Admiral Sir Tony Radakin will take over from General Sir Nicholas Carter as the next Chief of the Defence Staff.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, said:
“I’m delighted to congratulate Admiral Sir Tony Radakin on his appointment as Chief of the Defence Staff, a post he will take up on November 30th. Admiral Tony brings an unparalleled wealth of experience to the role at a time of significant change for the Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence. We are modernising to address the challenges posed by an increasingly unstable world and I know he will lead the Armed Forces with distinction in his new post.
Admiral Tony has been an outstanding First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff overseeing a period of transformation in the Royal Navy that has seen more ships deployed, for longer, all over the world. That includes the inaugural voyage of HMS Queen Elizabeth at the head of our new Carrier Strike Group which set sail in May.
There is much to be done, at home and abroad, the threats against the UK and our allies are growing. Last year this Government made the biggest investment in Defence since the Cold War, and delivered a transformational vision for the future of the Armed Forces through the Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper. I would like to thank General Sir Nick Carter for his leadership and counsel as Chief of the Defence Staff. I now look forward to working with Admiral Tony as we fulfil the ambitions we both share for the nation’s Armed Forces.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Admiral Sir Tony Radakin as the next Chief of the Defence Staff. He has proven himself an outstanding military leader as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff and I have every confidence he will be an exceptional Chief of the Defence Staff. Under his command we have more Royal Navy sailors on the front line, more warships at sea – including our two world class aircraft carriers – and we are leading a shipbuilding renaissance which is creating jobs and protecting lives around the UK.
This Government has made a clear commitment to create the Armed Forces of the future, establishing the biggest defence investment programme since the Cold War. Admiral Tony will lead the Armed Forces at a time of incredible change while upholding the values and standards that they are respected for around the world. I know he will bring drive and dedication to the job and I look forward to working with him.
We owe General Sir Nick Carter our deepest thanks for his decades of steadfast duty spent keeping the UK, its citizens and our allies safe. During his time as CDS, I have valued his wisdom and support through moments of national crisis, including the Covid pandemic. He leaves his post at the end of November with the Armed Forces in excellent health, ready to face whatever challenges tomorrow brings. I wish him every success in his next endeavour.”
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, said:
“I am humbled to have been selected as the next Chief of the Defence Staff. It will be an immense privilege to lead our outstanding people who defend and protect the United Kingdom. I would like to thank General Sir Nick Carter for his leadership and wise stewardship of the UK’s Armed Forces over the last three years.
I am looking forward to working further with The Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP and the rest of the Department’s senior leadership team as we modernise the Armed Forces and implement the Integrated Review. The Government has given us clarity and additional resource to counter the threats we face as a nation. It is now time to get on and deliver.
I am honoured to be chosen to lead the Armed Forces in this exciting time and in a period of enormous change. The Prime Minister and Secretary of State have demanded reform and we must seize the opportunity the Government has given us and ensure we are a global force delivering for Global Britain.”
A biography of Admiral Sir Tony Radakin can be found here.
Excellent news. About time someone not army.
Bye bye Carter. Long, long overdue.
Good riddance to the fool I say.
After what has happened to the army on his watch. Absolutely.
A disastrous appointment.
What could have General G Messenger, RM, achieved.
don’t you think that one of the services was always going to suffer in favour of another given the re-pivot? In order to sustain the army at SDSR2015 levels or even SDSR2010 levels then the Navy would not have got its uplift. Whilst another CDS may have ended up with a different balance, the cuts would have just been elsewhere
I was not thinking of cuts, I was thinking of Strike. Carter was CGS from 2014, and CDs from 2018. I hear, unsure of course, that Messenger is less of a yes man for politicians. Maybe any CDS will be in reality, to some extent. The money existed in 2015 to update our Tanks, SPG, Warrior, and replace the CVRT fleet. To recapitalize our 3 Armoured Infantry Brigades properly. Get that done after years of neglect. Properly. Then move onto Strike. No. Rather than getting the job done the army jumps from one plan to the next, namely the new… Read more »
Absolutely spot on mate!
There does seem to have been a lot of money and time pissed up against a wall of ohhh so shiny toys, that were never delivered.
yup
bang on
Hi Daniele, I thought you might be interested in reading this publication from the HOC.
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5802/cmselect/cmdfence/221/22102.htm
Morning Nigel. I will. I’m sure it will cheer me up over breakfast no end!!
😄🍽
Radakin broke the link between crew and ship which was traditionally thought to be critical for team spirit. And steered the navy through T26 /R2/T32/BAE/Babcock budget choppy waters. Transformational thinker. Vision, persistence, persuasive…lots of good skills.
The relationship between regiments and brigades and procurement need similar creative thinking. It will be easier for Radakin to make these changes than Sanders, who in other circumstances would have been a good choice I think. Just my take.
When you put it like that. An outside observer looking in at Army procurement can only conclude that the last 12 years have been an unending unmitigated disaster. How heads havent rolled I just dont know.
I think if i wasted billions of £ of taxpayers money I would be in jail right now.
Couldn’t agree more Mr B.
No one is ever held to account. They have probably been promoted or on the GDUK Board!
May find out via the NHS?
I’m not thinking that will work well. Healthcare systems are hard work for people who have spent their entire lives to fully understand, it’s just one vast sea of untended consequence waiting to happen, with the outcome being harm and misery. What actually needs sorting out is: 1)the demand for healthcare. That flows from crap adult social care, a system of child services that allow the creation of Broken adults and a population that’s thinks their own health is someone else’s problem. 2) constant political interference, when the party in power wants to do something. The langsley reforms are a… Read more »
Great post
Now if we can get the NHS onto an IT platform instead of endless letters and reliance on one admin person per department we might make headway
Seconded. I always enjoy listening to J’s expertise on medical matters.
Cheers Daniele, I think most people on this are all pretty good posters, but maybe that’s because we are all actually grumpy old men on this site, who love a good well thought out moan.
