And it gets better BT, because all those guys and gals sandy/rocky side are supported by lots of others in the UK. And you have to count all those preparing to go, and those who have just come back, so by the time you have finished you can make

huge cuts

which can then be spent on frightfully PC things that the porridge-eater likes.

Hmmm, I can just see it now. Pull the troops out of Iraq & Afghanistan, reduce the total number of British forces by the same number. Use all the cash you've saved on the defence budget to pay for housing and benefits for all the Iraqi & Afghani refugees who arrive in the UK after their respective countries collapse into outright civil war. :ugh:
Britain can then tell the UNHCR how wonderful we are at accepting refugees! :hmm:

There will be more cuts on the way. More to do with politics than money. After the disasters of Iraq and Afghanistan there is no way our forces are going to be committed to anything bigger than a Garden Fete for fear of failure. Add to that the change in rules which will mean that Parliament has to vote on any such adventure and you can bet that the Armed Forces will be consigned to the ceremonial. Hence, no need for any real investment.

I want to see how he gets out of the current debacle. He is not a Statesman nor is he good in front of the cameras. So, when he has to stand up and justify the latest death/loss/failure I think he will be less than convincing. At least Tony could weep on cue.

On the plus side, at least he will have noone else to blame than himself when the wheels finally come off the New Labour bus. Just a shame we don't have a viable opposition.

Big tudor is exactly correct. We must remain in Iraq and Afg. Thats what we do. Its our job. Without it - No job. Massive defence cuts, massive job losses. disaster.

PME Gordon Brown is going on a fact finding tour of the UK to listen to us! :yuk: Stop rolling around the floor in the back row.

Always good to appear consultative, it doesn't commit you to anything, but looks caring. Hahahaha. Begs the question, what's he been doing for the last 10 years?

As to our future defence policy, I'm on DIABOLI's wavelength. It'll be driven by the Treasury's agenda and administered by a SoS selected from former Treasury Brownites (Douglas Alexander / Stephen Timms). Ultimately the blame for the demise of our Armed Forces will be laid at the door of the Chiefs who will be unable to manage their SDR commitments on the leftovers from the NHS, Education and Soc Security budgets!

I foresee another Comprehensive Defence Review, which, of course, will not be about fiscal efficiencies, but designed to ensure we provide a diverse, agile service in a dynamic security environment where every nation or disaffected individual is afforded an equal opportunity to exercise their right of dissent. Hey Presto:


MASSIVE CUTS :D

Will the PME call an election? Well, maybe, depending on his poll ratings after a few months in office and a few big policy announcements. He doesn't have to go until 2010, although most commentators think it'll be before then.

What about the Tories? Does Sunshine Dave have a credible defence policy? Anyone tell me what it is? This is one policy issue where, historically, there has been blue sky between the parties, remember Michael Foot's manifesto, widely regarded as the longest suicide note in history! If Dave got in, would he recognise the value of the Armed Forces and give us a huge boost a la Maggie, or are we just not vote winners any more? Your thoughts?

Personally, I've got a few years left, just enough for 6 more sunshine tours - however, unless things change rapidly, Mrs Smiter and I are bugging out to somewhere hot and nice, Ciao ;)

I'll do the lights.

Cancel the CVF and JCA. Spend the dosh on SH and C17 - very plausible as meeting today's requirements and they can then be used for some soft and fluffy aid delivery or disaster relief work later when the Armed Forces stop being .... well armed forces.

Wanna Feel Better?
 

1. Open a new file in your computer

2. Name it "Tony Blair"

3. Send it to the trash

4. Empty the trash

5. Your PC will ask you, "Do you really want to get rid of "Tony Blair?"

6. Firmly Click "Yes."

7. Feel better

p.s. Next week, Class, we'll do Brown :}

This is turning into a bash the politicians forum.

It would appear to be turning into a self-plagiarism forum given that you've said the same thing on three threads, SM...

Since the politicans are the ones who decide upon where HM's armed forces are committed and upon the funding they require to achieve this, it is hardly surprising that people comment upon the performance of our elected representatives. If it is felt that said representatives are underperforming, making unreasonable demands or behaving in a hypocritical manner, is it any wonder that they come in for some abuse??

The arses who voted Labour in knew full well that they'd most likely end up with this berk in charge once B.Liar let go (eventually).

Perhaps the time has come to consider smaller Armed Forces ie Home Defence with an "adjacent" or "token" Intervention Force eg Air Assault etc to keep UN/EU/NATO happy?

Say, Infantry esp. coloured beret types/Minimum Air Defenders/a coastal Navy/Light Armour/Attack Helos/Tac Transport ie "the very basics".

Concentrate on Littoral Ops in UK Home waters before pandering to OOA Ops?

I have certainly "prepped" for e-entering civvy street - especially if the current op tempo continues.

Do your Open University courses, get more qualifications, use your ELCs/SLCs, network...you know the whole Service leaver routine.

Maybe even dust off your PDR......!:hmm:

See the phonygraph of phony tony in todays Torygraph.

PM with renta crowd background. Make a good caption competition but the entries would be too long:

Back row, left to right,

RAF FS- :mad: , what's that over there, major :bored: , ?, captain, don't know what it is over there but interesting.

Middle row: just what is he on about, sod, bite my lip, hmmm

Front row: :bored:, :bored: