BLANKETY PLANKS

BRITISH soldiers are set to shout "Bang! Bang!" on training exercises after running out of blank ammunition.

The 5.56mm rounds - used in SA80 rifles and machine-guns - are vital for soldiers preparing to go to Iraq and Afghanistan war- zones.

But senior officers have had to send out a memo to units saying some training will be hit. Without the blanks, soldiers are expected mimic the sound of fire by shouting "Bang!"

The document - leaked to the Sunday Mirror - says there will be a "significant shortage" this summer.

It said: "This is an Army-wide issue and has been brought about as supply has not been anticipated to meet demand. The Defence Logistics Organisation is looking to find a solution but the likelihood of this being found before the end of August is slim. "Units should therefore be prepared for the eventuality of not being issued with 5.56mm blank ammunition this summer and be ready to amend their training programmes to reflect the situation." The blunder comes at a time when the Army is hugely overstretched with demands on soldiers greater than for decades.

Last night a senior serving officer said: "This is really quite extraordinary - an absolute disgrace.

"It almost beggars belief. We are a rich First World country but we can't even provide enough cash to ensure our soldiers are properly prepared before they go on operations."

Shadow Defence Minister Gerald Howarth said: "This is another grotesque example of the short-changing of the armed forces which is now becoming habitual.

"The idea that the Army does not have enough blank rounds to enable training to take place is farcical."

An Army spokesman said: "We acknowledge that there are some marginal difficulties with the supply of blank ammunition. The impact of the shortage is being felt mainly by the cadet forces."

BRITAIN'S OTHER ARMED FARCES

THE blank ammunition fiasco is the latest in a long line of kit scandals to hit the Army.

The SA80 - the standard issue rifle for soldiers - has already been beset by a range of problems including jamming, an optical site prone to misting up and poor balance.

It was given a pounds 90million upgrade to stop the jamming but requires constant oiling to ensure it can work properly. In 2003 during Desert Storm II, troops had to cross from Kuwait into Iraq with just 10 rounds - not enough to fill one magazine.

There were also shortages of body armour, gas masks, food, desert uniforms and guns.

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