Oh yes getting the digital right will make a massive difference. One thing we could do is make it a legal fact the the NHS is a single organisation in regards to patient data. What most people don’t realise is that all the GP practices, hospitals,community services etc are all legally different organisations and so have some significant legal barriers to sharing data and information. The number of times people have said to me, why do you need to ask that, it’s all on my record..assuming I can access all the information held by their Gp, district nurses ect, but… Read more »
Going through this right now with my wife’s pregnancy. She’s pregnant with gestational diabetes. Getting the Dr’s surgery to open, read and action an urgent letter from a hospital Dr apparently takes 20 days (their quote) when her current supplies of the various paraphernalia required to test/manage it run out in 12.
Why oh why can’t the systems be linked up as intended when we signed for the ability for the NHS to share data between its various constituent parts a few years back? What did that exercise actually achieve? How much did it cost? Crazy.
Hi Steve. 20 days to review discharge information from an acute trust is not appropriate or acceptable.I would suggest contacting your local CCG Pals team or NHS England’s complain service. The last time they tried for a single patient record the good the best IT providers and developers in the World, gave them 12 billion and in the end the IT companies gave up. Unfortunately a single patient record is at present a fantasy ( there are individuals who’s records literally would take up a whole room. Information is scattered across 1000s of organisations, in different formats, from hand written… Read more »
Yeah when you put it like that…what a task! I would begin by having all newborn records from a certain date so the backlog doesn’t increase though. The red book (which is a pain in the bum in itself with records added to it, falling out etc) could easily go digital and perhaps is the place to start, especially as it’s not possible to digitise the whole populations records.
Thank you for your advice re: Pals team, we’ll get in contact after one last try with the GP practice this evening.
Any thoughts on the Italian NHS?
Regional authorities funded by mix of local and central taxation, clear national green/red list of treatments free/ payable, regional authorities commission optimum mix of public/charity/private suppliers as appropriate in hospital/clinin/ nursing home etc . Suppliers can offer green and/or red treatments. A flexible system which is well regarded I think.
What is really interesting Paul is that the Italian and U.K. systems are essentially identical with some variation even to the extent that they both have the same name…national health service. The big difference is age of the systems,the Italian system was created in 1978. it tends to go though the same cycles of centrally lead reform As our nhs. Both systems have the same sort of strength and weakness. And if you compare outcomes one is better than the other at some things. They are both mixed arrangements of private, state owned and third sector. Although I believe the… Read more »
Yeh, I’ve no doubt your right. He may be RM, but I would not be surprised if he’d asked for the easier job first – fixing Ajax, et al!
Yes I bet he was just thrilled to have that land on his lap. Sad thing is he’s being asked to look at something totally outside his skill set when there is so much that needs doing that needs his knowledge and talent.
Great leaders place the right people in the right place. I think this says a lot about the present political classes and their leadership.
Well said Danielle. I knew of General Gordon when he commanded 3 Cdo Bde. Top bloke.
Carter has left the army worse in almost every single regard during his tenure as CGS and CDS – however in the interest of balance, criticism of him by US Colonel Tunnell of his time in Afghanistan seems wide of the mark.
I’d read of that. That came across to me as personal.
Yes agree, there was something more than well thought out professional disagreement.
couldn’t agree more Daniele Carter has done more damage to uk forces than any enemy in the last 20 years.. He shouldn’t have got the job in the first place, they should have given it to the royal marine who was in the frame It always amazes me what the RM are able to offer with only 7.2k marines, when the Army struggles to get anywhere near a similar output with 82k personnel. surely bringing some of that Royal Navy can do attitude to the rest of the force is a good thing. FSL Jones would also have mad an… Read more »
i understand your point but the comaparison isn’t great considering the amount of enablers that the army provides to itself and other services. Can the RM itself provide air assets, artillery, a logistic organisation, Engineers, technical training, air defence, armour etc. Their equipments requirements are nowhere near the Army’s.
However as a light infantry fighting force they are second to none.
The Army will still state that Although Radakin is now Boss As a Naval officer He is not a Gentlman Petty I know but when Gin parties get loud that little quirk raises its head when in conversation I would say tough about time to hope his Aide decamp is a Bootie
Not a surprise given the recent investment in the RN, and cutting of the Army’s size again.
It is absolutely Carter’s fault the way the army is now. If you read Daniele’s response above it gives a quite detailed overview.
Huge sigh of relief. With the ….storm that is the Army right now there’s no way they should have got it. They’re flipping lucky they haven’t been put into special measures.
I looked up that Tusa guy on Twitter that you mentioned.
He doesn’t mince his words does he.
Every word true, especially on Air Defence and deployable brigades.
Is there a link for non-Twitter users?
I don’t know of one, sorry Davey.
You should be able to read tweets directly in your browser without a twitter account if you have the link. You’re just not able to reply. I believe this is the thread being referred to.
https://twitter.com/FTusa284/status/1445018268583010316
Indeed.
Yep he’s worth following. Tells it like it is.
“He leaves his post at the end of November with the Armed Forces in excellent health, ready to face whatever challenges tomorrow brings.”
What utter, utter nonsense these people speak.
His main achievement is the IR – and whether you like it or loathe it, the review takes us in a new direction – maritime, Indo-Pac, High North, special ops and high-tech. The Army is in the same postion as it was in 1936. A whole new multi-domain tech-driven philosophy of land warfare is emerging, but as yet we have seen only glimpses (Ukraine, Syria and Armenia are the present Spanish Civil War), and the jury remains out as to the longer term impact of tech. As in 1936, the Army is small and ill-equipped. One consequence of this negligence… Read more »
But no frikkin money to do any of that wonder stuff.
We have a large budget. Some things Radakin has done to save money in the RN will be very unpoular if extended to the Army and Air Force (cutting down the numnber of executive rank officers, and reducing the rank requirements for some roles). The single largest drain on our defence budget is people – we provide much better pay and conditions than our competitors. As well as pruning the canopy, autonomous systems allow our few to act like many – if we get it right. As JFC Fuller said in the 1920s when predicting that mechanistion and air power… Read more »
A large budget that is not only spoken for but over committed. No amount of VSO pruning is going to change that.
