CONFIDENTIAL
2ND DRAFT
5.
During 1973 and 1974, Headquarters United Kingdom Land Forces
undertook a review of the TAVR to ascertain, within currently
defined roles and resources, the scope for improvements in organisa-
tion and functioning. The review committee recommended improvements
in the terms and conditions of service of the TAVR and in the
organisation of certain units. Many of the recommendations have
already been implemented and those involving the re-organisation of
units will become effective during 1975.
6.
Ĺ 7
The TAVR reached a record strength of 59,500 during 1972. This
had declined to on 1 January 1975, but it is hoped that this
Spring's recruitment campaign will lead to an improvement in the
manning situation.
THE ULSTER DEFENCE REGIMENT
7. The part-time Ulster Defence Regiment forms an integral part
of the security forces in Northern Ireland and its growing profess-
ionalism has enabled it to play an increasingly important role in
anti-terrorist operations in support of the Regular Army.
8.
The recruitment of women to the Regiment began in August 1973.
The women's primary task is searching women for explosives and
weapons, but they are also undertaking administrative work. This
has enabled more men to be released for operational duties.
9. The overall strength of the Regiment on 1 January 1975 was CJ, including [ 7 women.
Ľ
[
During 1973 and 1974 ]
members of the Regiment were killed as a direct result of terrorist
activity, making a total of E
formation in 1970. 7
deaths since the Regiment's
ROYAL NAVY AND ROYAL MARINES
RESERVE FORCES
10.
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Reserve Forces consist of the
-
54 -
CONFIDENTIAL