[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by 1250ships

Perhaps 46,000 is what they sent for the intial invasion?

OK- just checked Wikipedia which says 45,000 British troops in the initial attack. Some of the units mentioned are: 3rd Commando Brigade Royal Marines, Special Boat Service, 16th Air Assault Brigrade, 7th Armoured Brigade, the Parachute Regiment, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and Royal Engineer detactments.

More digging- here is the breakdown: 26,000 British Army solider, 4,000 Royal Marines, 5,000 Royal Navy sailors, and 8,100 RAF personnel.

My take- using 46,000 is a bit deceptive- a more accurate number would be the level of troops used for garrison duty after the invasion.

Interesting information. The CNN piece gave the impression that it was the British Army that they were talking about, not the navy, RAF etc. My impression has been that after the initial invasion, the British army contingent was about 12,000 in Iraq. This level has been pared down several times already, prior to the last planned reduction, but I agree with you that the 46,000 down to 2,500 comparison made by CNN is overdone, possibly to hype the story.