Most Ulster Defence Regiment operations were to assist the police by guarding key installations in Northern Ireland, and provide patrols and vehicle checkpoints on public roads to hamper the activities of paramilitary groups. As the regiment evolved into a predominantly full-time unit and with Ulsterisation it assumed more duties previously assigned to the police or regular Army in support of Operation Banner. By 1980, the full-time element had narrowly become the majority and the regiment's role had expanded to include tactical responsibility for 85% of Northern Ireland.