Perhaps what we need to do is "transfer" the Iraqistan and Afghan conflicts a bit closer to home so that Joe Public feels more threatened. Maybe then the latest comings and goings of "celebrities", over-payed footballers and drug-riddled rock stars would take a back seat in favour of more important news concerning real lives (and deaths). Your average man on the street does not know or care too much about the fate of the British armed forces because the conlicts are so far away from home and the meeja consider Kylie's throat infection more relevant than activities in Kandahar (for which Uncle Tony must be very pleased).
"Soldiers dead in Iraq, mate? Nothing to do with me. Anyway, did you watch Big Brother last night? Brilliant!"
If we go to war with an enemy closer to home (eg France, now there's a thought) and start conscription or National Service people will probably sit up and take a bit more notice.
Now will somebody pass me a step-ladder so that I can get down off this high horse.