LIGHT CAVALRY REGIMENT AND ARMOURED REGIMENT (TYPE 56)

LIGHT CAVALRY REGIMENT

Expect the Light Cavalry Regiments to have a similar structure to the Armoured Cavalry Regiments based around 3 x Sabre Squadrons (each with 16 x Jackal) with a total unit strength figure of figure of 402 personnel. These regiments will provide a mobile tactical reconnaissance capability in both mounted and dismounted roles and maintain a close relationship their partnered Army Reserve Yeomanry Regiment. In the main Light Cavalry Regiments will be equipped with Jackal and Coyote vehicles while the majority of vehicles in the Yeomanry Regiments will be WMIK (Protected Patrol Vehicles) with possibly some Foxhound..

ARMOURED REGIMENT (TYPE 56)

The UK operates 227 x Challenger 2 main battle tanks with 168 in three operational regiments. The remaining 59 are used for training or are held in reserve. All three Challenger 2 Regiments are located side by side at Tidworth in Hampshire sharing common support and training facilities.

Main battle tanks will continue to provide a crucial combat capability in all armies of the future. The Armoured Regiment provides fire support to other arms (especially infantry on the objective) and the destruction of opposing armour.

The following diagram shows the current outline structure of an Armoured Regiment equipped with Challenger 2 main battle tanks. A Challenger 2 Regiment with three Squadrons of main battle tanks would have an all up total of 56 tanks when deployed for war.

Notes:
Tank Troop commanded by 2Lt/Lt with Troop Sergeant as 2ic in own tank. The third tank is commanded by a Corporal.
Totals: 56 x CR2, 8 x SCIMITAR, 4 x CHARRV. Total unit strength for war is approx 587.
A Challenger 2 has a crew of 4 Commander, Driver, Gunner and Loader/Operator.
After extensive upgrades Challenger 2 will probably stay in service for another 20 years.

Armoured Regiments (Type 56) will also take part in a three year readiness cycle with a training year that will include live firing and include some simulated training such as CATT and CAST. The Regiment will take in a major battle Group in Canada (BATUS) with live firing and tactical engagement simulation.

The Royal Wessex Yeomanry has five squadrons, is equipped with Challenger 2 and provides trained tank crews to support the three T56 Regiments in 3 United Kingdom Division.