ABSTRACT

This chapter explains the more conventional idea of viewing defence as being principally the property and concern of the military. It discusses the size and shape of the United Kingdom (UK) armed forces, from the baseline of the country's military condition in 2010 – the year the Coalition government, between the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats, was formed. The chapter describes the defence cuts made to the British military during that parliament, between 2010 and 2015, and also discusses the supposed recapitalisation of the military since then under the banner of Joint Force 2025. It also describes the roles assigned to UK military forces by the UK government in support of our defence posture and treaty obligations. The chapter examines the reform of the military during the Coalition government of 2010–2015, its reduction in size, and the intended recapitalisation to form Joint Force 2025. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the problems facing the British military.