Mods .....
..... please don't lock this thread. It is a constant source of amusement and helps to lighten my day when I am looking for the latest rock to be thrown by Crab and the riposte from his victims who just don't seem to get it.
No one can deny that Crab's comments are justified and the correct way to deal with them is to either:
a. ignore them
b. fix the shortcomings he draws attention to and be open and frank about this important public service contract.
In the end we may have to admit that the military did it better but it wouldn't be difficult to show that they were subsidised one way or another by a very 'fat' military machine. That will not diminish one iota the excellent service the current lads and lasses will deliver.
Nit-picking aside the nation will have the service it can afford. There may be some shortcomings when measured against the detail of the contract but this is early days and I am sure that the situation over the next 50 years will improve as lessons are learnt. Per Ardua etc......
G.