What Radakin did in RN was to cut irrelevant and out of date activities and reuse the winnings to modernise.
RN are, hopefully, in the virtuous circle of demonstrating that costs don’t blow out on newer programs so they can be trusted with the piggy bank. The army are in the opposite position.
But the NAO report on the equipment plan made clear that the black hole was largely caused by naval programmes – carriers, the aircraft to operate on them, Astute, Dreadnought and the Type 26.
Certainly, army programmes have wasted money, partly because our domestic manufacturing capability had been allowed to all but disappear. But I’m not convinced the RN have shown they are any better.
The main reason the Carriers for one were over budget was down to the chuckle bros Messrs Cameron and Osborne nothing to do with the Navy.
And that was why T31 was born.
The carriers cost blow out was almost all down to political interference. Slowing the program and the EMALS swerve.
T45 down to Sampson dev costs and sclerotic pace.
T26 to reducing numbers and artificially extending build time.
The Treasury can’t blame the customer for the Treasury constraints?
I don’t disagree with any of that, I support the direction, and I have stated often I agree with a Maritime/Intelligence/Airpower/SF/RM/Airborne first philosophy over land. That does not mean I agree with leaving the army in such a state it cannot even be confident it can declare 1 Armoured Brigade to NATO, as is currently the concern at Andover I believe. 1 deployable Division is not a land power. It would be sufficient for the UK while we prioritise areas we excel in, like the high tech niche capabilities and enablers. And we do not need the hundreds of Tanks… Read more »
What if a semi-autonomous division requires only 2,500 humans to deliver the same firepower as the opposition’s 10,000 strong units? And with advanced wheeled mobility can deploy faster and use deep fires to hit targets out to 500km. Electronic and cyber attack can allow these formations to disable enemy A2AD and confuse C2. Then we could easily field three battle winning divisions. Imagine a platoon of 10 men instead of 30 – with loitering munitions, UGVs, C-UAS, decoys and surveillance drones. Imagine an AI driven automous logistics system, automatically resupplying units when needed from drones and UGVs. Imagine an armoured… Read more »
I can, and I’ve read of it. CF2035 talks of a “Corps” of 3 Divisions!
They’d best get cracking. As the outlined changes so far are no where near it.
I believe CF2035 also talks of Combined Arms formations, as yet no sign of those either.
Not trying to be negative at all. It is just such a blank canvas to start out from the state the army is in to make this a reality.
Yes we are well behind the curve – Milrem and others need to move to UK, the DSTL mobility rig needs to become platform in double quick time. We need to make UGVs that can work with Ajax, Boxer and C3. If we can’t fix Ajax bin it. The swarming tech developed by the RAF needs to get into the Army – MBDA need to be making loitering munitions. A lot ot do.
Between 1936-40 we managed to put the whole army in trucks and give them radios. We still had only two experimental armoured ‘divisions’ (they were not really Div sized), and had to await Rommel to learn how to use them. But we had at least made the army mobile – ok we had to do it all over again after Dunkirk, but the kit was in production and the model was set. Something like that needed now. That mobile force was able to defeat the old style foot slogging Italian army during operation compass with a negative ratio of 10:1… Read more »
Ah, General O Conner. Total debacle for the Italians.
I admire your positivity James. I hope it’s realised.
Yes, indeed – much to do. The Italian Army of Libya have not been served well by history. They were not as bad as has been made out, but were thinking they had little to do but march into Egypt as they had overwhelming superiority in numbers. O’ Connor and his modern technology – especially improved mobility, comms, naval gunfire support and logistics – proved them wrong.
How true, the lessons from the past still resonates today!
Russia is introducing unmanned vehicles as early as next year, with limited numbers of army personnel this could be the smart way forward for us?
“The Russian Ground Forces are to conduct large-scale tests of the Uran-9 armed unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) in 2022 to inform decisions on the total number of Uran-9s to be procured, Russian armed forces chief General Oleg Salyukov told the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Krasnaya Zvezda ( Red Star ) newspaper on 1 October.”
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/land-forces/latest/russia-to-conduct-mass-testing-of-uran-9-ugv-in-2022
Yes, they have been used extensively in Mali too.
Why does that unmanned vehicle have a window for a driver? Is it “optionally manned”?
Good spot. It might very well be the case or additional sensors/lights looking at the lighter blue circles x2?
Conversely, we also need to consider how to react to a technologically advanced opponent, that uses unmanned vehicles (air/land/sea) to multiple its numbers. Consider how Azerbaijan took apart the Armenian defences is a good example, of what can be expected in the future, between an old school way of fighting and those who have embraced technology. But also the conflict in Ukraine should also be considered where both sides are pretty much on par and are quick to develop new countermeasures to new threats. When Russia deployed the Uran to Syria, it was a very courageous move. They new it… Read more »
Don’t forget the phasers and photon torpedoes.
Imagine an EMP burst , then all this 21st Century Tech is back too manually operated Kit ie Rifle bayonet ?
hey Mike,, not sure why you are taking this approach, but I for one appreciate what Daniele says and it matters to me, as I am sure it matters to other.
btw. the British legion is a charitable organisation that provides widespread support to those who have served, it is quite possibly one of the most underrated organisations in the country.
Cheers Pac. Appreciated. He can take whatever approach he likes, I think it’s hillarious.
Oh dear handbag boy!
😍
Seconded.
Why do people bother to engage this clown in conversation???
I know, im one of them, but I think its the same as when people went to old fashioned freak shows, its amusing and intriguing to see the weirdness of some people.
It’s Sport. Troll baiting.
Why should they have a platform that goes unanswered. Apparently I’m not allowed to speak. 😎
I agree mate, as you know he is sat there gnashing his teeth wanting to gob off but hasn’t the brains or ability to do much else than sad one liners. I find both him, and baiting and hooking him slightly amusing mate.
I do find you intervention odd.
Daniele obviously cares about the issue and is well informed. If you don’t agree then construct a logical argument to counter his thoughts: it is called civilised debate.
