Many of the ships being bought and converted into RRF ships are foreign-built.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Introduction

The RRF will not be controlled by the European Commission but by the European Council, on which the heads of government across the EU sit.

CNN: Europe bites bullet with defence force

What is more, prior to the Gulf War, the RRF ships had no crews on board leading to a long activation time in an emergency.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Introduction

The RRF, after the LMSR's come into service, will be reduced from 100 dry cargo ships to 65 due to an increased emphasis on prepositioning.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Introduction

Many of the RRF ships now have small retention crews on board to keep the ship's systems "warm" and ready to go in an emergency.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Introduction

There is a problem brewing in the RRF acquisition program, however.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Introduction

At a Capability Commitment Conference in Brussels on Monday, European Union nations will pledge troops to the new RRF and discuss how to make it viable.

CNN: Europe bites bullet with defence force

The government also decided in the late 1980s to increase the organic capability maintained by the Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration -- the Ready Reserve Force (RRF).

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Introduction

The serving brigadier also warned that with just one battalion formed of soldiers from both 1 RRF and 2 RRF, the fusiliers would "wither on the vine" and find their role in operations undermined.

BBC: British soldier in shadow