SASless,
As NutLoose pointed out there is greater reason to retain sovereignty over The Falklands than a mere desire to lord it over one of the few remaining pieces of pink on the atlas.
Perhaps the UK should also hand over control of Ascension Island - but wait! - wouldn't that give Wideawake away too? ;)

barnstormer - my bad - the link should have been:

Centre for Defence Enterprise

I've seen some great work from both and put up the wrong link from my Favourites. I hope this one will demonstrate a little more of the 'blue sky' stuff. Some of the posters on this thread might want to formally submit their thoughts. :E

OK, here is a starter for ten.
There is often something in the wider system, and not just IED hunting, that causes friction, and often increased fatigue. I think it is a reflection on Britain that this item continues to be used, as it is often cited as poor value for money, and not fit for its purpose. Although many foot soldiers have little confidence in this item, it continues to be a deciding factor in many conflicts we are involved in.
I am not sure if it has a proper NSN, but this item is generally referred to as 'M.P.':E

Mr Hinecap,

Thanks for the link as a civilian I have never heard of CDE. Some interesting debate although some off thread on world politics. Now realising how nasty IEDs are thanks to HVALs post and what a difficult job the bomb disposal teams do.

Marines Roll out Assault breacher.
 

A piccie of the beast.....



http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/xml/...800_070608.JPG

Thanks for that this is what I have been hoping for !

Some video of the Breacher in action

Battle Looms in Afghanistan - CBS News Video

TJ

Britain not outdone:

Engineers put Trojan to work on suspected IED belts - British Army Website

They kept quiet about it till they had to say something, didn't they. :-)

Yes, and what is disturbing is just how many IED's the advance push have found exceeding expectations . Should we have moved on the Operation earlier to give them less time to plant IED's ?

Move troops in a highly visible Comet or Curry's van loaded with Flat screens, DVD players, Fridges etc. Dish them out on arrival. Make regular visits, lay down some power lines and maybe the locals might even tell you where the miserable F:mad:s have planted the things. You could give away thousands of these bloody things and be in profit if the life of one of just our guys was saved. Turn the power off if people start getting naughty again.

Slightly flippant I know, but our politicians haven't been that honest and the poor sods on the front line and innocent locals are paying the price.

PM

T21
And when do you suggest, 2004 or 2005?