World Affairs Board - View Single Post - The Demise of the Scottish Infantry Regimental Tradition

glyn · 09-20-2007, 12:03 PM

[quote=S-2;408419]

Glyn,

Cochrane seems to think the issue here rests as much with the Army as the politicians. Here, at least, the generals have the experience and are the guarantors of any existing service tradition. Any truth to Alan Cochrane's contention in your view?

I would love to be able to say that there isn't a shred of truth in what he said. Unfortunately I can't. It does seem that a number of senior officers have been playing politics and doing deals behind the scenes, and I am greatly saddened that the Army which I knew and loved has descended to this. I hardly know what to think now. I do not have a high opinion of Jackson, as while he was agreeing with the Treasury and their political masters about the re-organisation (read: cheaper for the government) of the Army it is notable that HIS Brigade of Guards emerged entirely unscathed. What he should have been fighting for was the line infantry, as they are the ones that have been cut to the bone as well as being the ones in greatest demand with all the commitments they have. The Army Air Corps should have been expanded instead of being the subject of recent cuts. They have also been informed that their numbers will be further reduced as will the size of the helicopter fleet. The AAC are the best protection and 'force multiplier' the Infantry has.

09-20-2007, 12:03 PM	#12 (permalink)
glyn *Military Professional* Join Date: 09-15-06 Location: Penzance, Cornwall UK Posts: 6,543	[quote=S-2;408419] Glyn, Cochrane seems to think the issue here rests as much with the Army as the politicians. Here, at least, the generals have the experience and are the guarantors of any existing service tradition. Any truth to Alan Cochrane's contention in your view? I would love to be able to say that there isn't a shred of truth in what he said. Unfortunately I can't. It does seem that a number of senior officers have been playing politics and doing deals behind the scenes, and I am greatly saddened that the Army which I knew and loved has descended to this. I hardly know what to think now. I do not have a high opinion of Jackson, as while he was agreeing with the Treasury and their political masters about the re-organisation (read: cheaper for the government) of the Army it is notable that HIS Brigade of Guards emerged entirely unscathed. What he should have been fighting for was the line infantry, as they are the ones that have been cut to the bone as well as being the ones in greatest demand with all the commitments they have. The Army Air Corps should have been expanded instead of being the subject of recent cuts. They have also been informed that their numbers will be further reduced as will the size of the helicopter fleet. The AAC are the best protection and 'force multiplier' the Infantry has. __________________ Semper in excretum. Solum profunda variat.