Shropshire regiment expansion plans are revealed
A Shropshire-based regiment will expand following an announcement by the Secretary of State for Defence.
Sir Michael Fallon has announced that The Royal Irish Regiment in Tern Hill, near Market Drayton, will increase in size.
The regiment will also become part of a new infantry division, with the Royal Welsh and the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The announcement was part of Army 2020, which was included in the Strategic Defence and Security 2015 Review.
A statement from the Royal Irish said: "The announcement confirms that the barracks will close in 2022 and the Royal Irish will move to a new location.
"There has been no decision yet as to where this new location will be.
"The regiment will also become part of a new infantry division, with the Royal Welsh and the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
"This new division will bring regular and reserve posting opportunities for our soldiers within the armoured, mechanised, light role and new specialised infantry career fields.We are excited that The Royal Irish Regiment is growing and the career opportunities this will bring. We will keep you updated of any further changes."
Two years ago the regiment took delivery of new types of armoured vehicles after officially changing its focus from an air to a ground assault organisation.
Until 2014 it mainly roped or dropped into action from helicopters, but then officially changed its designation to a light-armoured vehicle based group.
The changes were part of the ongoing UK-wide restructuring plan known as Army 2020.
Since 2014 the regiment has been known as a light protected mobility battalion operating from a range of new vehicles, including the Foxhound.
The recent announcement by Sir Fallon says the regiment will convert to light role infantry.
The battalion will also increase in size, growing by three rifle platoons and some positions within the quartermaster's department.
The number of reservists from the regiment's 2nd Battalion will also grow by three platoons.
Meanwhile members of the regiment have just arrived in Afghanistan ready to start their eight-month mission.
The soldiers are in the country to provide security, training and support.
They will be based around three main places – the airport, centre of Kabul and in the national army academy.
