British Army Strength March 2025

[Whyperion]

The GB News Website reports
British Army officers are considering quitting as they have been told they must wait over a decade for a promotion as “bloated” senior-ranking soldiers are blocking their progression.

Speaking to The Times, young officers have revealed they are considering leaving their posts due to “bottlenecks” preventing them from rising in the ranks.

This comes as the army has fewer than 74,000 soldiers - which is the smallest it has been in centuries.

Analysis of the army’s “Future Soldier” programme has found that 140 officers hold the rank of brigadier but there are only 32 brigade-level units.

The army has 44 major generals, 10 lieutenant generals and three generals

While I was in favour of the "peace dividend" something does look as if a doubling of general forces could be in order. restoring cut regiments, etc could help with training in the new challenges ahead. I also see the Army as a good first line of "overseas aid" and indeed domestic resiliance to flood , training for mountain rescue, helicopter training (air ambluance ) rehabilitation and medical training and so on , so its more than a gun killing force but a response to the challenges of the unexpected. There is probably no need to step up the numbers of "bands" or "dress uniform" parade specialists but drone operators and logistics are going to be key things in any kind of forward "peace keeping" roles.