US Fears Over Cuts In British Defence -- The Telegraph
Defence cuts will leave the British Army “dependent” on its US counterparts, a senior American commander has warned.
General Ray Odierno revealed that he has repeatedly raised concerns with British defence chiefs that Britain’s shrinking forces will be unable to work alongside the Americans.
Gen Odierno’s comments come as ministers fight over a fresh round of spending reductions that could force another round of defence cuts.
The British Army is losing 20,000 regular posts, shrinking to 82,000 soldiers by 2015. Armoured units, including the Desert Rats, are losing their tanks.
Gen Odierno said that such cuts are already jeopardising US-UK joint operations, and leaving the British reliant on American forces.
“As the British Army continues to reduce in size we’ve had several conversations about keeping them integrated in what we’re trying to do,” he said.
Read more ....
My Comment: If present trends continue .... joint U.S. - U.K. operations will be a thing of the past.
Update: Army Chief Outlines Worries About Allies, Terrorism, Budgets -- Defense News