Spearhead Land Element
The Spearhead Lead Element (SLE), sometimes referred to as the Spearhead Land Element, is one of two high-readiness components of the British Armed Forces under the operational control of the Permanent Joint Headquarters, with the other being the Spearhead Naval Element (SNE). It is typically a battle group formed around a light infantry battalion, or Commando, with force elements from other arms allocated.
The SLE is oriented towards low and medium-intensity operations such as regional security, disaster-relief or non-combatant evacuation.
Deployment
Initial force elements required to deploy from the base location within 24 hours are the Headquarters company, high-readiness company and associated logistic enablers. The remaining force will be required to deploy within 48 hours.[1]
The SLE is nominated for a six-month period to avoid burnout and for maintenance of capability.
Maintaining readiness
Maintaining the highest
Partial list of nominated SLE battalions
- 2009 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment[3]
- 2009 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment[4]
- 2008 3rd Battalion, The Rifles[5]
- 2006 2nd Battalion, The Light Infantry
- 2005 1st Battalion Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment[6]
- 2003 42 Commando, Royal Marines[7]
- 2003 1st Battalion, Royal Green Jackets[8]
Spearhead in popular culture
- Spearhead - British television drama series 1978-1981
References
- ^ Ministry of Defence annual report 2005-2006
- ^ Ministry of Defence annual report 2005-2006
- ^ Royal Irish prepare to Spearhead UK's emergency response
- ^ Hansard, House of Commons Written Answers 21 January 2009
- ^ Hansard, House of Commons Written Answers 21 January 2009
- ^ Ministry of Defence annual report 2005-2006
- ^ Hansard, Written Ministerial Statements Monday 8 September 2003
- ^ Hansard, Written Ministerial Statements Monday 8 September 2003