Op RESCRIPT

Op RESCRIPT is the codename given to the UK Armed Forces contribution to tackling the coronavirus pandemic, at home in the UK.

On 18 March the Defence Secretary announced the COVID Support Force to assist public services with their response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Behind the scenes, a team of military planners from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force sprung into action, offering military expertise to government departments and helping to get the nation’s response off the ground.

There have been up to 20,000 skilled men and women on standby to assist during the pandemic — with only about 4,800 needed to step up to support due to the effectiveness of those deployed.

Made up of both reservist and regulars, they have helped out with requests for assistance from public services and civilian authorities.