A modern army
There was more volunteering in response to the threat of French invasion in the 1860s, but the second Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902 suggested that the militia, volunteers and yeomanry could not reinforce the Regular Army with sufficient trained personnel to convert a small professional force into one that could win a major war.
'The British Army of the early 21st century, smaller than for much of its history, is hard-pressed to meet the many demands placed upon it ...'
A series of post-war reforms, the most important initiated by RB Haldane, Secretary of State for War in the Liberal Government that took office in December 1905, saw the creation of a general staff, the restructuring of the Regular Army so to create an expeditionary force to be sent abroad at short notice, and the fusion of the various non-Regular forces into the Territorial Force, later to be renamed the Territorial Army. From the 1870s, the Regular Army had a reserve of its own, as men who had completed their time with the colours could be called up in a crisis.
This pattern of Regulars, Regular Reservists and Territorials remains evident today. However, repeated reductions in the size of the Territorial Army and the increasing use of its members on operations has produced strains within a force asked to do more with less. The British Army of the early 21st century, smaller than for much of its history, is hard-pressed to meet the many demands placed upon it, though it still meets them with distinction.
Modern campaigns fit into a historical pattern of infrequent major wars but frequent activity. While there is no longer a British Empire to defend, there are still permanent overseas garrisons in places such as Germany, Gibraltar and Cyprus. Many multi-national peacekeeping forces, such as those in Bosnia and Kosovo, include British contingents, and specific campaigns - such as those in Iraq and the intervention in Afghanistan - also involve British troops.
Published: 2005-02-28
