Command of UK forces in Iraq is to be handed over from 7 Armoured Brigade to 20 Armoured Brigade in November, Defence Secretary Des Browne has confirmed.
The handover of responsibilities is part of the regular rotation process as troops return home after a six-month tour of duty in the country.
Britain's troop level in southern Iraq will remain at around 4,100. No announcement on possible reductions in troop numbers is expected until November at the earliest.
The majority of units serving in Iraq over the next six months will be provided by 20 Armoured Brigade, including The Queen's Royal Hussars (The Queen's Own and Royal Irish), 35 Engineer Regiment, 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (Queen's and Royal Hampshires), 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own), 5th Battalion The Rifles and 1 Logistic Support Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps.
Members of the reserve forces will continue to deploy to Iraq as part of this force package, and the Ministry of Defence expects to issue around 175 call-out notices, Mr Browne said in a written statement to Parliament.
