A false economy (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

A false economy

1:18pm Friday 26th June 2009

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ALARM at reports that what remains of the Green Howards regiment could be finally consigned to the history books is entirely justified. The second battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment which bears the famous name and the tradition of the Green Howards – the regiment for North Yorkshire and Teesside – is said to have been earmarked for the firing squad in expected defence cuts.

The alarm many feel is not just a matter of sentimentality born of the historic connection with this area. The fact is that the Green Howards has long been one of the best recruited units in the British Army.

Although the economic situation and fast-rising unemployment means there is probably no shortage of willing recruits at present, in better times the British Army has struggled to find enough young men (and women) to fill some of its ranks. That has never been the case with the Green Howards which, because of its strong links with the local community, has always found a ready supply of recruits keen to follow an enduring local, and often a family, tradition.

Cuts clearly have to be made in the defence budget, but abolishing an Army unit which has proved itself particularly adept at renewing itself through good times and bad would seem to be a short-term false economy.

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