There are now 255 people at the rank of brigadier or above in the British Army, the Liberal Democrats have revealed.
An answer to a Parliamentary Question revealed that in the Army, there are now:
With the Army currently at a trained strength of 100,000, this represents one brigadier or general for every 400 service personnel. A battalion is usually around 600 strong, and commanded by a lieutenant colonel.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson, Willie Rennie said:
"With Armed Forces spending already stretched, such a large number of top-ranking officers must be cause for concern.
"The Government needs to explain whether we really need a general or brigadier for every 400 men in the Army.
"With front-line troops low-paid and short of equipment, the MOD must make sure it can justify the number of top brass and bureaucrats there are in Britain's defence establishment."
ENDS
Notes:
1. The figures came in answer to a Parliamentary Question:
2. The latest figure for the trained strength of the Army is 100,450
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