More cash but not more people

It takes the RAF eight years to train a pilot so there is little possibility of a massive influx of new squadrons thanks to the increase in defence spending. So how do you convince young people that a career in the armed services is a good move?

Patriotism is no longer enough, the money is pretty average and you could face long periods away from home in places which you would not find in your average holiday brochure. Some European nations have been forced to introduce conscription, a move which is not even on the table in Britain.

Also, there is a danger that the additional cash will be wasted on poor kit which doesn’t work. Before the military goes out on a spending spree perhaps key questions need to be answered; have we got the people and does the kit really work?