I wonder if better Naval Gunfire support and more shipped based avaition support (Harriers/F-35/attack helicopters) would not be a better option for the Royal Marines instead of 155s. Retaining the old British carriers as LPHs would certainly a cheaper otion though I don't have much knowledge of what the troop berthing and training space would be like. I think that may be an obstacle. I feel a better option would to be go with a purpose built LHD/LHA type ship which the UK could also use as a light carrier if needed since they are going to operate V/STOL F-35s like the US Marne Corps. Also with an LPH you you are esentially limited to Helicopter insertions although in 1979 I know the Marne Corps did transfer Marines via landing nets to LCMs from the hanger deck of the LPH-3 USS Okinawa. An LHD/LHA gives you more flexibility.

No need for landing nets on the current RN LPH - Ocean has a ramp (from a vehicle bay) to take troops / vehicles down into landing craft / mexifloats. It's not a dock, but it can still do a certain amount of the job..

>>the current RN LPH - Ocean has a ramp (from a vehicle bay) to take troops / vehicles down into landing craft / mexifloats. It's not a dock, but it can still do a certain amount of the job.<< Yes, but the Carriers like the Invincible lack that ability so that would limit their flexibility if converted to that role. Of course there is still the question of space for troops and their equipment on the carriers that may make their long term use as an LPH questionable.

RN website: 'Another major role for the CVS concerns the use of support helicopters in aid of amphibious or other air manoeuvre operations – not dissimilar to how HMS Ocean operates as a Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH). This role is not compatible for a CVS tasked as a MarStrike platform, however, in times of operational need, a strategic decision to re-roll a CVS as a second LPH could be taken.' The Ark Royal, Illustrious and Invincible can accomodate 500 marines each according to Naval-Technology. I have read a surge figure of 960, but can't find a source just now. Extending service life beyond 2015 would take another refit, so they could be optimised further. A 30 knot LPH seems over the top, so maybe some extra space could be found there??

How does the MEU aggregate up to a MEB. I understand that the MEU and MEB commands are permanent while the combat units rotate through. I have googled but have been unable to come up with a clean orbat. Regards, Massive

They do have supporting Artillary regiments from the Army who are specificlly commando trained to support the Marines. Tanks would slow their type of assaults down, you would also lose the element of suprise. The RM's do have plenty of high calibre machine guns and anti-tank weapons. If they need to they can call on Armed support from the regular Army to help them. Like they did in Iraq, when An Iraqy armourd column advanced on them, They called up some British Challengers and all 14 of the Iraqi Tanks were destroyed.

http://www.na.baesystems.com/releasesDetail.cfm?a=281 The USMC are buying these, so they are a marine suitable piece of kit. It is possible to drop in by C130, so they don't affect the loads to be shipped and unloaded. Airdropping ammo would take it out of the supply chain bottleneck. Put those new air transport assets to work.

The Labour government has already gutted the UK military. Do you think that the Rt. Hon. Tony Blair will want to to open the exchequers purse? I rather doubt it.

I fail to see what your anti-Blair stance has to do with the stated topic. I suggest you check out the election 'debate' in United Kingdom catagory, topic: 5th May.

One piece of news that might interest you...according to Warships IFR (a very good UK based naval magazine) the Army and Royal Marines are discussing the permanent loan of an army infantry battalion to the marines. This quote was from Maj Gen Dutton of the marines, and I guess the fact that he said it publicly means that it is pretty likely to happen.