British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of the British Military in service to the United Kingdom, there are currently 80,000+ active personnel and 20,000+ reserve personnel serving within the army today. The British Army as we know it originated in 1707 after The Acts Of Union between Scotland & England created the Kingdom Of Great Britain, the British Army does not receive the title of 'Royal' as the other branches do because the army is controlled by Parliament due to the 1689 Bill Of Rights. This made it so the Kingdom Of England would have a standing army from now on but it wouldn't be able to act unless it receives parliamentary consent.
The British Army is one of the most well know and highly regarded armies in the whole world for the part it plays. The objective of the British Army is to ensure the protection of the United Kingdom & It's overseas territories, the army also takes part in preventing conflict around the world by working with partner nations such as Iraq & Afghanistan providing training for their soldiers. British Army soldiers also provide humanitarian aid in the times of disaster but their primary objective is fighting the enemies of the United Kingdom 365 days a year working closely with allied nations such as those in NATO.
The British Army played a vital role in the establishing of the British Empire from the 18th to 20th centuries. The British Army played a major role in the creation of colonies and war fighting for the British Empire helping it become the worlds #1 Super Power. This gave the army a very influential role in global conflict, the British Army fought powers such as France, Spain and the Dutch in the domination of the Americas during colonisation.
Throughout its history the British Army has taken part in many major conflicts such as the Seven Years War, Napoleonic Wars, Crimean War, The Falklands War, Opium Wars, World War 1 & World War 2 where it was mostly victorious in all. In more recent times the the British Army has played a part in the Gulf Wars, the Iraq War, Afghanistan and the global fight against the Islamic State. The British Army are currently deployed in multiple conflict and non-conflict zones around the world, these include the Falklands, Afghanistan, Brunei, Belize, Africa, Germany, Canada, Iraq, Gibraltar, Cuprus and the Baltics.
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Structure
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The British Army made up of the Regular Army and the Reserve Army with the Army Head Quarters being based in London. The force is a well equipped modern conventional and non conventional fighting force and is structured by a hierarchical structure.
The British Army is made up multiple corps, brigades, divisions and regiments. These are then further leading down to battalions and platoons that make up the British Army (e.g. Army Air Corps, 16th Air Assault Brigade, Royal Tank Regiment) The head of the British Army is the Chief Of The General Staff (CGS) The Army is equipped with the most modern of technology and equipment to ensure they can execute their objectives successfully.
Army 2020
This is the British Army's change in structure plan for 2020 which will increase the number of active-personnel to 82,000 and the number of reserve-personnel to 25,000. It will also include
•An armoured regiment of Challenger 2 tanks
•An armoured reconnaissance regiment
•An armoured infantry battalion in Warrior
armoured fighting vehicles
•A mechanised infantry battalion in Bulldog & MIV armoured vehicles
•Two light infantry battalions.
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Equipment (Soldier)
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The British Army standard camouflage for all soldiers is Multi-Terrain-Pattern (MTP) soldiers are either equipped with Mk.7 Helmets & Osprey body armour or the newer Virtus Body Armour System.
Thermal, Night Vision and other personal body equipment.
(Equipment listed under British designation)
Firearms
•SA80A2 & A3 (Standard Issue Rifle)
•L119A1 & A2 (Minimal use)
•L86A2 (Light Support Weapon)
•L129A1 (Sharpshooter Rifle)
•L128A1 (Combat Shotgun)
•L115A3 (Long range sniper rifle)
•L131A1 (Glock 17 standard issue pistol)
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Machine Guns
•L110A3 (LMG
•L7A2 (GPMG)
•L1A1 (HMG)
•L134A1 (H&K GMG)
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Vehicles
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The British Army uses a range of vehicles from Main Battle Tanks to armoured patrol vehicles. The 227 Challenger 2's in active service serve as the British Army's MBT and primary combat vehicle, the British Army also operates a fleet of 789 Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle's (IFV's), the Bulldog Mk.3 and the FV 430 series of vehicles as their combat vehicles. When it comes to Artillery & Air defence the British Army is very well equipped, they operate the AS-90 SPG & M270B1 GMLRS which serves as primary artillery along with secondary artillery in the form of the L118 Light Gun. For air defence the British Army has the Stormer & MANPAD launch able version of the Starstreak (HVM) and the Rapier close range air defence.
For patrol and support vehicle roles the British Army operates the Mastiff, Foxhound, Husky, Panther, Wolfhound, Ridgback and the RWMIK Land Rover. This vehicles are well armoured and equipped machines that keep British soldiers safe while patrolling and defending British Bases on deployment.
For the role of reconnaissance the British Army operates the Scimitar Light tank, the Jackal 2 & Coyote TSV and the CVR(T) vehicles.
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Aircraft
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The British Army uses the Wildcat helicopter performing tasks such as battlefield reconnaissance, command and control, transportation of troops and force protection. The army also operates the Apache AH-64D as the main stack helicopter which has greatly improved their operational capability. The aircraft are used by the Army Air Corps to provide support the troops and eliminate enemy armoured vehicles on the battlefield that may pose a threat to soldiers on the ground.
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HMS CyBer
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Citations- British Army Website
Comments (3)
In your mention of wars which the British army has been included in, you forgot to mention the falklands, though Royal Marines mostly fought that. However I at least believe that it should have been included.
Ah, yes. You are correct, I forgot about the Paras who took part.
Reply to: HMS CyBer
Happy to help