UK military problems & policies

[davidbfpo]

There is no longer a simple distinction between war and peace. We are in a state of permanent engagement in a global competition....all the instruments of national power need constantly to be in play.. to re-imagine the utility of the armed forces beyond the simple construct of fighting wars or preparing for the next one

(Later referring to constraints on the use of force lay in the areas of societal support, parliamentary consent and ever greater legal challenge). Such constraints are particularly significant when the desire to commit to the use of force is in support of operations which some may consider discretionary to the national interest.

Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34265850

Remarks made in a speech yesterday by General Sir Nicholas Houghton, UK Chief of the Defence Staff.