The military
PR machine is its own worst enemy in such things. When have you ever heard the military respond with, "the Ministry of Defence agrees that resources we have today are not enough to meet the political ambitions of the Government"?! Gen Lord Richards is more than happy to reveal his true colours following retirement and entry to the red-lined benches of the House of Lords but would he have said the same in uniform some 2 years ago? I'd wager no.
The Government should listen intently to the advice and experience of soldiers, sailors and airmen at such high rank.
If you ever wondered where the moral compass of a politician may point, look no further than Phillip Hammond's contemptuous soundbite stating, "there are no votes in Defence." And this from a man who has barely left post as SofS for Defence.
Perhaps the solution is for more of our shining military people to run for parliament and bring greater balance.