Thousands resign from Britain's reserve army amid concern over Iraq

[deadparrot]

LONDON (AFP) - Nearly 16,000 troops have quit Britain's reserve army since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, a newspaper reported.

The Daily Telegraph report, which was based on a Freedom of Information Act request, said there was a feeling that dangerous operations in Iraq and other places played a role in making soldiers decide to leave the Territorial Army.

The TA has been used widely to support regular units in Iraq, the Balkans and Afghanistan.

The figures obtained by the Scottish National Party show that between October 2003 and October 2005, the Territorial Army lost 15,670 soldiers who have been replaced by 13,570 new recruits, a shortfall of 2,100.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/iraqbritainmilitary

[cliss]

1. That's an unbelievable figure.

16,000? That's more than they even have troops over in Iraq and Afghanistan. I believe the current count is 8,500 troops in both countries (?)

I also believe the UK is scheduled to leave Iraq permanently by June of this year....which is now.

[Tiggeroshii]

3. 16000over a few years. They were replaced but lost 2000 in alln/t

[Tiggeroshii]

2. Wow.

[Moderator]

4. DUplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=2338781