Not everyone on here has constructed UK ORBAT or ordered the munitions and trained all the soldiers. Some may have done. Failing that all we can do is present views and arguments based on our personal knowledge /research. Some may be valid some not: that is the nature of debate.
Then it is open to you, as invited up the thread, to put forward your qualifications and experience if you wish to add weight to your arguments / position(s).
He is a well known troll, previously TH, Harold, PierrLM, just posts sad shite mate!
SB knows mate, he knows.
Like me, for his sins, he does attempt to reason.
It is wasted on some, alas.
😂 so that’s where that daft wee Kent pretending to be a Scot Harold went? and here’s me thinking he had given up posting on here in favour of that shitehoose wings over Scotland pish .👍🏻 bravo good to have him back spouting more shite than me on here 😃👍🏻
mucho appreciated for pointing him out .
is Herodus or Herotus ?? Canny mind exactly but you know that relic of Greek Mythology still alive ? He’s dropped off aswell ?
🏴🇬🇧
I’ve suspected him and the others for some time.
( There is a film quote in there….)
Herodotus. Not seen for months.
ha ha racking my brains for the film??? 🤔
🏴🇬🇧
Want any clues!?
TBF in the film they say “He’s” not “I’ve”. LOL
Ok I’m going out on a limb I was thinking Usual Suspects but my final answer is Harold the daft Kent I mean The Thing ? ⚠️
🏴🇬🇧
😂
“Broadsword calling DANNY BOY!”
Crikey, “Danny Boy”….that’s apt considering tonight’s latest mystery sex debacle!!
Where Eagles Dare, mate.
Admiral Rolland suspected Colonel Wyatt Turner for some time, like I have suspected “Mike” of being Harold / TH / for some time.
https://hero.fandom.com/wiki/Vice-Admiral_Rolland
🙈ffs 😂 I shuda got that damn it man 😫
OOT the plane no parachute for old Harry boy 😂👋🏻
🏴🇬🇧
I don’t think anyone would ‘dare’ with Mike, mate. You’d have to find it first. 😉
That’s him mate, sad to say that’s him!
Mark yer target when it comes…..
A rather large target if we’re gonna go off his picture!
😎
Another absolute classic!
And it’s bite time, gnash gnash gnash you are easy meat troll boy!
I hate to be the one to say it, but Daniele has a set of fruit and veg between HIS legs.
😂🤣
Er? Fruit? Or meat and two veg. Asking for a friend, who is lost.
It’s the Italian side of him. Two tomatoes and a bloody curly Tenerumi.
😶 Only a Tenerumi…..?! And curly!????
Tbh mate, I’m not really the sort of one that would examine you in such ways. Perhaps I could upgrade it to chorizo if it makes you feel better? I wouldn’t examine Mike in that way either – it’d be bloody hard to do so. What roll would it be hiding under? Still, he’d make a bloody good damage control man; we like using bungs. 🙂 Curly because Wee Cranky informs me that submarines are bad and will make me grow thirteen heads and will affect vegetable growth and kill us all. Also because you’re a fancy guy and I… Read more »
😆
I think we’d better get back to defence mate!!!
Yah. I actually quite like Radakin’s direction. He comes across as someone with a vision for the future, much like some of his historical counterparts. I’m keen to see how he advances UAV/POD/technological advances across the forces and how he proposes to integrate them with the traditional kit. But he’s also a naval man by heart and I’m also keen to see how this helps shape the navy in years to come. Hopefully, we’ll see an uptick in numbers (cut the waffle and pointless projects and commit to numbers) and availability, while continuing the pace of deployments that we’re seeing… Read more »
This Italian side you mention, does he perma dress in white too, just in case?
Have a row with the wife, did you? Best go for a pint mate..
If you’ve been led, you should know it might be quite normal to think less than favourably about your imposed seniors.
Carter could be erudite but his management skills are shocking given Army procurement; whose head did he decapitate? How many PIDs have been lost? Did he even think to gift some to Royal (c/o Royal Navy) thereby maintaing a very effective Brigade fighting force?
More on here with very much more recent experience. As to me, I was just a STAB RMP… feel free to ignore.
The troll has awaken….froth covered pants!
Well i don’t think British Army is combat capable if a peer to peer crisis occur today.
MBT’s starting upgrade. probably existing ammunition is too old.
Boxers: arriving with only an machine gun.
Ajax: not operational
AS 90+MRLS probably the only part of the land army combat that works.
AA. inexistent.
With this i see British Army being only rear guard, occupation force.
Why is that reply to me?
In a manoeuvre scenario with armour yes. But that just accounts for 3 (UK) Division. Is the rest of the British Army also not combat capable? The infantry of 1 (UK) Division? The ISTAR elements of 6th Division? The CS & CSS Arms? I don’t think they are not combat capable. The quality and training of the people remains even if the modern heavy kit is lacking. What about a peer on peer infantry situation like FIBUA? Or in the littoral? The strength of the British Army I believe has always been its infantry. The British Infantry have been modernized,… Read more »
British Infantry is not combat capable.
The Kings Own Royal Border Regiment have been merged with the QLR and Kingos… Dukes are now capable of… pulling off… a drag queen act theft of the highest order, with nails and high heels at the ready.
Of course the Royal Irish Rangers have also been gender re-assigned having lost their hackle and caubeen.
Before MP, I served in both and even Airbourne might tip the nod to the KORBR forerunners, the Border Regt, a nod for Arnhem, and the Rangers have always led the way.
All is lost, I tell ye! FAB.
Mate so many people forget or don’t realise that a vast amount of lads on Market Garden didn’t parachute but came in gliders! Probably the most dangerous bloody way, a controlled (hopefully) crash then getting out and cracking on fighting! Top blokes, great Battalion history and another to fall by the wayside by amalgamation. However that’s another story as I do think we need to reassess the Regimental structure…..but that’s a full time, full on debate for another day lol 👍
Reassess the Reg structure.
That’s interesting mate. I thought that was one of the army’s strengths? Or maybe not.
