In January this year the Metrix Consortium were declared the Preferred Bidder for Package 1 of the DTR Programme, but in view of significant remaining affordability challenges, only provisional Preferred Bidder for Package 2. Since then we have been exploring with the Bidder possible synergies and economies of scale across the whole programme.
Significant work has been completed, but has not yet been concluded. Once it is, I expect to make a statement later this year.
All members of Her Majesty’s armed forces must comply with the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), including in the handling and treatment of detainees. The United Kingdom is required by international law to ensure that instruction on LOAC is included in training programmes for the armed forces.
Instruction on LOAC takes place during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training for all Service personnel. Thereafter, Service personnel receive further training at a level and frequency appropriate for their rank, responsibility and force readiness status.
Mandatory LOAC training is included in pre-deployment training for all Service personnel. In addition, Service personnel who deploy receive a presentation on theatre-specific guidance and instruction as part on their initial orientation package and a subsequent practical test.
For those units who have been detailed to provide a guard service at the Divisional Internment Facility in Iraq, additional specialist training is provided by staff from the Military Corrective Training Centre and HQ Provost Marshall (Army).