And without wishing to start yet another bun fight, when did the Army become "the lead Service"? What does that mean for CDS and the central staff? I thought we all brought something to the party but this sounds like the Army will get its way at the expense of the other 2. Granted, we may be committed to a large ground war in Afghan but what are the long-term considerations for an island nation when that conflict ends?
As a member of the light blue, I actually find myself batting for the RN on a strategic basis rather than Army or RAF; carriers and JSF are a strategic must, surely, never mind the necessary ships (frigates, destroyers and MCM vessels) to protect our SLOCs when we clearly import a high percentage of our goods. When will the strategic plans stop getting beaten with the operational Afghan stick?
Rant off..