ARMY CHOPPER PILOTS FACING CUMMINGS AXE
Blue beret training HQ in his sights
DOMINIC Cummings aims to rip the heart out of the Army Air Corps, the Sunday Mirror believes.
The 2,000 famous “blue berets” operate the MoD’s fleet of 200 Apache and Gazelle helicopters providing battlefield reconnaissance, medevac and air support to ground troops.
We have learned that controversial No10 aide Mr Cummings plans to close their training HQ in Middle Wallop, Hants to save money.
But the unit’s former Colonel Commandant General Lord Richard Dannatt said: “Middle Wallop is the heart of the Army Air Corps and every organisation needs a heart. It would be a real shame to close it.”
The base is officially called the Army Aviation Centre and Prince Harry earned his flying wings there.
Romsey MP Caroline Nokes, who has the base in her constituency, said: “The AAC’s Apache pilots are among the most skilled aviators we have.
“Anyone who visits Middle Wallop gets an instant understanding of the valuable role it plays.”
The AAC has fought in all wars Britain has been involved in since its 1957 formation.
But insiders say Boris Johnson’s top aide has it in his sights as he plans to cut billions from defence. Mr Cummings, who flouted lockdown by driving from London to Durham, is undertaking a fact-finding tour of military bases including special forces HQs.
Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter was warned this month by Tory MP Mark Francois of the Commons Defence Committee to tell the MoD “to sort their bloody selves out”.
The MP added: “If not Cummings will sort
you out his own way – and you won’t like it.” Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Plans for Britain’s future defence and security should not be in the hands of a political adviser.”
Former Labour Defence minister Kevan Jones added: “Any decisions about the Forces should be taken by ministers and military chiefs.”
It is not known if Middle Wallop is the only one of four AAC bases under threat or part of wider changes.
No10 said the Integrated Review, which includes defence, will “cover all aspects of the UK’s place in the world”.