The infantry regiments of the British Army represent its central combat force, known for their operational versatility and deeply rooted traditions. These regiments are divided into various categories, each with distinct roles and historical significance.
Foot Guards
The Foot Guards combine ceremonial prominence with combat readiness. Each regiment fields a single regular battalion:
- Grenadier Guards
- Coldstream Guards
- Scots Guards
- Irish Guards
- Welsh Guards
Additionally, the London Guards function as a reserve unit. To fulfill public duties, such as ceremonial guard responsibilities, incremental companies from four of the Foot Guards regiments are based in London. These companies maintain the legacy of previously active battalions.
Line Infantry and Rifles
The line infantry includes numerous regiments organized into divisions, each contributing to the Army’s overall operational capability:
- Royal Regiment of Scotland: Three regular battalions and two reserve battalions.
- Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment: One regular and two reserve battalions.
- Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment: One regular and one reserve battalion.
- Royal Regiment of Fusiliers: One regular and one reserve battalion.
- Royal Anglian Regiment: Two regular and one reserve battalions.
- Royal Yorkshire Regiment: Two regular and one reserve battalions.
- Royal Welsh: One regular and one reserve battalion.
- Mercian Regiment: One regular and one reserve battalion.
- Royal Irish Regiment: One regular and one reserve battalion.
- Royal Gurkha Rifles: Two regular battalions.
- The Rifles: Four regular battalions and three reserve battalions.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland also includes a public duties company stationed in Edinburgh, dedicated to ceremonial responsibilities.
Airborne Infantry
The Army’s airborne forces are led by a specialist regiment that maintains the capability for rapid deployment. This regiment operates several units, one of which supports the UK’s Special Forces by providing advanced operational assistance.
Special Operations
The newly created Ranger Regiment consists of multiple battalions designed to perform specialized missions worldwide. This unit enhances the Army’s ability to respond to contemporary security challenges.
