Ranger Regiment stood up to operate in high-threat environments
The Rangers will be seeded from the Army’s four Specialised Infantry Battalions and will form the core of the British Army’s new special operations Brigade.
Over the next four years, a share of £120 million will be invested into the unit, enabling it to undertake traditional Special Forces roles. They can be expected to be involved in collective deterrence such as training, advising, enabling and accompanying partner forces.
In addition to the Rangers, the Security Force Assistance Brigade will deploy globally to provide training and advice to allied and partner nations. It will contain specialised infantry units with the ability to draw personnel and expertise from across the Army.
This announcement follows publication of the Integrated Review — the most comprehensive articulation of a defence, foreign and national security approach published by a British Government in decades.
As part of the Integrated Review, the Army will modernise to form a more agile and integrated force able to exploit Defence’s network across the globe delivering vital capabilities in the most-contested environments.
The Defence Command Paper published this week outlines further details on how Defence will adapt and modernise to meet future threats.
Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace said:
“The best way to prevent conflict and deter our adversaries is to work alongside partners to strengthen their security and resilience. These Ranger battalions will be at the vanguard at a more active and engaged armed forces.”
Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith said:
“The Army Special Operations Brigade is designed to operate alongside both regular and irregular partners and proxies in high-threat and hostile environments.
“Consisting of four specialist battalions, the Army Ranger Regiment will be the vanguard of the Army’s global footprint.”
