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<p>The Army Command Review was initiated by the Chief of the General Staff with the
knowledge of Ministers. There is no intention to change the principles of Army 2020,
or to reduce the overall size of the Army.</p><p>The purpose of the review was to
improve higher command culture and structures and create a clearer distinction between
the development of strategy and the delivery of operational capability. To this end,
the Army Headquarters in Andover will be streamlined, with posts transferred into
one of two new subordinate commands: Field Army and a support command. There will
be an amended board and staff structure in the Army Headquarters. A number of cultural
improvements will also be made to make the Army more agile, responsive and efficient,
and attractive to the widest range of talent.</p><p>There are no manpower or financial
targets for this initiative, but the Army will look for opportunities during implementation
of the review to reduce senior and middle management posts where that will contribute
to greater simplicity and transparency and better align responsibility, authority
and accountability. The aim is to re-invest any savings in the front line.</p><p>The
review was conducted over four months by a team of four led by a brigadier. Although
the team drew on information from a number of sources, as an internal review there
was no formal consultation with other bodies. A slightly expanded team, led by a two-star
civil servant, will conduct the more detailed implementation. No additional costs
were incurred by conducting the review.</p><p>The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have
undertaken Command Reviews both to ensure consistency with the principles of Lord
Levene's Defence Reform Report and to reflect the nature of command responsibilities
for each Service and the contribution they make, like the Army, to Joint and Central
Defence leadership.</p><p>Reserves were considered as an integral part of each review,
reflecting the integrated nature of regulars and reserves in the 'Whole Force' concept.</p><p>The
Army will report its detailed plans for implementation to the Secretary of State for
Defence in May 2015.</p>
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