The armed forces will provide support to combat the coronavirus pandemic (Getty Images)

The Army has put up to 20,000 troops on standby to form part of a ‘Covid Support Force’.

Alongside the 10,000 military personnel who are always held at ‘higher readiness’ in the event of a civil emergency, an additional 10,000 will be called upon to aid the fight against Britain’s coronavirus pandemic.

Thousands of troops are being flown home from overseas to help the NHS, police and other key areas.

Should Britain go into lockdown, military personnel are expected to assist police in helping secure the streets.


Military medics, including doctors and nurses, will also be deployed to help in hospitals.

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Other areas of support will include transport, logistics and engineering. Helicopters are on standby to transport supplies.

On Monday, 150 military personnel will begin fast-tracked training so they can drive oxygen tankers to give further support to the NHS.

Troops could be deployed on Britain’s streets to assist police (PA Wire)

Military personnel will support the NHS and provide help with transport and logistics (Getty Images)

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: ‘The men and women of our armed forces stand ready to protect Britain and her citizens from all threats, including COVID-19.

‘The unique flexibility and dedication of the services means that we are able to provide assistance across the whole of society in this time of need.

‘From me downwards the entirety of the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces are dedicated to getting the nation through this global pandemic.’

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has praised the armed forces’ ‘unique flexibility’ (Getty Images)

Major General Charlie Stickland, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff, said: ‘Putting more personnel at a higher state of readiness and having our Reserves on standby gives us greater flexibility to support public services as and when they require our assistance.

‘The Covid Support Force, potentially drawing upon our highly skilled scientists or oxygen tanker drivers, will form part of a whole force effort to support the country.’

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