What will we have to perform the R1's task on 1st April?
Not these, just yet:
For the politically correct answer, you'll need to use some or all of these key phrases:
Burden sharing, harmonisation with the USAF, co-manning, special relationship, capability holiday, interoperability, Cold War mission.
But use these words, because words are important. None more so than 'adaptable'.
Adaptable is just a word but it encapsulates the vigilance, flexibility, resilience and agility we will seek to maintain.
and be sure not to use any of these:
Loss of sovereign capability, EWAD, loss of rapid autonomous modification/upgrade capability, inferior capability in some areas, f*ck all, nada, nil, nothing.
Because while our
"intention is to remain America's most capable and reliable ally. We recognise that we benefit a great deal from the relationship. In return we will retain the ability to operate independently or in support of the US across the full spectrum of domains and capabilities."
Except those capabilities we flush down the tubes, and except those we will piggy back from the Yanks, and which will be meaningless and empty if ever they choose to turn off the tap. Eg 51, in the future.
And before you ask, there are no Beefeaters, Bobbies or Pearly Queens in the graphic, as they're all down the back of the Rivet Joint, eating pies.