Malcolm Rifkind had no military experience - but was very popular and competent as DS, principally for energetically advancing and defending the MOD budget in cabinet, but then letting MOD control how they spent it without too much political interference.
Really! He was the one who got his knickers in a twist over CAS comments and made him retract ..... if my memory serves me right!
Well .... there must be so much to look forward to under this new Tory government ..... that last time they were in power we had split pay rises (1% in April and the rest in December), closure of all military hospitals, selling off of FMQs, NMS (No Money Sunshine) ... etc .... can't wait for the next great ideas!