It comes as quite a surprise to read that the Chief Defence Staff has announced a review of senior officers above the rank of Colonel.
Such a review is long overdue, as is the action to reduce the number of similar ranks in the other services.
In July 2012 I wrote to Justin Tomlinson MP and pointed out that reducing army manpower by 20% should result in a significant reduction in the number of red tab officers, that is those of the rank of colonel and above; and yet on the same day a total of 24 Brigadier General appointments were announced.
Currently we have more Generals than tanks, Admirals than ships and I suspect more Air ranks than aircraft. However, I wonder how many promotions are made in a senior officer’s twilight years simply to ensure a higher level of pension can be paid?
Des Morgan Caraway Drive, Swindon
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