a working party was set up at headquarters northern ireland (hqni) chaired by major general a.j. dyball of the royal ulster rifles, then the deputy director of operations in northern ireland. the team included a staff officer from the ministry of defence (mod), a member of the ministry of home affairs (stormont) and lieutenant colonel s miskimmon, the usc staff officer to the ruc. after discussions they advocated a strength of 6,000 men (2,000 more than the hunt recommendations), combat dress for duties, a dark green parade uniform, county shoulder titles and a "red hand of ulster" cap badge. the rank of "volunteer" was suggested for private soldiers. they recommended that each battalion should have a mobile force of two platoons, each equipped with a land rovers fitted for radio plus three "manpack" radio sets.