Speech: Interesting times
My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen. Can I say how delighted I am to be back at RUSI for my third and, most probably, final CDS Christmas Lecture. If I am still here in 12 months time, something has gone badly…
Tag SDSR 2015
Those new fangled Strike Brigades
Does anyone know what they will look like? I ask because there seems to be a dearth of released information, this doesn’t, of course, mean the information is not there, it means it has not been published. That hasn’t stopped…
SDSR 2015 – A Few Thoughts
I think the first thing to do is to recognise the hard work over many days and weekends of the people, military, academic and civil servant, that have produced the National Security Strategy and the Strategic Defence and Security Review.…
The 3 things that would make SDSR 2015 a winner
The coverage of SDSR 2015 to this point has largely focussed on equipment, whether there will be an MPA/MMA for example. But if we are airing our opinions, this is mine. These are the three things that I think, would…
Is SDSR being hastily re written as we speak?
SDSR 2010 was was widely reported to have been beset with last-minute horse-trading, backroom deals and a general air of inter-service backstabbing that, ultimately, benefited neither the services or the nation. This time around there has been a wide recognition…
Pre SDSR Perspectives
A GUEST POST FROM MONTY Although it is not yet in the public domain, the ink is now dry on the 2015 SDSR. As its looms, the rumour mill is in full chat. I thought it might be interesting to…
SDSR Leak Engine Revving Up
There have been relatively few pre-SDSR leaks this time around but as we get into the vinegar strokes, expect a few more. As the review work has nearly completed and various options presented to ministers the decision-making process gets into…
Priorities and Options for SDSR 2015 – Conclusion
A GUEST POST FROM ANDY C The UK’s armed forces have shrunk considerably since the end of the Cold War and this sometimes leads to criticism. However, the nature and strength of the threat to the UK has also declined…
Priorities and Options for SDSR 2015 – Appendix 3 – RAF 2025
A GUEST POST FROM ANDY C More than either of the other services the strength and disposition of the RAF is determined by its support role. The number of transport aircraft and helicopters is determined by the need to provide…
A Crude Attempt at Forcing the Governments Hand
You may well have seen the coordinated media campaign recently. This is a crude and rather blunt attempt to force the Governments hand as it finalises SDSR 2015, the figure refers to personnel needed to man both of the new…