CONFIDENT IAL
2ND DRAFT
are expected to reduce the present planned deployment times by one
third.
48.
During 1973-74, a review of the Territorial Army and
Volunteer Reserve (TAVR) was conducted to complete the process of
re-organisation which has taken place over the past decade. This
review was carried out within the framework of current TAVR resources,
and its recommendations, which are now being implemented, will
enhance the efficiency of the Reserve both in its NATO role, and
within its home defence tasks. In addition to this, a further two
TAVR infantry battalions and two squadrons of the Honourable
Artillery Company are being made ready for deployment to SACEUR in
an emergency. Final shape may depend on TAVR piece in revised Chapter IV. J
MANPOWER
Service Manpower
49. The raising of the school leaving age had a marked effect on
the recruiting figures for 1973-74 when only 20,000 Servicemen were
recruited, There has been some recovery in the current year when
33,000 recruits are expected. Recruitment is, however, still below
the peak of 39,000 Servicemen reached in 1971-72. Recruiting
difficulties have not so far caused any serious shortage in trained
strengths. True of the Army? Detailed manpower figures are
in Annex
J.
Civilian Manpower
50. The number of civilian staff for whom provision has been made in the Defence Estimates on 1 April 1975 is 296,000 7, approxi- mately 3,000 7 fewer than the equivalent provision at 1 April 1974.
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CONFIDENTIAL
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