It is and I’m a full supporter of it, if it really achieves and means something but it’s not. Most units are really more tight and proud, at sub unit level, Coy, Sqn, Bty etc. Obviously some Units are the exception but having that sub unit level close knitted team, and pride, brings the possibility of combined arms unit, full time, onto play. But mate we need more time to waffle and discuss that one, cheers.
I think it may be coming judging from the leaks of potential plans for the infantry that have been leaked to the DM. Divs of Infantry reduced to 4, all linked to 1 Bn of the Rangers. With over 30 Bns of Infantry and just 13 currently in a deployabe brigade ( that includes 16AA and the 4th one added recently, plus as we know is 16AA really deployable as a whole brigade now? ) changes are inevitable. I have argued before for an increase in CS / CSS rather than more RAC / Inf so I hope some is… Read more »
Airborne probably wants more PARA 🙂 (Policing nightmare in the ‘shot early 90’s) However, he is right but with one of several caveats, do we want more black mafia in charge? As to structure, an expanded Army Reserve carrying forth the Regimental Colours at Company level, (AR is a whole thread) with a common infantry pool (Scottish Regts issue?)with a common infantry you would lose alot of the middle head shed with Colonel (fmr) Loamshires writing into the Telegraph about loss of unit fighting cohesion because we will lose our identity… No, an expanded Royal Div with, a fighting first,… Read more »
Could individual regular infantry Coy’s, RAC Squadrons, RA Bats and REME, RS, RE Sqns also be renamed to continue these regimental names? You’d then be able to bring lots of old names out of “suspended animation” with the wider reg above it more akin to the Rifles.
The Bns of the Scottish, Welsh and Irish Division are a political hot potato they cannot get round unless more chops for the English country Regs.
RMPs been reorged and cut repeatedly too Barry. Its very hard to keep track of where the RMP Coys are now.
Danielle
I was trying to bait Airborne by advocating 2 Divs of Royal Marines and MP 🙂
At a reunion next weekend and will catch up and let you know re. MP, but, it doesn’t seem good re. gdp’s but CP need a gene pool to perform their role, so…
David
I know, mate!
Now days its pretty much 3 regular regs with a couple of AR coys, plus the SIB Reg and S Ops Reg. Would be interested in any new info you hear.
Me being baited? Never do I bite to such crazy concepts………grrrrrrrrr! I am a firm supporter of all our colleagues in the same uniform but different units…….never ever ever was I a brainwashed Tom cutting about calling everyone a hat or being an arrogant git thinking we are the only ones in the Army which can do anything……we’ll not after Sgt”ish” anyway 😝😝😝 On a serious note it’s good to be confident of your abilities but careful not to be to arrogant and ending up believing your own chuff…..(like the RAF Reg do) cheers 🍻
I got dicked to minibus your senior ncos back from a NYEs do. Your God deemed he should be the last to be dropped off and he kicked off when there was just him and his lady.
Stopped van, pointed out that RE PARA had the nearest guard room and I didn’t mind arranging accommodation for him; his wife was considerably uninebriated and told him to apologise sharpish to the young corporal. Memories. How I loved PARA.
That excellent “dicking” to be minibus driver, to a load of pissed SNCOS, ah we have all had that pleasure……;0) nearly as good as being a Tom and doing the waitering in the mess on a friday night Mess do…..
Ah the Rat Pit, the 5s, amongst other very user friendly public houses in the Shot!!!…..😝! But as I alluded to, I’m a supporter of the combined arms teams, but fully formed and co-located in peacetime. You can have a Regimental structure and the RHQ, but with a number of sub units based and allocated to the combined arms teams at various locations. Train and plan as you will fight. As for more PARA Bns bloody hell Dave were lucky so far to keep the Bns and supporting arms we already have!
Daniele, I think the 250 strong battalion is likely to become the norm (FCF and Rangers are testbeds maybe). With dispersed – largely autonomous – small 3-4 person fireteams. These are difficult to find and ideal for infiltration tactics in scenarios where there is no ‘front line’ (as we encountered on battlefields in Afghan and Iraq -and also is the norm in Ukraine). Of course they need C3 and much more (and different), ISTAR, logistics and longer ranged precision firepower to succeed.This is where combat cloud enabled comms, drones/UGVs and loitering munitions come in. They also need much better and… Read more »
Really interesting post James, thanks.
Quite a shopping list there. I assume some of this is what the Strike Experimental Group has been doing for the last few years, without most of the kit of course.
When will the army start buying this stuff in quantity? As you say they are out there.
Hi James I have modelled this based upon 6 man and 4 man fire teams, with the aim of retaining as many infantry as possible and making up the shortfall in assets through equipment. A deployable all arms company can come in at 264 with 96 dismounts and the smallest battalion (protected) would come in between 840 to 1200 dependent upon the support element assigned. I have come to the conclusion that 6 man fire teams and a light infantry company of 120 persons is optimal in the new 72k force size. Problem is this means we have to buy… Read more »
Pretty sure the British Army’s Apaches would spoil the day of any opposing force.
“Pretty sure the British Army’s Apaches would spoil the day of any opposing force.”
I don’t understand where this kind of arrogance came from….
US Apaches are getting 30km range Spikes missiles, also able of firing behind a hill due to threat from AA missiles.
Agreed again mate!
One only look at your posts…they highlight deficiencies well enough!
“Your qualifications would also be relevant.”
So would yours.
Though I state an opinion.
You do frequently enough as well don’t you.
I know more about the ORBAT, organisation and structure of this nations military and MoD than you’ve had hot dinners.
TOP salad eater
Gotcha again, far to easy!
Time to yawn, troll boy is awake and left alone on a grown ups PC.
Gotcha!
At least the beer is much cheaper
deffo….
Basic knowledge of how things like Ajax are going and the fact that we still have FV432s driving around in 2022 is sufficient evidence to anyone.
Oops I did mean 2021 but they’ll still be driving around in 2022 😁
Apparently they plan on them driving around well past 2024.
