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Defence Training Review (DTR) package 1 ministerial announcement

On 7 January 2010, the armed forces minister Bill Rammell made the following announcement regarding the future of DTR package 1.

“I am announcing today an update to the key project timescales for the Defence Training Review Package 1 project. My predecessor announced on 9 October 2008, Official Report, column 457, that an investment decision was expected in spring 2009, with contract signature following approximately 15 months later. Plans have advanced considerably, but the work has exceeded the assumptions made in 2008 and hence the change to when the investment decision will be taken. It is not uncommon for a project of this complexity and size to experience delays, but the project is under constant review to ensure it meets value for money requirements. The benefits the project will deliver are very considerable and include: real savings against existing defence budgets over the next 30 years; enhanced operational effectiveness through the use of modern teaching techniques in a purpose built tri-service defence technical college delivered through a single PFI contract; the release of 1,200 service personnel for duties in the front-line commands, helping reduce pressure on operations; significant capital investment in living accommodation through the provision of 3,240 single accommodation and 483 married quarters; the delivery of further efficiencies through site rationalisation and efficient use of the estate, including the reuse of some accommodation for units returning from Germany.

I can announce today that the project is on track for an investment decision in the summer.”

Yet more delays and uncertainty

The announcement – or indeed the non announcement is just one more in a string of such messages. The further delay in the programme means that the implementation date will be forced back to at least October 2011.

Military commentators have already expressed the belief that the original plans have had to be drastically altered to reflect the new financial realities, post the near collapse of the banking system.

Quality jobs for the people of the Vale of Glamorgan?

Many PCS members will recall that cheerleader of DTR- John Smith MP, telling the people of South Wales in the media that the project was going to bring thousands of high quality and highly skilled jobs to the area. Our union always challenged this bit of spin and now we have been supported by a statement from Metrix themselves. One news report stated:

“The consortium behind the scheme, Metrix, has said around 2,200 jobs would be created, most in security, cleaning and catering, with around 800 building workers employed during the four-year construction period.”

Our union does not believe that these jobs are those local MPs are so keen to pretend are going to be available to local people.

Tories just as bad

Whilst the PCS campaign has benefited from the support of local MPs of different political hues, a recent statement by David Cameron said,

“The point is everyone wants this to go ahead, every party is committed to making this work,”

Clearly, like many Labour MPs, the Tories are out of touch with what makes defence training tick - the hard working men and women of the instructional teams who have said time and again that they will not transfer to a privateer.

PCS fights on

The government, MoD and Metrix would like nothing more than for our union to drop its opposition to this privatisation. But PCS is committed to carrying on the fight, which we believe we can win.

The DTR campaign committee meets this month to map out future strategies that will involve our members in the defence colleges in protecting their jobs, quality training and the lives of service personnel.

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