Thought it worth posting this from the MoD website, a farewell message from Bob Ainsworth MP
It has been a huge privilege to serve in this Department since 2007, first as the Armed Forces’ Minister and then as the Secretary of State. This has been the most demanding, and most rewarding, job of my life.
It has been a tough three years for Defence. The challenge in Afghanistan has been significant and we have had to make some difficult decisions to help bring the forward programme back into balance.
I am very proud of what we have achieved together, not least the new approach to inquests, the Service Personnel Command Paper, the Green Paper and charting the way forward with acquisition reform.
Of course, the greatest pleasure has been working closely with you – the men and women, both military and civilian, who have the vital role of keeping our country safe and secure.
I am deeply conscious of the sacrifices that are made by so many to achieve this, and without the support of family, friends and comrades it would be so much harder to meet the challenges we face. I am grateful for the support and understanding that the Defence community as a whole has shown during my time in Office.
I leave at a time when we are making progress in Afghanistan – where there is often not enough public recognition of how much has been accomplished – and at the beginning of a defence review that will determine the shape of the Armed Forces for years to come. Both are challenges that I know you will meet with commitment and confidence.
I thank you for all your hard work and commitment, and wish you success for the future.
I think Bob Ainsworth did better at the MoD than many people thought he might but was obviously hampered by the standing of the Ministry of Defence in the Labour government pecking order. Many have said he was a decent sort who genuinely cared.
As Liam Fox measures up for new curtains we wish him all the best, he has a difficult job ahead, a few things for his in tray;
- Ongoing operations in Afghanistan
- No cash
- A looming PFI and Equipment Capital Cost bow wave
- A likely massive increase in welfare needs, especially for combat related stress
- A new Defence Industrial Strategy to decide
- A Defence and Security Review
- No cash
- Whatever fudge has been decided with the Liberal Democrats over Trident
- No cash
It will be interesting to see which combination of the following strategic capabilities the Lib-Con Defence Review will keep:
a) A large, broad spectrum army capable of fighting protracted and high-intensity wars.
b) A naval capability that allowed rapid over-the-horizon forced-entry engagements.
c) Ability to conduct theatre level operations out of area, with the ISTAR that entails.
d) A Strategic Deterrent that for reasons of history brings significant political influence.
http://jedibeeftrix.wordpress.com/2010/03/13/defence-of-the-realm-britains-future-strategic-direction/
its interesting to note US DefSec Robert Gates’ recent remarks on the capabilities offered by the US Marine Corps. he definitely seems to think there won’t be as much of a need for maritime/amphibious force entry operations in the future
not sure I agree with him considering most of the worlds population lives by the sea
Hmm, I’d rank Jedi’s list DBAC
Or perhaps BDAC
C
Its funny, I struggle to think of a recent US war where there wasnt a need for such a capability.
Even Korea where they were supporting a host nation and had free access to its ports made heavy use of the ability to land behind enemy lines in force.