After nearly four years in the post, the Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace has announced his resignation. The media is not linking his departures to that of the Chief of the General Staff, but there is no doubt in my mind that they are connected.
Both men were soldiers when the British Army was at its peak, in terms of capability and effectiveness. During the past decade, they have witnessed a steep decline so that now we are not capable of deploying a medium scale armoured formation into the field, let alone sustain it for the sort of war we are seeing in Europe today.
Who knows what is going on between the Treasury and the Ministry of Defence, but a bit like HRH Prince William saying that his son might not serve in the military, this announcement will have a detrimental effect on morale (and recruitment). Having served in the Armed Forces when they were at the heart of British social life, it is sad to see how they are being neglected and pushed to the extremity as their influence is eroded.
When The British Army Was Valued By The Nation
Rupert Wieloch 