Army reforms

Army reforms

1. The Esher reforms 1904

   • Creation of an army council to analyze issues, decide policy, end confusion and increase parliamentary control over the army
   • Creation of a general staff with the job of preparing the army for war
   • The abolition of the post of commander in chief of the forces
   • Reorganization of the war office.
   • Creation of the post of the general staff.
   • These were a direct response to the failures of the Boer War
   • The Esher report was controversial. Edward VVII was supportive but Kitchener was opposed.

2. Haldane reforms

   • The Haldane reforms carried out the recommendations of the Esher report.
   • Creation of the Territorial Army
   • Creation of the Officer Training Corps
   • Creation of the Special Reserve
   • Improvements to army medical and nursing facilities

3. The combined impact of these reforms made the army stronger and more efficient.