MoD plans ‘amputee battalion’ to cut costs

Last night serving personnel accused the Government of betrayal, claiming the plans would make it easier for cash-stxrapped Whitehall bean-counters to throw veterans “on the scrap heap”.

Others said it was “potentially disastrous” for morale.

Until now, amputee soldiers who had recovered from their wounds could stay with trusted comrades and were found assignments in the regiment. Rejoining their “family” is considered vital to emotional recovery.

The proposals, to be announced in the New Year, will see soldiers leave their regimental homes for ever and placed with strangers.

The new unit is intended to be a permanent home for personnel undergoing long-term rehabilitation for what the Ministry of Defence calls “life-changing injuries”. It is expected to be ready by April.

Soldiers currently complete treatment at Headley Court rehabilitation centre in Surrey and other hospitals.

The MoD has its sights on about 6,000 service personnel who are not combat fit but on the payroll as it faces a £36billion black hole in its budget.

Last night a senior officer, who could not be named, criticised the move. “This would be a massive blow to morale,” said the officer who assess­­es the career potential of amputees.

“All the serving men and women I deal with want to get back to their own units as quickly as possible. This is very important to them.

“This new unit will be nothing more than an amputee battalion – soldiers will feel singled out and will be much easier targets for forcible retirement by the MoD.

“It will send the wrong message to those still fighting in Afghanistan.” The MoD said yesterday: “We are committed to providing excellent care for our injured personnel, and ensuring that individuals get the support that is most suitable for them.”

A soldier from 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment died yesterday in Afghanistan’s Helmand province when he stepped on a roadside bomb.