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C.
The relationship between AE/IUR mix and Unit Establishment (UE) to meet the requirements of the above 2 studies.
These aspects are addressed at Annex F.
COMMAND, CONTROL AND COMMUNICATIONS
62. Once the garrison reduces to 3 battalions, it may no longer be either necessary or justifiable to maintain 48 Gurkha Infantry Brigade as a separate force; there could be merit in re-locating a reduced staff alongside HQBF, whilst retaining a small tactical HQ capability. At that stage also, it might be possible to make commensurate reductions in the HQ BF Staff itself but, equally, it may be necessary to strengthen the joint-service element of the HQ to plan and coordinate the withdrawal. Finally, communications will be vital, and to re-locate them out of the Prince of Wales building would be difficult and costly.
63. As the final withdrawal approaches, the level of signal traffic and secure speech connections to and from UK is likely to increase. It is important therefore that strategic communication bearer systems and the necessary communications manpower should remain available, including those of Cable and Wireless. It will be necessary to ensure the availability of these facilities during the final period. The final withdrawal may need to be supported by mobile SATCOM terminals and by DCN HF Contingency Rear Links (CRLS) possibly via Australia and/or
New Zealand.
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GENERAL
ANCILLARY PLANNING FACTORS
64.
Having addressed the broad constituents of the withdrawal plan there are a number of related ancillary matters which play an important part in future detailed planning. The principal issues relate to Defence Lands and MOD property, are discussed at
Annex G and summarised below:
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