There are several phrases in TB's speech which need closer examination.
"My choice is for armed forces that are prepared to engage in this difficult, tough, challenging campaign, to be war fighters as well as peacekeepers"
No Tony it is not your choice. This is a democracy. Also how long does he have left in power anyway. I've no doubt that whoever takes over (Please don't let it be Gordon!) will have a different policy and we'll have to start fighting for recognition all over again.
"for us as a nation to be as willing to fight terrorism and pay the cost of that fight wherever it may be".
Ok Tony, you want to pay the cost, increase defence spending to 4% GDP like the Americans, who are paying the cost and, as a consequence, have quality kit.
"It is true that operational commitments are at a higher level than originally planned. Service personnel are working harder and for longer than intended,"
Ok, so what are we going to do about it? Any chance of recruiting more people, paying the ones you've got more and increasing the quality of theit time ashore (or whatever the Army and Air Force call it) so they won't leave?
He thinks the stories of poor accomodation are exaggerated. Has he been to see any? Did he even bother looking at the JRs messes or the booties messes on Albion? Try living in it yourself Tony, then tell us how great it is.
As someone said on a different stream - we are a volunteer force. If we keep getting treated badly there won't be any volunteers left.
