Press Release - Support to High Intensity Operations
14 May 2009
The provision of support for troops in Iraq
and Afghanistan is made more difficult because they operate in
remote locations and harsh conditions. A report today from the
National Audit Office finds that, despite the challenging
operational environments, the MOD has successfully delivered around
300,000 personnel and 90,000 tonnes of freight to Iraq and
Afghanistan over the last two years. However, it has not
consistently met its targets for delivering supplies in a timely
fashion. The MOD is taking measures to improve the effectiveness of
its supply chain; and the amount of time a unit waits for items to
be delivered has reduced by half in Afghanistan and a third in
Iraq.
The Ministry of Defence has approved £4.2
billion to upgrade or buy new equipment to meet urgent requirements
in the two theatres. The NAO found that the availability of this
equipment has generally met or exceeded targets, though the
suspension and wheel hub reliability on the Vector vehicle has been
poor. There have been spares shortages with some fleets
particularly when the vehicle is used for a different purpose than
intended (such as the Mastiff vehicle in Afghanistan). The
availability and serviceability of helicopters has exceeded MOD
targets, although prioritisation of spare parts for operations has
led to reduced availability in the UK.
The MOD’s prioritisation of Urgent
Operational Requirements has led to shortages of equipment matching
that in theatre for Service personnel in the UK to train with. The
MOD has introduced new equipment, but numbers remain limited to
support the scale of pre-deployment training.
The MOD is responsible for providing
accommodation, medical and welfare services to Service personnel
who are on operations. Accommodation at main bases meets most needs
and personnel are generally satisfied with it, although conditions
at the smaller patrol bases are more basic. Welfare services are
also generally well delivered, although the provision at the
smaller more remote bases is lower than that provided at main
operating bases. Personnel have widespread confidence in the
medical system, which the MOD has delivered successfully. The
helicopter borne Medical Emergency Response Teams provide quick,
life-saving medical support to casualties and evacuate them
speedily to hospital.
Tim Burr, head of the National
Audit Office, said today:
“The task of supporting operations
in Iraq and Afghanistan is not an easy one. Despite this challenge,
the Ministry of Defence has had a number of successes, particularly
in providing life-saving medical treatment. But there is still more
to do. By improving the management and replenishment of stocks in
theatre and getting a clearer picture of what supplies are
available and where they are, the MOD could make real improvements
to its supply chain.”
Notes for Editors:
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Urgent Operational Requirements for
operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have included enhancements to
existing capabilities (such as modifications to helicopters, better
protection for existing vehicles and early attack warning systems
for bases) and new equipment procurement (such as Mastiff vehicles,
deployable accommodation, and communications and surveillance
equipment).
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The Vector vehicle has been used by British
Forces in Afghanistan since April 2007. It is a light, protected
patrol vehicle, based on the in-service Pinzgauer vehicle.
Originally procured specifically for Afghanistan, the MOD decided
to deploy Vector to Iraq in May 2008. The Mastiff vehicle used by
the British Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq is a six wheeled
protected patrol vehicle based on the United States Marine Corps
Cougar vehicle, with additional armour and modifications.
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There are six types of helicopter deployed
in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of the six, the Chinook, Apache, Puma and
Merlin have been able to cope consistently with the harsh
environmental conditions. The MOD has modified its Sea King
helicopters and has planned upgrades for the Lynx fleet.
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Press notices and reports are available
from the date of publication on the NAO website, which is at
http://www.nao.org.uk/.
Hard copies can be obtained from The Stationery Office on 0845 702
3474.
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The Comptroller and Auditor General, Tim
Burr, is the head of the National Audit Office which employs some
850 staff. He and the NAO are totally independent of
Government. He certifies the accounts of all Government
departments and a wide range of other public sector bodies; and he
has statutory authority to report to Parliament on the economy,
efficiency and effectiveness with which departments and other
bodies have used their resources.
Press Notice 30/09
All enquiries to Phil Groves, NAO Press
Office:
Tel: 020 7798 5339
Mobile: 07770 678 477