authorities, the employee Works Councils and each of the Federal ministries involved helping them to develop and implement their plans so that disruption for Germany and the British community can be kept to a minimum. 
 
4. The withdrawal will, unavoidably, mean the loss of some 530 local jobs with the British Forces in Osnabruck. The British military authorities will work closely with local labour and other agencies throughout the period of the departure in order to provide appropriate advice and guidance to the individuals affected. German redundancy procedures will be followed and, since the job losses come about as a result of a reduction in Force numbers, application for assistance will be made to the Federal Government under the terms of the Tarifvertrag Soziale Sicherung (TASS). 
 
5. The Lord Mayors of Munster and Osnabruck have been consulted throughout the decision making process and all further work will take place with the closest possible cooperation.