The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the United Kingdom plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s security and promoting global stability. Its mission statement outlines a clear mandate for the British Armed Forces, emphasizing their readiness and effectiveness in addressing a diverse range of challenges. This article provides an overview of the MoD’s mission statement and the various military tasks assigned to the UK Armed Forces.
MOD Mission Statement
“Defence policy requires the provision of forces with a high degree of military effectiveness, at sufficient readiness and with a clear sense of purpose, for conflict prevention, crisis management and combat operations. Their demonstrable capability, conventional and nuclear, is intended to act as an effective deterrent to a potential aggressor, both in peacetime and during a crisis. They must be able to undertake a range of military tasks to fulfil the missions set out below, matched to changing strategic circumstances.”
Key Missions of the UK Armed Forces
Peacetime Security
To provide forces needed in peacetime to ensure the protection and security of the Untied Kingdom, to assist as required with the evacuation of British nationals overseas, to afford Military Aid to the Civil Authorities in the United Kingdom, including Military Aid to the Civil Power, Military Aid to Other Government Departments and Military Aid to the Civil Community.
Security of the Overseas Territories
To provide forces to meet any challenges to the external security of a British Overseas Territory (including overseas possession and the Sovereign Base Areas) or to assist the civil authorities in meeting a challenge to internal security.
Defence Diplomacy
To provide forces to meet the varied activities undertaken by the Ministry of Defence to dispel hostility, build and maintain trust, and assist in the development of democratically accountable armed forces (thereby making a significant contribution to conflict prevention and resolution).
Support to Wider British Interests
To provide forces to conduct activities to promote British interests, influence and standing abroad.
Peace Support and Humanitarian Operations
To contribute forces to operations other than war in support of British interests and international order and humanitarian principles, the latter most likely under UN auspices.
Regional Conflict Outside the NATO Area
To contribute forces for a regional conflict (but on an attack on NATO or one of its members) which, if unchecked, could adversely affect European security, or which could pose a serious threat to British interests elsewhere, or to international security. Operations are usually under UN or Organisation for Security Co-operation in Europe auspices.
Regional Conflict Inside the NATO Area
To provide forces needed to respond to a regional crisis or conflict involving a NATO ally who calls for assistance under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty.
Strategic Attack on NATO
To provide, within the expected warning and readiness preparation times, the forces required to counter a strategic attack against NATO.
