European Army Options

[Blake]

That must be a selective quote.

They gave us several Battle Of Britain heroes. That was in 1940 of course.

[Gumbo]

That must be a selective quote.

They gave us several Battle Of Britain heroes. That was in 1940 of course.

A few volunteers does not make a nations support. I would not put all my eggs in the American basket if I were you. As I said they held back full support until it suited them. Did they support the Falklands war?

[Bloggo]

That must be a selective quote.

They gave us several Battle Of Britain heroes. That was in 1940 of course.

8 I believe along with approx 500 other foreign nationals but they were all acting as individuals.

[Bloggo]

A few volunteers does not make a nations support. I would not put all my eggs in the American basket if I were you. As I said they held back full support until it suited them. Did they support the Falklands war?

Yes, by giving us economic support and the imposition of sanctions against Argentina.

[Blake]

And vital intelligence supplied by the SR-71.

[user23]

8 I believe along with approx 500 other foreign nationals but they were all acting as individuals.

Slightly off topic, but you've reminded me of this

BNP shot down after it uses a POLISH Spitfire

[Gumbo]

Yes, by giving us economic support and the imposition of sanctions against Argentina.

I believe that the US government were very torn on the whole episode and as much as possible didn't want to get involved.

My point is that as a nation the US will serve its best interests first and then support its friends second.

[Gumbo]

And vital intelligence supplied by the SR-71.

Where are you plucking this sh*t from? are you privvy to some secret documents that the rest of the general public are not party to?

[Simon Kirby]

Just an idea, but rather than a squadron of B2's, how about we just hand soverignty of the Falklands over to Argentina? And Spain can have Gibralta too.

[Bloggo]

I believe that the US government were very torn on the whole episode and as much as possible didn't want to get involved.

Yes, there was some reluctance to side with us but I think that they were pushed into a corner.

My point is that as a nation the US will serve its best interests first and then support its friends second.

Quite right, which is why I believe we should maintain our own military capability.
Afterall we are always falling out with the French!!

[On the edge]

Lets face facts. A UK army has an honorable and deserved place in our history - but in the position we are today, its as appropriate as HMS Victory. We no longer have an Empire. We are not a World power - in military or economic terms. No nation state is likely to attack us alone and we really haven't much to defend. Its pretty arrogant for us to try an act as a World Policeman. Yes, of course we should 'help' the major powers - but then that should be at exactly the same rate as our European peers. That's where we are in reality - at best another Nordic state.

[Blake]

I cannot agree with this.

Britain is the sixth or seventh largest economy in the world. That is pretty significant given that there are over 200 states worldwide.

Furthermore, we are a leading member of the G7, we have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council (one of only 5 states) and we are a nuclear power.

We have to have the power to defend ourselves, our allies and international interests. World conflicts do not have a timetable we can conveniently plan for and so rearm and train to a nice tidy timescale.
They have a tendency to be forced on us. Twas ever thus. We must be prepared. I do not mind paying more tax to be defended.

In any case, why is it always defense that takes the hit so much on spending reviews? There are scores of other areas of big government that should be slashed.

As Thomas Hobbes so wisely posited; defense of the nation must always be the top priority of government.

[Andy1]

Just an idea, but rather than a squadron of B2's, how about we just hand soverignty of the Falklands over to Argentina? And Spain can have Gibralta too.

If the Falklands ever becomes an issue again, we will have to ask the French if we can borrow the keys to the Aircraft Carrier. Now I believethat alot of the Argantine equipment was French made at the time and I believe still is.

[Bloggo]

If the Falklands ever becomes an issue again, we will have to ask the French if we can borrow the keys to the Aircraft Carrier. Now I believethat alot of the Argantine equipment was French made at the time and I believe still is.

You're right, our forces were on the wrong end of French Exocet missiles.

[Simon Kirby]

If the Falklands ever becomes an issue again, we will have to ask the French if we can borrow the keys to the Aircraft Carrier. Now I believethat alot of the Argantine equipment was French made at the time and I believe still is.

Now be fair, the Argentinians also made good use of their English Electric Canberras.

[GMR]

According to the gospel of QI, France have the most successful army in Europe, in terms of battle and wars fought and won.

They never did well against us. In fact Churchill had to sink their ships at the beginning of the second world war because they wouldn't comply.

[GMR]

It seems to me to be the next step on the road to a unified Europe.

Exactly. That is the wishes of most Europeans.

[dannyboy]

They never did well against us. In fact Churchill had to sink their ships at the beginning of the second world war because they wouldn't comply.

Apart from that one skirmish in 1066. When they took over the country.

[GMR]

Lets face facts. A UK army has an honorable and deserved place in our history - but in the position we are today, its as appropriate as HMS Victory. We no longer have an Empire. We are not a World power - in military or economic terms. No nation state is likely to attack us alone and we really haven't much to defend. Its pretty arrogant for us to try an act as a World Policeman. Yes, of course we should 'help' the major powers - but then that should be at exactly the same rate as our European peers. That's where we are in reality - at best another Nordic state.

I agree that we should work together.... but as an individual country, and not something that was swallowed up by a conglomerate who has grand designs of Empire building. That would be a price too far to pay.

[GMR]

Apart from that one skirmish in 1066. When they took over the country.

Only for a year (or nearly).

A friend of mine is writing the history of that invasion.