The following table illustrates the Establishment and Trained Strength of qualified medical personnel in the three single Services as at 1 July 2006.
Single Service Establishment Trained strength Royal Navy 1,310 1,310 Army 4,680 3,490 Royal Air Force 1,750 1,660 Notes: 1. Figures are as at 1 July 2006. 2. Figures are rounded to nearest 10. 3. Figures include some staff working out of specialty in headquarter posts. Source: DMSD
As explained in a previous answer to the hon. Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey) on 4 September 2006, Official Report, column 1692W, “Establishment” is the listing of an individual unit’s funded appointments/posts.
It is different to the “Requirement”, which is those posts necessary to support Defence Planning Assumptions. In light of the defence planning assumptions contained in Defence Strategic Guidance 05, revised manning requirement figures are expected to be available before the end of this year. The new requirement figures will indicate the number and type of Defence Medical Services (DMS) personnel necessary to support operations and those needed in non-operational posts requiring uniformed personnel.