The force package that will deploy to Iraq during this roulement will see the lead formation, currently 1 Mechanised Brigade, replaced by 4 Mechanised Brigade, which will provide the majority of UK forces from 1 December 2007.
In February, the then Prime Minister set out our plans for Iraq in 2007, centring on changes to the posture of UK forces in Basra in Multi-National Division – South East (MND-SE) and consequent force level reductions. UK forces have transferred control of a number of bases in and around Basra to the 10th Division of the Iraqi Army. We expect to complete the final part of these plans, involving the transfer of control of Basra Palace to the Iraqi authorities, before this roulement takes place. As a result UK force levels in Iraq will fall to around 5,000 troops.
The force package we deploy in November/December will depend on conditions on the ground, in particular the security situation in the south and progress on handover of security responsibility to the Iraqi civil authorities in Basrah province. We will continue to keep UK force levels in Iraq under review.
The units deploying as part of 4 Mechanised Brigade are as follows:
- 4th Mechanised Brigade Headquarters and 204 Signal Squadron
- The Royal Dragoon Guards
- 1st Battalion Scots Guards
- The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland
- 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (King's, Lancashire and Border)
- 1st Battalion The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment (1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment as of 1 September 2007)
- 21 Engineer Regiment
- 12 Logistic Support Regiment, The Royal Logistics Corps
- 1 Close Support Medical Regiment
- Elements of 845 Naval Air Squadron (Sea King)
- Elements of 847 Naval Air Squadron (Lynx)
- D Battery, 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
- K Battery, 5th Regiment Royal Artillery
- Elements of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)
- 62 Works Group Royal Engineers, 523 Specialist Team Royal Engineers (Works)
- Elements of 3rd (UK) Division Signal Regiment, The Royal Corps of Signals
Elements of 1st (UK) Armoured Division Signal Regiment, The Royal Corps of Signals
- Elements of 10th Signal Regiment, The Royal Corps of Signals
Elements of 14th Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare), The Royal Corps of Signals
- Elements of 21st Signal Regiment (Air Support), The Royal Corps of Signals
- Elements of 6 Supply Regiment, The Royal Logistics Corps
- Elements of 16 Tank Transporter Squadron, 7 Transport Regiment, The Royal Logistics Corps
- Elements of 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, The Royal Logistics Corps
- Elements of 84 Medical Supply Squadron, 9 Supply Regiment, The Royal Logistics Corps
- Elements of 150 Transport Regiment (Volunteers), The Royal Logistics Corps
- Elements of 24 Postal, Courier and Movement Regiment, The Royal Logistics Corps
- Elements of 29 Postal, Courier and Movement Regiment, The Royal Logistics Corps
- Elements of 148 Expeditionary Forces Institute Squadron (Volunteers), The Royal Logistics Corps
- Elements of 1 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
- 115 Provost Company, 1st Provost Regiment, Royal Military Police
- Elements of 102 Military Working Dog Support Unit, Royal Army Veterinary Corps
- Elements of 1 Military Intelligence Brigade
- No 28 (AC) Squadron, Royal Air Force (Merlin)
- 619 Tactical Air Control Party, Royal Air Force
- 627 Tactical Air Control Party, Royal Air Force
Members of the reserve forces will continue to deploy to Iraq as part of this force package, and we expect to issue around 420 call-out notices to fill approximately 340 posts. Most will deploy to theatre in November and serve on operations for six to seven months, although some may have shorter tours. As part of this commitment, we expect up to 10 members of the sponsored reserves to be in theatre at any one time.