Originally Posted by
pr00ne
I doubt if any particular party would have done things significantly differently over the last decade or so, there is precious little to choose between them after all.
Surely the difference in the state of the Armed Forces now, compared with those under previous administrations, is that they are no longer self sustaining. I agree that cuts have been TOTPs for both parties, after all that was what gave the green light to Argentina's Junta! But no matter how the Forces shrank they were still, more or less, able to function as self governing entities. Reading the above threads shows that this is no longer the case. When basic provision of pay, housing and medical care are taken outside the Chain of Command and placed in the hands of people who frankly don't care, or if they do can't do anyway, leads to a dysfunctional administrative morass. That is what this Government has uniquely reduced our Armed Forces to, while at the same time tasking them beyond their capacity (hence CGS's concern). Bliar will be remembered for all this, if Bush has been the worst US President, surely Bliar has been our worst PM?
To those leaving, don't feel bad, we know you did your best, and good luck to you. To those remaining, take heart. Eventually this country will get the leadership it deserves, an MOD that cares about the Defence of the Nation, and reformation of its Armed Forces so that local commanders can once again command!