Agreed. I thought it was only the dead you shouldn’t speak ill of! Far better just to thank him for his service and wish him well. The more of this tosh that politicians spout,the less anyone takes them seriously about anything. The real problem we face is the lack of a coherent strategy which should inform and underpin the organisation of people and equipment. What is it that we expect our armed forces to do and what do they need to do it? Instead we have an approach that looks first at how much of what we have had can… Read more »
Wonder if he sorts out Army Ajax problems or get rid
MOD have shipped in David Marsh to take that on.
“ An MoD spokesperson said that the possible causes of the vibration had been narrowed down to a handful of problem areas but that work was ongoing in the search to identify the source of the issues.”
Doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence that they have not figured the source out. I mean this is basic vehicle design stuff. We do make tracked vehicles in the UK: JCB will do this routinely.
The mere fact that “an MOD spokesperson” said anything gets my bullshitometer ticking. JCB are a fine company but I don’t think they make 42mph armoured vehicles though.
No but they are insanely into make really fast off road commercial heavy vehicles, they make the fastest commercial tractor in the world for those farmers in a hurry ( 70kph), the have made a 120mph backhoe digger.they have also made the fastest tractor in the world at 167mph.
And they have developed a commercially viable engine that runs on hydrogen to power heavy plant; it is already going into production.
I agree with Jonathan.
Having driven and owning a few bits of, quite heavy, JCB kit: it simply would not be commercially acceptable to have these kinds of issues in a construction/civils environment.
Yep I’ve driven a few tractors and bits of heavy commercial plant. Management of vibration is part of keeping yourself productive, a farmer can’t be off with vibration induced injuries etc. you try and build and sell plant like that your going out of business one way or other.
Exactly – it doesn’t pass the commercial test.
The vibration problem with Ajax is probably not solely weaknesses of design. I am sure that MoD specification changing in 2016, hull fabrication methodology, coordination betwen dispersed sites and Quality Control have a part too. I smell a rat with the MoD statement – it is a holding statement which suggests progress without spilling details or giving even an indicative timeline for resolution. That there should be much doubt about the vibration origin(s) several years on from first notice of the problem is hard to believe. I think you have mentioned JCB before. I am sure their vehicles are of… Read more »
I’m not suggesting that the contract should have gone to JCB armoured vehicles are not their core skillset. However, they do have a lot of experience with heavy tracked vehicles in relevant conditions. When you are in trouble with a project and need to trouble shoot an element that is well understood by others then it might be time to ask the others how to trouble shoot it? Solving vehicle vibration problems is not an ‘unknown unknown’ it is the bread and butter of many luxury car / truck / tractor / machinery companies and consultants that have to track… Read more »
Soucy band tracks would be good place to start. The Norwegians said that it significantly dropped the CV90s vibration and noise. The CV90 upgrade program for the Dutch is including band tracks.
The point I’m trying to make is that there are well defined ways of tracking down noise and vibration in cars and commercial vehicles.
40 years ago endless part swaps and instinct were how it was done.
Now bond sensors to the chassis, power train and body panels then you can map the source of the noise. No guesswork needed.
This would cost peanuts, relatively, and there are plenty of consultancies that can do it.
RUSI report points badly fabricated hulls being the cause.
Maybe, maybe not.
Poor alignments can have an effect.
One of the reasons cars are quieter is improved precision build quality.
Hi Ian, Just read this article on Defense News about the appointment and the Ajox project. It seem LM have delivered 2 dozen vehicles that don’t work as advertised at a cost of £3.5 B. I read extracts / summary of a 2019 NAO report that suggested that the Army has spend £5.5B over twenty years and failed to deliver a single vehicle to the frontline (I can’t find the report online now). It makes me really angry everytime this comes up. Senior officers (civilian and military) have effectively hobbled the British Army. Disgraceful. If David Marsh cuts Ajax, then… Read more »
Hi Mr. CR,
It’s GDUK that have delivered enough vehicles (and more) to meet the MODs Initial Operating Capability, not LM who are a subcontractor.
cheers
Oops, my mistake.
Sorry LM… 🙂
Cheers CR
That sort of big procurement decision will be taken by a politician. CDS will coordinate the advice to ministers and likely be asked for an opinion, but it’s in the end a political policy choice.
“A senior UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) official has been drafted in to take over the running of the Ajax reconnaissance vehicle programme in a bid to get the troubled project back on track.”
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/land-forces/latest/uk-mod-brings-in-new-management-to-fix-troubled-ajax-programme
Not a CDS problem to solve. David Marsh has been brought in and he will sort out Ajax or get rid of it.
Time will tell!
“Four troubled UK armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) are to be investigated by the country’s National Audit Office (NAO) spending watchdog.
The report is currently scheduled for publication in March 2022.”
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/land-forces/latest/watchdog-to-investigate-uk-afv-programmes
6 months. Kicked into the medium grass.
Why was Warrior LIP dropped again?
One for Daniele!
Yay! The right choice.
🙄 ………and less corporate jargon. Uses one word where one word suffices.
Very positive news for the armed forces; agree with another poster about Royal not having had an earlier crack.
Now, about having more horses than tanks and other Army issues… I hope this new broom sweeps out the stable thoroughly.
Bravo, and hopefully my old boss Maj. Gen. Charlie Stickland RM as 2SL in due course!
Its a good time to be wearing dark blue! Well deserved I’m sure, which means an interesting shuffle at the top of the RN pyramid.
Radakin – CDS
Key – 1SL (probably) vacancy at Chair of Joint Ops.
Burns – Fleet Commander vice Kyd
Kyd – ???? (probably retirement?)
Deep, is he wearing dolphins???
Unfortunately not, out of those 4 only Burns it appears has earned his dolphins!!!!
Then what is he wearing above his service medals in some photos?
Not entirely sure mate, but a set of UK Dolphins it isn’t. Ours are two inward facing dolphins with a crown in the middle, whatever those are isn’t ours!!
Ta bud. Stay safe.
Pwo badge… Its the latest thing for Ops officers to wear in recognition of the time they spent sitting in an ops room making carp pipes at watch handover during defence watches.
