Special Forces Support Group Short On Troops?

14.11.2007

Recent written answers to parliamentary questions to the Secretary of State for Defence have revealed that the Special Forces Support Group is currently undermanned.

A reading of Hansard for the 12th of November, the written record of UK parliamentary procedures, reveals that the 1 Para element of the SFSG is under strength to the tune of some 70 ranks, with only 490 of the required 580 slots filled.

The SFSG is made up mostly of 1 Para troops, augmented by a Company of Royal Marines and elements from the RAF Regiment. The unit provides high-end infantry support to UKSF operations. The SFSG is believed to be supporting the SAS, deployed as Task Force Black, in Iraq and the SBS who are deployed to Afghanistan

Under manning is apparently a problem for many other British infantry units, including the Parachute Regiment and the Guards.

Further reading:
House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 12 Nov 2007 (pt 0013):
(Hansard)

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