Great Britain will reduce the army by 20%

The British Ministry of Defense planned the largest reform of the Armed Forces in 100 years. In particular, we are talking about by 2020 of the number of military personnel by 20% - from 102 thousand to 82 thousand people, BBC reports on Thursday.

If the reform is carried out, then the number of military will be half of the number of the British Army of the Cold War - then it totaled more than 163 thousand people.

In addition, the reform includes an increase in the number of reservists to 30 thousand people, as well as a revision of the composition of the regiments. So five out of 36 infantry battalions will be abolished, four armored units will unite in two, and maintenance personnel will be reduced by 30%.

According to the British Minister of Defense Philip Hammond, in the future the army will mainly rely on reservists, allies and private firms attracted under contracts. Military personnel will also be involved, who will work for half -time - they will not stay for the night in the barracks.

Nevertheless, according to the minister, the UK and in the future will have "effective and well -armed military force."