JackonickoYou are beginning to sound like a bit of a dinosaur. I have no wish to prolong this thread and I fully understand the impetus behind the demise of the SHAR. You argue that we have no amphibious capability, I contend that you are wrong and very blinkered in your light blue centric view. The first non SF troops on the ground in Iraq (this time round, not Granby) were launched from amphibious platforms onto the Al Fawr peninsula, supported by airborne assets, such as the Mk7 SeaKing ASACs and JHC assets such as the Chinook and Sea King. Only a year before the invasion of Iraq, Ex Saif Sarea was the largest amphibious exercise of it's kind since 1982. Since then, we have seen the introduction of Bulwark and Albion, which are dedicated amphibious assets, 4 Bay class heavy lift vessels and not to forget the existing ships, Ark Royal, Illustrious, Ocean, and Argus, all of which can be used in the LPH role. This force is very capable and has greater lift and support capacity than 4 C17s, although I do concede, not as quick. It is unlikely that we are going to engage in any conflict where we need to get a significant amount of heavy armour to a theatre in hours. An amphibious force can be formed and poise offshore for weeks. I am sure that the Army (without whom we would all be redundant. Wars are not won by Air Power alone) are grateful for the availability of these joint assets. One thing that is missing in the inventory, is the ability to offer close air support. Yes, that could be launched from land bases but only if you have HNS. The CVF and JCA, together with the existing amphibious assets, will offer the UK a significant strike package, able to go almost anywhere on the globe, without the need for friendly nation support. All your maintainance and support needs are contained within one neat package, that is not at daily risk from mortar attack. I suggest that the reason there is so much dissent from ranks such as yourselves, is because you can see the writing on the wall. The RAF is still stuck in the cold war and has procured a very capable but very expensive jet that does not quite fit today's role. What you really want, is more tankers, more heavy lift, more transport and ISTAR assets, but you are stuck with an aircraft that will be unable to strafe troops on the ground. You know that CVF and JCA will make Typhoon redundant and it will become an albatross around the RAF's neck. The RN has over the years chosen to sacrifice a lot, in order to gain much more in the long term. The Naval Staff have done well to smell the coffee and understand what the the UK Military (note the purple nature of my term) needs. It has rapidly moved away from the cold war and all those ASW assets and realised that strike and support of the Army is the only way to go.Now if we have any more comment, can we please not post it in this thread so we can let it die! Please!P.S. Although I do not agree with some of Southside's rhetoric, this is why morale in the FAA is high because, unlike a certain service, the RN has a clear vision, and everyone knows what we are trying to achieve.
Last edited by Widger; 24th February 2006 at 12:25.