As Europe falters Asia's defence spending grows and grows

North Korea, the US estimates the country's defence spending to be nearly a quarter of the size of its economy - compared with less than 3% for South Korea, or just 1% for Japan. Overall military spending in Asia has been growing while the West has been cutting back.

Especially in Europe, and here in the UK we have seen mass Army redundancies and the scaling back of our RAF and Royal Navy. Asia's top spender, China, has more than trebled its official defence expenditure over the past ten years.

Why is this happening? Don't we live in a world governed by the UN and diplomacy? Militarism has been dead for 70 years, it doesn't work. So why the arms race? Who is China threatened by? India and Pakistan have Nuclear Weapons, Iran wants one now too; China is feeling the pressure...

Royal Air Force (RAF)

The first RAF squadron (then as the RFC – Royal Flying Corps) was formed in 1912 and it upgraded to aircraft in 1914. The RAF is the oldest independant air force in the world with a long proud history, serving in all the major conflicts that took place during the 20th century, and continuing to do so in the 21st.

Now the RAF provide air support for a wide range of uses, both at war and in peace time. During the Cold War the RAF was an integral part of Britain’s nuclear deterrant.

British Army

The British Army has a long and distinguished history, not to mention a very complicated hierarchy for the Regiments and Corps. This section summarises the history and the functions of the different aspects of the modern British Army.

Poll: Do you think national service should be brought back to solve some of Britain’s problems?

The youth of today have too many rights and these should be taken away from them after all they're children and should not make their own choices until they can prove they're adults. Service will sort the wheat from the chaff.

A lot has been said about this already however, there hasn't been a poll so we can now vote on the issue and not see if we can get some results that would make someone in Westminster site up and listen.

"hi every one im only 14 and live in newquay and i think it a good idea it will stop all the under aged alcoholics in the uk today so bring it back to this proud country of ours".

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Army

RAF


Bring Back National Service

The British Armed Forces has a long tradition of custom, pagentry, and history.

Trooping the Colour

Like it or not, the naval and military services are bound up in the cultural life of the United Kingdom; its languages, architecture, religion, philosophical views, art, and music.

Whether you are loyalist or republican, that cultural life is part of this Island’s great cultural heritage which you are a part of, surrounded by and invited to join, irrespective of your background – something the British (whether that’s Irish, Welsh, Scottish or English) have always been reticent and moderate in talking about – you should have and will have chances to enjoy all that the military has to offer. If you’re a spouse of a service member, your child or friend, or sibling may be serving, get involved, don’t miss the opportunity to have some great fun.

Even if you’re not part of the forces or a friend is serving, you can be a part of it too, as the majority of people who enjoy these event are not military.

Not only is our cultural heritage important per se (Why? Well it is a part of your identity and moral duty to learn and enjoy these events), it also gives you and your family great opportunities to celebrate events together, create ideas for get-togethers and parties at home and in your local community – specially if you live on the patch. It’s a great way to meet and make new friends, for you and your children.

We’re going to list the events for you in chronological order starting with January but focusing on the lesser know events and days rather than festivals like Easter. On that note, movable feasts change dates year on year (such as Easter) never falling on the same date but rather on the same day. In addition this is a list of British events, not celebrating exclusivity.

Furthermore, not all events are Bank Holidays (there’re only 8 official Bank Holidays while some years have extra such as a Royal Wedding or holidays in lieu if Christmas or New Year fall on a weekend) but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate something or take it as an excuse to have a party! However, some Regiments have holidays that are not enjoyed by the Public such as the Queen’s Official Birthday. So if you want more holidays get involved with the Armed Forces!

Just Click on a link below to take you to a page which will show you all the events for that month.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Harry Will eventually go back to Afghanistan

Prince Harry has been promoted to captain after completing five years’ service as an officer in the British Army. 

Harry's serving in the AAC and has voiced his desire of returning to Afghanistan. No doubt when he does, none of us will know about it but for how long the Royal family can keep it quiet is unknown. Not for long one would imagine. As soon as Harry disappears off the media radar people will begin wondering "well well well, where is he then?". Maybe a 2-3 months stint will do him rather than the normal 4-6 months?

Mad Mullahs will ask Harry to be killed

Despite all that, he definately deserves to go. It's what he wants, and regardless of the danger that he'll be a high profile target. After all what's the point of the state spending all that money training him up for nothing, which he has admitted himself - "I’d just be taking up a spare place for somebody else if they didn’t have me going out on the job." He's following in footsteps of his Dad, Uncle, and Grandparents et al in placing Military service as a normal but significant part of his life. We all know the Windsors have various faults but we cannot fault them on their distinguished military service (Prince Edward the exception). Something our politicians have a distinct lack of experience of.