Destination Iraq for UK soldiers

Crack UK soldiers are standing by for war in the desert

By Paul Adams BBC Defence Correspondent

Across the Atlantic, another rush of publicity surrounding the Pentagon's military plans for Iraq.

But in Whitehall? Nothing. A resounding silence about a deployment that could be just around the corner.

"No political decisions have been made," is the standard response to queries regarding Britain's military preparations.

There is plenty of talk about "contingency plans" but little else.

On the ground, with US men and armour converging on the region, there is little sign of British movement or preparation.

Click here to see US plans for Iraq war

But if and when the war comes, there is no doubt UK forces will be involved, probably in substantial numbers.

Royal Marines would play a key role

In strictly military terms, American forces do not need British help; they are more than capable of taking on Iraq single-handed.

But senior Whitehall sources say Britain's involvement is "a political matter."

An announcement could come next week. Officials say it is unlikely any decisions will be made public before Saddam Hussein accepts or rejects UN Security Council Resolution 1441.

It is likely elements of the UK's 1st Armoured Division, based in Germany, will form the backbone of the British force.

This could include the 7th Armoured Brigade (the famous "Desert Rats"), based at Bergen, Norway, and the 4th Armoured Brigade, based in Osnabruck, Germany.

Both are designed for rapid reaction operations.

The force would come with about 100 Challenger main battle tanks, as well as armoured personnel carriers and mobile artillery.

But the heavy armour designed for use in northern Europe needs to be "desertised" before it can be used.

Senior military sources say it will take more than two months to transport the tanks to the Gulf and prepare them for action.

Armoured divisions will form the backbone of UK forces

Other units, including 16 Air Assault and the Royal Marines, will be pushing to participate.

Special forces

The role of special forces will be crucial and the SAS and SBS can expect to play an important part in a campaign.

Other key contributions are likely to include air-to-air refuelling tankers and specialist de-mining operations in the waters of the Gulf.

Some US reports have suggested British troops will be involved in establishing a presence in Kurdish-dominated northern Iraq - part of a strategy to of take over parts of the country and apply pressure on the rest.

Other British forces could perform a similar function in the south, where the city of Basra is regarded as a likely early target.

Once they are there, how long do British troops stay in Iraq? In the words of a senior official: "It's inconceivable there won't be a long term commitment."