I think yet again the key point has been overlooked.. The real underlying issue for me is the appalling way in which MoD procurement is implemented. This will make uncomfortable reading for many, but until Military procurement is carried out by professionals with vast commercial business to business experience, then the Forces will never be properly staffed and equipped. Put simply, the MoD have people in senior decision making positions be they serving officers or Civil servants, who simply have no clue in how to conduct an efficient and effective procurement lifecycle.. Jobs for the boys are costing us dearly. The Military think they are unique and that "Civvies would never understand our needs".. Wrong Popeye!
The Military are quick to criticize contracts like Future Lynx, or FSTA by saying they are over-priced and do not represent good value, and that the contractors are making millions in profits.. Well hello guys, if you allegedly knew all this, why the hell did you sign up to it? The truth is, you did not have the ability to spot the pitfalls, nor did you have the ability to negotiate a good position for yourselves. Defence contractors are not charities, if the Military are dumb enough to sign up to their terms, they will certainly take the money and laugh all the way to the bank.. but who are the fools??