ARmy Rumour SErvice

Originally Posted by ugly

If you go into our current regimental histories, many were foreign raised regiments. Its up to the JG now to become British soldiers in british regiments or not bother.

This may be true, but they are recruited from (mostly) UK. If the Ghurkas were fully integrated into the rest of the Army (like many are in the RLC, REME, AGC etc) then I think their future would be rosier.

Originally Posted by Goldbricker

Because Argies dont shit themselves when they hear Nigerians are facing them.

Very true, my experience of them was that they are a superb fighting force, but then this so called Government of ours are heading for the Drones instead, no pensions needed for them or NHS costs.The seem to think that anything American is the dog's bollocks.Maybe that's why on my return to the UK I found the shitty American sirens on our Police,Ambulance and Fire vehicles.

Another trend seems to be having American voice overs on UK adverts,don't you just love those American birds with their squeaky voices on Films etc.

Originally Posted by Atomic245

Very true, my experience of them was that they are a superb fighting force, but then this so called Government of ours are heading for the Drones instead, no pensions needed for them or NHS costs.The seem to think that anything American is the dog's bollocks.Maybe that's why on my return to the UK I found the shitty American sirens on our Police,Ambulance and Fire vehicles.

Another trend seems to be having American voice overs on UK adverts,don't you just love those American birds with their squeaky voices on Films etc.

What?

Legs, pretty much what I have been saying on the Hammond thread, they would add so much more to the British infantry regiments and those with enough time to serve should be allowed the option to transfer. All none UK nationals face the same tests when they apply to join, there should be no exceptions. If that means we get JG who can speak English in the future it should reduce misunderstandings.

Originally Posted by Legs

I'm of the opinion that the time of the Ghurkas in the British Army is coming to a close.

Think about it. They are no longer as economically viable as they were. Their wages, pensions and immigration status has seen to that. Are they any better as soldiers that the Paras, Rifles, Yorks etc? I doubt it.

If we must cut infantry numbers I think we should be more protectionist of our British Regiments, and lose the anachronism of a foreign regiment fighting for us.

Or here is a novel idea. If we must cut infantry numbers lets dump the notion of “cap badge protectionism" altogether. Survival of the fittest is the common mantra within the Infantry at bod level so why not make it the rule upon higher and ensure the most effective fighting units remain in place regardless of anything else.

British Regiments who can't even recruit or don't match up in other areas should be first on the chopping block. Any INF unit worth its salt would welcome such an approach and I'm damn sure RGR would have nothing to fear. It's probably worth dumping the "but they're foreign" stance as there are thousands of foreigners propping up supposed British Regiments.

Out of interest can anyone genuinely provide any credible source to prove that RGR are less cost effective than any other Line Infantry Regiment? Considering the running costs of a single RGR Bn is always covered by the Sultan of Brunei's wallet then I can't help but think 2 Bns for the price of 1 is good economics.

Seeing how we cant ever use the Bn in Brunei unless its for Brunei that is a false premise.
The JG should be allowed to stay but integrated, keep Brunei as a posting and trickle troops in and out if they volunteer!
There have been massive changes to the Army's regtl structure since the end of WW2 and mostly it was needed. this time however there is a need to balance forces properly. Allow JG to stay alongside the F&C troops but integrate them. There is really no longer any need for regimental ties to areas, wartime (proper national emergency) would put paid to that. There were 4 or 5 JG Bns when I was a young SLR carrying Ugly and not one of them could take its place in the UK orbat for NI or BAOR. They have since been used in Aghanistan and proven their worth but should we need a Bn to deploy to a Eauropean country again could wee use JG? Integrated we could but segregated I doubt it!

Originally Posted by Honky Tonk Donk

Or here is a novel idea. If we must cut infantry numbers lets dump the notion of “cap badge protectionism" altogether. Survival of the fittest is the common mantra within the Infantry at bod level so why not make it the rule upon higher and ensure the most effective fighting units remain in place regardless of anything else.

British Regiments who can't even recruit or don't match up in other areas should be first on the chopping block. Any INF unit worth its salt would welcome such an approach and I'm damn sure RGR would have nothing to fear. It's probably worth dumping the "but they're foreign" stance as there are thousands of foreigners propping up supposed British Regiments.

Out of interest can anyone genuinely provide any credible source to prove that RGR are less cost effective than any other Line Infantry Regiment? Considering the running costs of a single RGR Bn is always covered by the Sultan of Brunei's wallet then I can't help but think 2 Bns for the price of 1 is good economics.

I agree with the survival of the fittest and I'm pretty sure at least 3 of the Foot Guards Regiments would be safe from the chop. But would the RGR do so well on external courses if they didn't have a Ghurka DS who can explain things to them in Nepalese?

But I don't see how you can call to save the RGR but call for an end to "cap badge protectionism".

I say the army must evolve to meet these challenges, perhaps we need to look at losing regiments all together and just becoming the corps of Inf/armour etc?

FULL INTEGRATION! without it its all a giant exercise in tribal protectionism!