Cheers mate, hadn’t seen one before. PWO’s obviously feeling a little insecure or something to need a badge!!!🤣🤣
I will be asking for a badge to be back dated for WE Ops Room Manager… WEORM…
One for the WE rounds man…
On watch stoker…
Well at last we will have someone with a full picture of Defence and whats needed to look after Great Britain. Wish that plonker in No10 would address people correctly, its Adm Sir Tony Radakin not Adm Tony. A man with no class is he. He made many positive changes to the Fleet by streamlining several senior jobs and getting those desk officers either back to sea or retired so the RN could move forward. Just looking forward to seeing the Fleet gain the teeth it needs to do its job. Europe continues to shelter under our umbrella and a… Read more »
I’ll take the ‘right man got the job’ and worry less about No10 except for keeping the defence modernisation money tree bearing fruit.
Fortunately the Russians upped the ante and China started to get bellicose just in time to get modernisation money flowing.
Don’t go down the money tree route, we know conservative PMs hate magic money trees with a passion second only to their hatred of coal miners.
Well OK the “well considered strategic investment in defence” – is that better?
that would work but I think you need to pad it out with a few more paragraphs of pointless wordage to make it really politically acceptable.
Ok, new boss …get work on those procurement problems.
Well worth reading his bio! Experience and education – formidable combination.
I’ve got that, the experienced people think your to ivory tower and the educated think your two focused on operational realities and not the theory that guides strategic decision making.
Well, he’s been deeply connected with QEC, Personnel, T31, T26, T45 and future Commando Force – so a view to land, air and sea. Person to be reckoned with.
The guy got rid of a lot of unnecessary ‘brass’ so not afraid to step on toes, that’s a positive for this callsign. Negatives…… he’s a skimmer. 😂
Don’t suppose we should hold that against him though….🤣🤣
Hmmm, I’ll plead the Fifth. 😉
In all honesty, its just banter for me, some of my best comedy stooges have been skimmers. 😂😂😂
And friends but don’t tell anyone. 😀
No worries, loose lips sink ships and all that…🤣🤣
Bulkheads have hydrophones and all that. 😉
Or HVME as the dabbers call it.
HVME… Hull Vibration and Monitoring Equipment…. a system clankies own and have no clue how it works…. Full of electrickery and magic stuff… Better call in a WE to advise about why its not working properly…. It was a duff fuse in the panel… Tru Dit…
Congratulations Admiral Radakin on your appointment as CDS. Hopefully Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd, who just handed over Fleet Command, as the new First Sea Lord. The UK has historically relied on a strong navy, supported by a small army to defend our shores. The Govt has been slowly returning to this approach and I I fully support it. We have some great people in the Army, but the Army leadership needs to move out of the 19th century with its focus on ‘class’ and public schooling into the modern era. Stories like the SAS needing more ‘posh’ officers to talk… Read more »
You never been to a Guards do then!
It was always going to be Admiral Radakin, global Britain and all that. The Army have had their turn and honestly their record in procurement has been poor. Seems the RAF don’t really get a look in.
Congratulations to the man. The Navy has been unrepresented at this level for several rounds. Adm Radakin seems to have done a fine l job with reforms and bringing projects to fruition. Let’s hope his success helps the Army to improve their project definition and delivery and helps the RAF bring Tempest to fruition on time.
If you pull that gold braid, does his jacket open like curtains?
Pull yourself together
We will all be dead soon enough fella, might as well have a laugh on the way.
Twas a joke 😉
My apologies sir 🙂
I got it Steve, made me LMHO too.
Gotta live up to my name.
I doubt that any individual, however capable, will make much of a difference to the state of UK armed forces. It is simply not possible to have global reach with the level of funding likely to be available. Even if major projects had been delivered on budget, the ever growing unit cost of equipment means reductions in numbers. Most of the equipment budget black hole arose from overspends on naval projects- Astute and Dreadnought, QE class carriers, T23 replacement. The result is that the RN, supposedly the relatively successful service, will continue to see fleet size fall for the next… Read more »
This is where the slip twixt cup and lip applies to government – to put it mildly. The fleet of dinghies coming across the channel are achieving what neither Napoleon nor Hitler could achieve. As for running an effective Army … I despair!
The number of people arriving in dinghies is tiny. That whole situation is blown out of proportion for political purposes. We are not being invaded by sea. Blimey have a look at the numbers of migrants arriving in places like Italy, Greece, Germany, and even France. Our numbers are small by comparison.
Oh really?! That point of view is contrary to the view of the vast majority of Britons. What other countries do is their business.
Have you surveyed the majority of Britons? Do we have too much immigration, quite possibly, but it doesn’t come from dinghies. As I said, that is blown way out of proportion, mainly by certain tabloids.
The outcome of the 2019 General Election is even better than a survey. Immigration, migration, refuge, asylum et al, was a cornerstone of the debate at the time. Those in favour of unwanted migrants, uncontrolled immigration and soft borders suffered a humiliating defeat at the polls.
I think wires are crossed here. I’m only saying that very few people come across the channel in dinghies, not that immigration isn’t too high. The vast majority of immigrants come into the UK by normal means, not dinghies. That’s the issue being overblown. Although it is serious from the point of view of their safety.
Agree, Rob. Though I also feel it is a matter of principle, which annoys so many. I know it certainly annoys me. Yes, it is small compared to wider migration. Though some may not feel 15,000 coming illegally across a sea is small at all. Principle. If someone trespass in your back garden or your home, they are kicked out. It is illegal and they are trespassing. Why should it be any different for your country. Is this not after all our home. When society then considers this country as our home too and applies the same principles, then this… Read more »
Trespass in someone’s back garden is not a criminal offence. Not even a civil offence if they cause no damage and leave when asked. Even the latest criminal justice bill that cracks down further will not make it so.
“Oy, Mr. I was just getting my ball back.”
“That’s six month’s in the pokey for you, my lad!”
Not yet a crime. Not even Patel would go that far.
