why is it not possible to have good DAS, better FP AND upgraded armour? If it is purely a money-issue, then how come other nations find the dosh?? Perhaps it is because our political leaders want to fight a war on shoestring budget? Surely, our Services deserve better than that
Says you flip, but be very very clear that others in government or their backbenchers, do not. In this forum we jokingly refer to Bliars Wars, but in essence that is what they are, and additional expenditure to fund them diverted from the numerous sacred cows that only start with Hospitals and Schools will just not be countenanced. That is the contradiction that is New Labour, and our Armed Forces pay the price, infamously starting with body armour and now comprising an ever increasing list of deficiencies of which your very justified items are merely part. In such a scandalous breach of care as this, it is for the leaders of the Armed Forces to protest, and to do so loudly and publicly, so that everyone is in no doubt about the seriousness of the situation. Then said leader will no doubt be obliged to jump before being pushed. So be it, duty will have been done, and public pressure will either force a change of policy or not. Whatever the outcome this is a democracy, we have the government we deserve and the armed forces, bluntly, have to put up with that. Of course in theory the opposition is supposed to bring the government to account, but I understand that "call me Dave" is still formulating policy for the foreseeable future, so don't hold your breath. As Nige says, proper protection for Hercules aircraft can, and has been, provided elsewhere by a responsible and effective government. Spot the catch in that sentence! And still we wait Sir Glenn.....