Is the 1SL resigning or retiring?

[Jimlad]

Apologies for being slightly off topic but some people here may be able to confirm this

Heard a rumour today from a well connected source that Essenheigh is not "retiring" but is leaving due to resigning his post over the SHAR debacle. Has anyone else heard similar rumours?

Also heard that HMS Gloucester may not come out of her current refit and that the 3 Batch 1 42's are on the verge of being scrapped. HMS Glasgow is ready to deploy but her crew don't know what their program is. Sounds to me like more ships are on the way out - anyone want to take a bet on how long it is before we cut to "around 32 escorts" - then "around 30" then "around 25"? Given that the reason we can scrap the SHAR is that the fleet can defend itself, why are we scrapping those very ships?

[fobotcso]

Here I go again! (Are you there Jacko?)

Can't imagine why you think this is a suitable topic for open discussion in this Forum. Any arguments one way or the other must depend on revealing specialist knowledge and speculating on it.

Or are you from the other side?

[Jimlad]

I think the subject of Essenheigh going IS damn relevant- if the first sea lord resigned early in protest over this decision and the government carry on regardless then it shows how much contempt they have for the armed forces. Again have heard it discussed openly and speculated on in as many words in some papers - nothing classified there.

With regards the 42's - there have been several posts on this nature on various boards I go to over the past few weeks - if its in the net then I'm happy to discuss it. I think the implications for scrapping elements of the RN's air defence capability are extremely worrying indeed.

Finally I am nothing to do with journos etc, but would be happy if they could pick up and make a fuss of this. They seem busy enough destroying celebrities lives - why don't they take the time to help pressure the Govt to protect our lives?

[WE Branch Fanatic]

I wouldn't be suprised if the First Sea Lord is resigning. He is leaving earlier than originally intended.

Worrying rumours about the T42s, we are totally f***** now!!! Thankyou Mr Blair.

[UAM]

Isnt It about time someone went on question time and asked the government straight?

[steamchicken]

We certainly should debate this sort of thing. We certainly should campaign about this. You are citizens as well - if there is one thing we can be certain of it is that the enemy will already know! I am (as already posted) a civilian, but I am horrified by the turn defence policy has taken. It's not just the policy, but the contradiction to the govt.'s announced policy. This shows a dangerous irrationality. I am convinced that only activism will affect any changes - if you don't like the government, you have to make yourself loud and clear. Therefore, as I can be as nasty to the Govt as I want, whereas members of HM Forces are constrained by discipline, I will be as nasty and awkward as I can.