CONFIDENTIAL
Sep 93. The apparent mis-match between the OPD(K) requirement to achieve a Garrison of about 3000 (including LECS) and the figure of 2900 military personnel and 1220 LEC shown in the study was discussed. CBF made the point that the study was but a starting point and he was optimistic that a number of scrutinies, which included the Garrison budget scrutiny, the ACDS (L) tri-Service logistic review, and the AEC scrutiny would achieve lower figures. It was unrealistic to hold BFHK to exact figures at this stage. Also, there was a real need to balance reductions against human considerations and morale. This was the third time that the chain of command had had to announce significant reductions within the last 2 years, and there was a need to handle this sensibly and sensitively if the validity of the chain of command was not to be called into question.
15.
CBF dealt with three withdrawal issues:
a.
Training Policy Post 1997. HQBF HK intended to continue the policy of company- sized groups training overseas, and overseas liaison visits by RN Patrol Craft, until 1996. With only one battalion in HK from 1995 fewer countries will be visited by Army units. CBF had produced a paper for ACDS (0), outlining proposals for Far East training up to and post-1997 (to which ACDS (0) has replied, indicating general agreement and emphasising the future importance of the FPDA in formulating future training policy in the region).
CBF expressed the view that those allies who had become used to seeing British troops on a regular basis, deserved to know what they could or could not expect to see in
in the
future.
b.
JTP30. The with completion by 31 Dec 93. It is presently in the
form of a wide-ranging shopping list' but some thought it should be more limited in scope, and specifically designed for a narrower range of tasks. CBF's initial thinking was that it should retain the large 'shopping list' approach. Whatever its final form, there was a need to practise the new plan and CBF suggested that early 1995 would be about right. By then all the changes discussed earlier would have taken place and the JHQ for BFHK would be manned by those officers who will be required to implement the new plan should it be necessary. In discussion of the way in which JTP 30 would be exercised it was emphasised that (in light of the experience of trying to exercise JTP 30 in 1992) the
JTP is being re-written,
8
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JPS
HQ BFHK
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