Scrapping the Armed Forces

[alchresearch]

Hopefully the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan will have taught our politicians a lesson they won't forget in a hurry and the one good thing about the defence cuts is that in future such military adventures will be impossible.

 

Certainly with Iran, Korea and wasn't Syria on "the list" at one point?

 

We cannot stumble from conflict zone to conflict zone and need to talk to these countries rather than conflict with them.

[Annoni_mouse]

It seems to me that the thinking behind the changes to the R.N. is to standardise equipment so that American, French and British planes can all use a new aircraft carrier.

 

Of course, an aircraft carrier which can accomodate non STOVL aircraft is also easier to sell to nations who may be looking for an aircraft carrier without the expense and limitations of operating vertical take off jets only....

[JFKvsNixon]

Of course, an aircraft carrier which can accomodate non STOVL aircraft is also easier to sell to nations who may be looking for an aircraft carrier without the expense and limitations of operating vertical take off jets only....

 

Or, we are now not getting the STOVL planes as they're more expensive and less capable?

[Fogey]

So we're going to be an island nation dependent upon imports and safe sea lanes without the most effective way of controlling air and sea space today, - aircraft.

 

We will have the ability to deploy an army anywhere in the world thanks to some of the newest ships like HMS Ocean. However we wont be able to protect those ships and personnel with a projected umbrella, we're going to rely on relatively close in protection such as guns and missiles.

 

If our troops ever have to go to war anywhere else in the world then our troops will have to go without proper air cover.

 

The first, second and Falkland Wars stand as an easy to learn history lesson when it comes to not being able or willing to project your military force where you need to when you need to.

 

If Argentina does make a play for the Falklands I wonder if their military has learned its lessons from last time, it seems we certainly have not.

 

I wonder if Spain fancies its chances with Gibraltar. I wonder what other remote colonies or settlements will look appealing if Britain shows the world that it is not willing (can't afford?) to have the ability to project sea power for a decade.

[JFKvsNixon]

So we're going to be an island nation dependent upon imports and safe sea lanes without the most effective way of controlling air and sea space today, - aircraft.

 

We will have the ability to deploy an army anywhere in the world thanks to some of the newest ships like HMS Ocean. However we wont be able to protect those ships and personnel with a projected umbrella, we're going to rely on relatively close in protection such as guns and missiles.

 

If our troops ever have to go to war anywhere else in the world then our troops will have to go without proper air cover.

 

The first, second and Falkland Wars stand as an easy to learn history lesson when it comes to not being able or willing to project your military force where you need to when you need to.

 

If Argentina does make a play for the Falklands I wonder if their military has learned its lessons from last time, it seems we certainly have not.

 

I wonder if Spain fancies its chances with Gibraltar. I wonder what other remote colonies or settlements will look appealing if Britain shows the world that it is not willing (can't afford?) to have the ability to project sea power for a decade.

 

You do know that the Sea Harrier was retired 4 years ago?

[Harleyman]

You want to bet? - You didn't do so well last time!

 

Channel Islanders are obliged to fight (it's not voluntary ) on 3 occasions:

 

1. To protect the person of the Duke of Normandy

2. To protect the family of the Duke of Normandy

3. To invade England - Should it ever be necessary again.Having said that, you might be right. - The Channel Islanders have a huge problem with immigrants who almost certainly wouldn't be interested in fighting for the Duke of Normandy. - Most of the younger Islanders leave...though since a number of them join their Duke's Armed Forces - you might be in for a surprise:hihi:

 

Pike and crossbow training a requirement for one month every year is it

[Fogey]

You do know that the Sea Harrier was retired 4 years ago?

 

 

The navy started using an alternative model of the harrier.

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/fleet-air-arm/harrier-gr7-9/

[HeadingNorth]

Just what happened in 1914.

 

There was no threat in 1914. That's why we had to invent one in the form of Germany.

[JFKvsNixon]

The navy started using an alternative model of the harrier.

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/fleet-air-arm/harrier-gr7-9/

 

Which is a ground attack aircraft and not a fighter, it has a very limited air to air capability. It's barely able to defend itself, let alone a carrier battle group.

[HeadingNorth]

What did mr Forehead say? Something like, "The size of the economy dictates the size of the armed forces and vice versa."

 

That doesn't make any sense at all and is another fine example of why a General Election should be called immediately.

 

He was clearly wrong, since Germany is bigger, richer and more populous than Great Britain, but spends almost a third less on armed forces and has no nuclear deterrent at all.