I’VE met the Chief of the General Staff, so I was not surprised to see him breaking ranks and criticize, however obliquely, his political masters.
Still, it’s a rare and courageous act, prompted by the very real threats we face.
This week, General Sir Nick Carter put the focus on Russia, telling his audience they are adept at “exploiting the seams between peace and war” and that Britain must be prepared to “fight the war we might have to fight”.
He added that any attack was likely to come in unexpected form and that we simply weren’t equipped to counter it.
His helpful intervention comes at a time where our Armed Forces have been severely weakened by successive defence cuts.
Having served, I know that our brilliant men and women rise to every challenge, despite frequently cursing the politicians.
But I believe that further sweeping cuts that had been widely rumoured would have been the final straw, even for the most dedicated.
I and many of my colleagues have made our position clear and I’m glad to announce that no further decisions will be made before a full-blown defence review in July.
This gives new Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson and his Department five months to make their case for increased funding.
Our current annual defence budget is £35 billion; Mr Williamson is reportedly asking for another £2 billion.
It may seem a lot but our current expenditure of two per cent of our national income only represents the NATO minimum.
Not so long ago we were spending more than five per cent.
With Russia testing our skies and seas, and their troops being steeled in battle in Syria and the Ukraine, it’s time to sit up and take note.
We cannot say we were not warned.