Military

DATE=10/22/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BRITAIN/TROOPS (L-O)

NUMBER=2-282101

BYLINE=MICHAEL DRUDGE

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Britain says its ground forces are ready to go into Afghanistan to support the U-S-led war on terrorist and military targets. We get more from V-O-A's Michael Drudge in London.

TEXT: British Defense Secretary Geoffrey Hoon says his army's ground forces are awaiting orders to enter Afghanistan, as he explained (Monday) on British radio.

/// HOON ACT ///

We have always said that British ground troops are an option. No specific decisions have yet been taken. But clearly, we are exploring all of the possibilities. Certainly, they are readily available, should that decision be taken.

///END ACT///

A spokesman for Prime Minister Tony Blair says Britain has been holding detailed discussions with the United States about using regular British troops in Afghanistan.

/// OPT /// Military experts say small squads of British commandos already have been in Afghanistan on covert, intelligence-gathering missions. /// END OPT ///

Secretary Hoon indicated military strategy could change because of the coming winter snows.

///2ND HOON ACT///

We have always recognized, indeed set out, that the onset of winter would have an impact on military operations. That is something that anyone who has studied the history of Afghanistan has to recognize. But these decisions will be taken on military grounds. The use of particular kinds of forces, the circumstances in which they operate, will be determined by the best military advice.

///END ACT///

He also said that any decision to suspend fighting during the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan would be based on the military's judgement at that time. (SIGNED)

NEB/MWD/TW/RAE