MoD cuts rule out using 'live' ammo

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The ban on live ammunition will affect the entire Territorial Army (TA) and a number of non-frontline regular army units, according to The Sunday Times.

The move is the result of a £700m cutback in spending to run the Army in the UK, the newspaper reported.

Each live round for the standard issue service rifle, the SA80, costs about 30p, while a blank costs 10p.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the "ever-improving quality" of computer simulation had reduced the need for live fire exercises for some units.

But Tory MP Patrick Mercer, who was a former commanding officer in the infantry, said: "The idea that our frontline reserves should not be able to use live rounds is quite extraordinary.

"We can't have a popgun army. The next thing you know we'll be reduced to Dad's Army-style training, shouting 'bang bang'."

An MoD spokesman said: "The top priority is to train those about to deploy to Afghanistan but the training of others continues.

"The soldier's ability to operate his personal weapon effectively remains a fundamental part of operational capability and an annual training requirement.

"For artillery and armour, the ever-improving quality of simulation technology has reduced the need to rely on live-fire exercises, although they still play an important role. We are able to deliver excellent training using a combination of the two."