The Command Post - Iraq - (Some) Brits Pack Up their Old Kit Bags

April 11, 2003

(Some) Brits Pack Up their Old Kit Bags

From the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

With coalition forces consolidating their control over much of Iraq, Britain said it would start to reduce its forces in the Gulf, 23 days after the start of the war, starting with naval ships and aircraft.
"This is by no means the beginning of a full scale reduction," Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram told a press conference.
"Our commitment to Iraq's future is undiminished and we are in the very early stages of beginning to look at the post-conflict phase," he said.
"It would not make sense to keep personnel in the region any longer than is necessary. Some have already returned and some will return shortly."

To state the obvious, the need for combat aircraft and naval vessels is now close to non-existent. Troops on the ground are a different matter, and are likely to stay for some time. They're just sending home people who have no need any longer to be in-theatre.

Posted By Alan E Brain at April 11, 2003 09:58 AM | TrackBack

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Indeed, lets hope we consider more than local security against remaining Ba'ath elements when we consider removing our troops. Power vacuum + massive oil fields = tempting target.

While some may argue that the powers in the area are far too cowed to try something like this in what would temporarily be a US protectorate, I can't be so sure. When was the last time you overestimated the intelligence of a state, particularly a nasty one? Exactly.

Posted by: CM at April 11, 2003 10:20 AM

In spite of success to date, large number of Brits area opposed to involvement in this war - maybe a signal to the people?

Another risk is internal. Afghanistan has reverted to regional warlords already - President is more like the Mayor of Kabul.

Posted by: GaryO at April 11, 2003 10:41 AM

Makes good sense, bringing back Tornado fighter/bombers and some of the Royal Navy, if they are no longer needed. Cuts down any excess military presence in the Gulf - and saves us UK taxpayers some money !!!

The guys have done a good job - we have just seen TV footage of Tornados landing back at their RAF station in Scotland.

Thankfully, only 2 RAF flying crew were lost, in an earlier friendly-fire , Patriot missile incident.

Per ardua ad astra !

Posted by: JohninLondon at April 11, 2003 10:46 AM

Premature.

It's like deer hunting, the herd scatters on your approch, then fill back in behind you, here is alot to do in iraq yet, weeding out hidden baath party members and other extremist groups.
Like it or not, the military will have to do policing, untill police can be re established.
They should ask the Canadian RCMP to come in and do their thing, they are good at building up police, training, etc. they do great in bosnia

Posted by: Old timer at April 11, 2003 12:42 PM

But the policing will not be done by Tornadoes or by Royal Navy ships. They are now redundant to requirements, can go back to their normal station. Cuts down on the logistics of support, frees up resources for better uses, including policing and humanitarian assistance.

Posted by: JohninLondon at April 11, 2003 01:10 PM