RE: It is the political will or lack of that will determine the outcome of both Afghanistan and Iraq.
SASLESS - well said that man. Without the 'will' we will never manage to oust what seems to be the never ending insurgency groups.
We all know that the boys 'in theatre' have a daunting task without sufficient resources. Perhaps, if we had the same manning + equipment levels that we had 20 years ago, only with todays capabilities, we could address the synergy of the insurgents more effectively. (a different thread)
So yes, maybe we do need more resources to complete the task...but from where, and for how long. Most importantly, when would our utterly professional but stretched, undervalued and limited resources be allowed to come home on a permanent basis?
I'm sure that the 'delivery' boys/girls (delivering airpower that is) find it equally frustrating that they cannot be ubiquitous in theatre(s) and support everyone and everything (be that SH, AH, AT, CAS, AI, TAL + not forgetting ISTAR). Also, that their superb effort falls on deaf ears or is misunderstood by those they are supporting.
Maybe, just maybe, our masters will prioritise a theatre, get the job done in its entirety, before choosing to dip their toes into something else we might not be able to focus upon completely.
DH - You ask some good questions but I think you already know the answers.
We have good 'airpower' equipment/hardware but it could be better with more funding.
We have excellent personnel who are well trained in how to manipulate that equipment/hardware and deliver airpower, but they and their families could be valued more. The constant roulemont of some fleets just one example of the frustrations. (lots of threads to that effect)
The integration between Land and Air seems to be working and there have been several successes recently. But with the limited equipment/manpower resources available, you will only ever be able to achieve a limited amount of success in small pockets of the theatre(s), over a prolonged period?
So.....
1. more money, more kit, more personnel, more integration, more prioritisation, more focus.
2. reduce cutbacks, reduce misunderstanding, reduce the dabbling, reduce the politicising, reduce the griping, and once its done we can reduce the roulemonts and the frustrations of the many.
head down awaiting incoming!
SA