Until the British public and politicians actually see Sky News/CNN/The Sun reporting rounds landing on British soil, or foreign invaders on our shores or skies above, then they aren't interested one bit.
It appears that the British public see HM Forces as a National Defence Force with extra/surplus manpower for flood defences, driving fire engines, tubes or whatever 'crisis' situation pops up (that is their definition of contingency I believe).
It is painful to watch history repeat itself and the ultimate overall 'cost' at some point in the future will far outweigh the financial costs of defence discussed today.
All of us here can easily discuss and debate what should happen, and what we really need, but without one bit of political intent or public understanding it would be hot air.
That IMHO is reality.