ABSTRACT
During the twenty-first century, the militarisation of internal security forces developed at a rapid pace, first in the adoption of substantial new legal powers and in initial displays of the use of these powers. The Ministry of Defence later confirmed the troops would be put on alert in addition to 5,000 already on standby to deal with potential terror attacks. British people were suddenly confronted by the sight of heavily armed soldiers at prominent locations in London, the capital, and other sensitive sites. The plan was also said to be contentious with the Army leadership, due to concerns about it causing overstretch, morale problems and difficulties with deciding when to end operations. The British people were being inured to the regular presence of the armed forces on the streets. The parades and ceremonies were designed to create bonds between local populations and ‘their’ regiments.
