There are now 255 people at the rank of brigadier or above in the British Army, the Liberal Democrats have revealed.

An answer to a Parliamentary Question revealed that in the Army, there are now:
* 190 brigadiers - up from 170 in 1997
* 43 major generals
* 17 lieutenant generals - up from 10 in 1997
* 5 generals

With the Army currently at a trained strength of 100,000, this represents one brigadier or general for every 400 service personnel. A battalion is usually around 600 strong, and commanded by a lieutenant colonel.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson, Willie Rennie said:

"With Armed Forces spending already stretched, such a large number of top-ranking officers must be cause for concern.

"The Government needs to explain whether we really need a general or brigadier for every 400 men in the Army.

"With front-line troops low-paid and short of equipment, the MOD must make sure it can justify the number of top brass and bureaucrats there are in Britain's defence establishment."

ENDS

Notes:

1. The figures came in answer to a Parliamentary Question:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm091103/text...

2. The latest figure for the trained strength of the Army is 100,450
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm091214/text...