The RFTG was created under the 2010 defence review and is a rapid reaction force which deals with unexpected world events that require military intervention.

BBC: HMS Illustrious

He has used his calm skills to tread a careful line on such controversial issues as the EU Rapid Reaction Force and British participation in National Missile Defence, as well as overseeing British forces in military action in Afghanistan.

BBC: Geoff Hoon

In reaction, other forces started up, local self-defence groups known as the Kamajors.

ECONOMIST: Sierra Leone

After his meeting with Jospin, Schroeder was expected to chair a meeting of the Franco-German defence and security council, charged with laying the groundwork for a European rapid reaction force of 60, 000 troops, envisioned by 2003.

CNN: French assembly approves EU treaty

In his defence, he can also claim to be reflecting the views of much of the media, whose reaction to both the remit and the composition of the committee has been overwhelmingly negative.

ECONOMIST: Intelligence

Many EU leaders object to America's planned National Missile Defence project and the U.S. has made clear its worries that the EU's new rapid reaction force could undermine NATO.

CNN: Bush facing clash over climate