[QUOTE=Asturias56;11472795]"How long before the King's Colour Squadron ceases to excel with its impeccable appearance and drill?"
Is there any connection between impeccable drill and war fighting ability?
Probably, but of course the connection is not inevitable. Scruffy soldiers can be a useless rabble, and bullsh1t bandits can run away at the first contact.
What does play a part in war fighting is esprit de corps and self-esteem, some of which stems from discipline, self discipline, reputation and the ability to turn on the swank. ARRSE abounds with inter unit bragging.
The unique role of the RAF [except the regiment] detaches slightly from the army logic, which may be at the heart of the discussions in this thread.
But surely every serving and retired member of this forum has some pride in the KCS on parade? [Has the title formally changed from QCS ......... some strange change/ don't change titles abound, like King's Troop RHA, which remained so throughout our late Queen's reign].