TOFO,
You are absolutely right. If the power were in my hands what I'd be looking for in the next review is why we're getting so little bang for our buck. For 2.5% of our GDP there's really not that much to show for the cash. Pr00ne's point about the poor management is a significant part of the problem and I would point the finger at both the politicians and VSOs, the former for being unable to resist the lobbying by defence contractors and the latter for not having the vision to request the equipment we actually need, rather than procuring for kudos or to protect their empires. If the politicians would define and prioritise the required defence capabilities then the most cost effective solution for each requirement could be calculated. As long as factors such as retaining cap badges, establishments, HQs, commands and inter-service rivalry continue to part of the equation we will continue to be royally screwed by our "defenders".