Roulement is a term used by theBritish Army to signify major combat units (usuallybattalion strength) that are deployed on shorttours of duty, normally for six months. It is also used in the wider British military to mean the deployment of a strength of personnel on continuing operations. Translated from theFrench language, roulement means "rolling".
The British Army has historically deployedinfantry battalions for 6-month and 24-month roulement tours ofNorthern Ireland. Other corps such as theRoyal Armoured Corps (R.A.C.), when being used as infantry, are deployed only on 4-month tours. DuringOperation Banner, this was more to do with the cost of re-training back to role than any operational reason. An R.A.C. crewman cost an estimated £500,000 to train and skills were lost during any longer tour.Royal Marinecommando battalions andRoyal Artillery serving as infantry in Northern Ireland are also roulement units.[1][2]
The British Army deployed roulement units toAfghanistan as part ofOperation Herrick. The British Army currently deploys roulement units to theFalkland Islands and toCyprus onOperation TOSCA with theUnited Nations.[3]
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