Land-based air away from UK is only available in a politically permissive environment and even then, subject to some fairly obvious restrictions (or vulnerabilities) in terms of logistics. Depending on geography, it's also a fairly major drain on tasking.....
If we want to play "globally", then we need a global set of capabilities with all the kit. If we don't want to play globally, then the capability requirement decreases exponentially. There is no point having a bunch of DD/FF if we are not playing globally. Similarly, if we're not playing globally, why have any sort of strategic AT, high readiness infantry etc. If folk think they're gaining "influence" by pitching in half a sqn of GR4 or a Battn of infantry, then all well and good, but don't expect to have a speaking part.
Decision time is upon us (or rather the brains trust in MB
.....)