LONDON, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The U.K. Ministry of Defense announced plans to shift several thousand British soldiers from Germany to the United Kingdom to increase operational capabilities.
The Ministry of Defense announced that approximately 3,600 British HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, the 102 Logistic Brigade and the One Signal Brigade, will begin shifting from Germany to the United Kindgom in 2009. Officials say more than 15,000 service personnel are expected to remain in Germany.
The HQ ARRC will be assigned to the Royal Air Force base at Innsworth in Gloucestershire. The Defense College of Aeronautical Engineering in Cosford, Shropshire, will be the site for One Signal Brigade and 102 Logistics Brigade, with other potential sites still under review.
"This work is driven by the need to deliver operational capability in a more effective and efficient way," said Minister for the Armed Forces Bob Ainsworth, in a statement. "We will do this by moving towards a more coherent basing arrangement for the Army and, at the same time, making better use of the Ministry of Defense estate in the U.K."
The reorganization from the Ministry of Defense signals plans from the military that could lead to the closure of Rhine Garrison and Munster Station and a completion of the closure of the Osnabruck Garrison.
"Germany has played a significant part in the history of the U.K.'s armed forces as a base for our troops for several decades," Ainsworth said. "It will continue to remain an important part of its future as well -- even after these personnel return to the U.K. With the continued agreement of the German government, some 15,000 troops will remain there for many years to come. This announcement doesn’t change the close relationship we have with Germany or our commitment to our NATO responsibilities."
