I’m glad that I am not the only one saying this. You would think that the Ministry Of Defence would take an unbiased view at what this country needs. But once again it seems as if our armed forces are doing what they do best which is bicker amongst themselves. They are all jostling to make sure that get the biggest slices of the ever shrinking cake that is the Defence Budget. And he that shouts loudest and longest gets the biggest slice. Never mind if it makes tactical or logistical sense.
And so here we are about to expose Britain once again to the possibility of military action, just like dropping your trousers, bending over and inviting all comers to take a swing with their hobnail boots.
Ever since the announcement that the Harriers were to be retired (scrapped) the press has been full of voices saying this is a mistake. And the latest has exposed the truth of it. The RAF once again trumpeting their ability to provide air cover for Great Britain’s assets.
“In a letter to the prime minister, Lord Alan West hints heavy lobbying by RAF chiefs during the defence review led to the wrong call being made.
He urges Mr Cameron to ‘take a last look’ at his decision to axe the navy’s Harriers and keep hold of the air force’s Tornado jets.”
This is exactly the foolhardy actions that made us the sitting target that the Argentine military thought we were and led to the Falklands conflict.
The RAF had lobbied hard and sold misled the then government on the premise that the RAF could provide whatever air support was necessary. They were proven wrong then and if the government proceeds along the path they are on now we will find ourselves at the mercy of some tin pot military action the other side of the planet. And once again we will have to commit unnatural acts to get ourselves out of the mire.
And don’t think that our “friends” will help us out. They didn’t back then and they won’t the next time either. Due to all the politicking that goes on around the planet, they were unable to openly support us as they might step on somebody else toes. A someone who isn’t quite as friendly with us.
So come on Cameron, don’t let the RAF pull the wool over your eyes. Keep the Harriers and put some money into keeping a carrier fleet that is able to fly planes as well as helicopters.
WrAnTz 