British Future Army Restructuring Approved

UK Ministry of Defence, Royal Assent has been given by Her Majesty The Queen for new regimental titles in the Infantry, UK Defence Secretary, John Reid announced today. 
 
The changes are part of the Future Army Structure (FAS) which is developing a more deployable, agile and flexible Army. This new structure is now reflected in the titles of the new multi-battalion regiments. 
 
After months of consultation with the regiments, the agreed title changes evolved from those announced on 16 December 2004 are: 
 
— The King's Own Royal Border Regiment, The King's Regiment and The Queen's Lancashire Regiment will form a new regiment to be known as The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (King's, Lancashire and Border). On formation in July 2006 the new regiment will have 3 regular battalions with the TA battalion known as 4 LANCS, until the 3 regular battalions merge to form 1 LANCS and 2 LANCS in March 2007 allowing 4 LANCS to assume the vacant title of 3 LANCS. 
 
— The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry, The Light Infantry and The Royal Green Jackets will form a new regiment, to be known as The Rifles. The Rifles will comprise five Regular battalions and two TA battalions. 
 
— The Scottish Division consists of the new Royal Regiment of Scotland; The King's Division will now be made up of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (King's, Lancashire and Border) and The Yorkshire Regiment (14th/15th/19th and 33rd/76th Foot); The Prince of Wales' Division will now comprise The Mercian Regiment and The Royal Welsh. 
 
— In accordance with the Territorial Army (TA) restructuring announcement made in December 2004, the King's and Cheshire Regiment will be merged. The companies will be re-allocated to neighbouring TA battalions. 
 
Mr John Reid, said: 
 
“This restructuring is part of our strategy to provide a truly robust and expeditionary Army. It is the next step in modernising the Army into a fully deployable force. It is essential to ensure that we are structured to provide the most powerful capability possible from the resources available. 
 
“There has been a constant process of change and regeneration in the Army, in which new organisations have been created, drawing from previous military renown, while developing their own traditions and reputations. 
 
“The planned changes to the infantry are well underway to ensure the Army is fit for the challenges of the 21st Century and remains amongst the best in the world.” 
 
General Sir Mike Jackson, Chief of the General Staff, said: 
 
“The Army has consulted extensively to find the best names for the new regiments, taking into consideration history and their role in the Army. 
 
“I am confident that these changes will contribute significantly towards our ability to deliver a truly robust and expeditionary Army. It will also provide for better career management for the infantry, and greater stability and predictability of life for their families.”  
 
Background Information and Notes:
 
1) New working titles were announced by the Secretary of State on 16 December 2004, which was followed by a consultation period amongst the regiments and their wider regimental constituencies. 
 
2) There are no changes to the Regiments of Foot Guards, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, The Royal Irish Regiment, The Parachute Regiment, The Royal Gurkha Rifles and The London Regiment. (ends)  
 
 
For Details of the Restructuring, Please Click here for the complete document in PDF.