Fine, so I use the wrong word. It is “Wrong”
Leave when asked? With the HR gravy train lawyers blocking so many deportation flights how many are leaving when asked? I’d be curious to know the figure for voluntary returns.
““Oy, Mr. I was just getting my ball back.”
“That’s six month’s in the pokey for you, my lad!”
Lol, fair one!
If your don’t plug the trickle it becomes a flood
I need chip in a Bernard Wolley type comment here: Nobody was in favour of unwanted migrants, because if anybody had been, the migrants wouldn’t have been unwanted. I’m saying this because anyone can tailor their language to make their point of view seem superficially correct when a deeper look shows the the complexity. I agree that a majority voted in the last election on one issue – Brexit, but the idea that it was solely about immigration isn’t true. The debate was divided into “bubbles”, segregated by a social media that points us in the direction we last travelled.… Read more »
Government has the power to block damaging foreign takeovers of important British companies but ,like its predecessors, has a review and does nothing. In the defence field this is a security risk. In other areas of the economy, it leads to closures and a reduction in the tax base we need to fund public expenditure including defence. I share your view of the state of the army. I don’t think any of the published planning documents offer a clear path to reform. And largely ignored in the excitement over Tempest, the RAF combat jet fleet is half the size it… Read more »
Good news indeed.
According to The Telegraph the Defence Minister recommended Gen Sir Patrick Sanders but Boris picked Radakin instead.
Whilst I rarely give any weight to articles in most newspapers particularly the Mail, however, this article https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10070499/Admiral-Sir-Tony-Radakin-accused-undermining-Marines-general-killed-himself.html
does have some real insight regarding infighting between the RM and RN and the significant and insane reduction in RM capabilities.
It clearly demonstrates that the changes whilst being trumpeted as ‘Future Commando’ are as many with knowledge of the corps felt been forced upon the RM.
These changes will have consequences for the U.K. and tragically seen to have been part of the cause of the ex head of the RM’s suicide.
As we have always said. They are cuts at heart.
I support the LRG principle, but not the usual cuts that accompany every “modernisation”
Sadly they are just cuts but what I find unforgivable is that with our forces now so small the importance of maintaining 3 Commando Brigade as a fully deployable unit has become even more important.
Beyond them and the Paras I see very little that would worry me as a potential adversary of the U.K.
It remains to be seen what happens to 24RE, 29RA, and the CLR.
There is something called “Vanguard Company” that has formed, but little to no detail on how it fits in and from what it is formed that I’ve seen.
With 42 now S Ops it could be argued that 3 Cdo ceased being a deployable brigade, at least in brigade strength, some time ago.
The LRG concept works for me with the proper shipping ( LPH or a LSS at bare minimum ) and dedicated forward deployed aviation assets.
All of which are lacking.
Unfortunately it is your last sentence that tells the true story. I don’t know what one Bay can do acting as LRGS and selling Largs Bay was a huge mistake.
The conversion project of one Bay has been put on hold and I can also say with some inside knowledge that the LCU’s are absolutely knackered.
It is an awful state of affairs and although I understand the concept at the moment it is just BS.
Well at least that won’t affect the Bays.
Maybe they will use Mexefloats!
Agreed. As I’ve highlighted here before, so far they have a new uniform, individual weapon, and hand held drones.
When more helicopters, ship to shore connectors, shipping, artillery, and precision weaponry is acquired they may work. Til then it’s spin.
Did you see the leaked slides on Twitter re FCF? Some months ago now. I think they were removed but they did show lots of this stuff, hopefully announcements in due course.
LCUs are always knackered. As are LCVPs.
I looked after the WE side of LCUs on an LPD. The nav system was down. We went on to fix it and then found around 5 other defects leading up to the catastrophic failure. Royal when asked why he didn’t report the first defect when it happened told us that’s what back ups are for…
Royal has no self investment in the landing craft flottila… Jack and Jenny will fix it for them so they don’t give a toss..
Agreed, selling Largs was a mistake, the LCUs are not only knackered but in someways outdated. As for Albion and Bulwark I question the effectivness of these units as they have no dedicated air support. They would however make good motherships for ROVs etc. I also understand the concept of returning the RM to their real role of raiding but to do that the RN needs two types of ships, one for the RM raiding role and one to land the army ashore. I think Jackie Fisher said that the biggest weapon the Royal Navy has is the ability to… Read more »
It is the role of the Point Class ships to land the Army in Europe or in the Middle East with the heavy equipment, and a significant number of troops would arrive by aircraft as well. No point in the Army pinching the role of the RM.
Yes, the Albion’s need to be escorted by a carrier for air cover and close air support.
Yep read it. For me it says just how upset the Army and MoD are about their boy not getting the job. So many cheap and nasty shots and photos ! It doesn’t bode well for doing much about the Army. He’ll have to fight the MoD first before he even gets near them.
That’s how I saw it when i read it. First day in the job and already the knives are out and the backroom taps on shoulders and briefing is underway.
Yep nasty n spiteful and anonymous ! To use a mans suicide as a weapon is particularly disgusting. Tells me a lot about the senior ranks of the Army and maybe the MoD.
I should be far more impressed at this appointment, were it not for the fact that 40years after French Exocet antiship missiles sank HMS Sheffield and the Atlantic Conveyor – with loss of British life – the Admiralty/MoD has STILL not organised anything near as good for the RN. Having sent our CSG in harms way without any means to defend themselves exept the obsolete Harpoon is highly irresponsible. Admiral Sir Tony Radakin needs to address this issue PDQ.
I see that the sad suicide of Major General Matthew Holmes RM is being partially blamed on Sir Tony: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/10/08/general-found-dead-did-not-trust-new-head-armed-forces-admiral/ The General probably had a point in that the Admiral has prioritised the fleet over the RM, as evidenced by: The increase in the RN’s head count for sailors at the expense of fewer marines The demise of 3 Cdo Bde as a standalone combat formation – an elite and combat proven infantry brigade. It’s now essentially just an admin formation The downgrading of 42 Commando from a de-facto infantry battalion to providing detachments of maritime security forces. The lack… Read more »