Originally Posted by O-P
The cost of display teams, colourfull guards, men with recorders and triangles, nearly forgot goats, has no place within the current Military budget. If you want that cr@p, then apply to the National Lottery!
Okay, I'll bite...
I disagree. All of the things you mentioned demonstrate the utmost professionalism within the Armed Forces, and above all else they generate interest for the Services. Young children want to be fighter pilots, soldiers or the Captain of a warship. They also keep the Services in the thoughts of the general public.
Seeing RAFAT perform at an air show, the Guardsman outside significant buildings or a band playing at a homecoming parade makes the public tick and it brings communities together who otherwise wouldn't entertain each other.