News story

Armed forces on standby

Military personnel have completed training to prepare for a possible role during the planned Fire Brigades Union strike this weekend.

• From: Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, and The Rt Hon Sir Michael Fallon
• Published: 1 November 2014

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Armed forces personnel carry out fire training back in 2013

Troops with specialist fire-fighting skills have been prepared at the request of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

If called upon, the deployed personnel will be a mixture of professional Royal Navy and Royal Air Force firefighters supported by fully trained Army crew members. They will be using civilian fire-fighting appliances.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:

I am pleased that our armed forces are able to offer a supporting role throughout the planned strikes. It reflects the professionalism and can-do attitude of our military that they can provide a high standard of service if required.

The Ministry of Defence frequently plans for a range of contingencies which might be required to support other government departments.

The Standing Joint Commander, Lieutenant General James Everard said:

I am confident that our soldiers, sailors and airmen, should they be called upon, are well prepared and trained to be able to support DCLG. This is an important task we have been asked to assist with and highlights the role Defence can play in UK resilience.

Published 1 November 2014