Jimlad1,
"I strongly disagree - I think it is vital for a civilian to lead on defence, and preferably one who comes at it 'fresh'. The reason being is that Ministers will come without baggage, and be willing to question sacred cows and ask hard questions."
Ministers come with the baggage of "collective responsibility". Jesse Norman is a prime example. Sacked for not voting in line with the PMs requirements. Hardly a sign of encouraging a "fresh approach". And all pollies come with baggage
AFAIK. Some things need taking away from the childish, often obsessive, foibles of professional politicians. Just try to explain the logic of cutting force levels, and committing to more military tasking to anyone with a brain. No offence mate, but if you are going to run your military on a shoestring budget, you need to let the military choose where and how it gets spent, then step back.
Smudge