The British Army is not ready to fight in a war (Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)
At Thursday’s session of the Commons Select Defence Committee, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (DCDS) Lieutenant General Sir Rob Macgowan asserted that the British army was ready to meet the threat of potential Russian aggression in Europe.
Specifically, he said that “if the Russians invaded eastern Europe tonight then we would meet them in that fight”.
This sort of hysterical optimism does Britain’s armed forces no favours whatsoever and is typical of the “can do” attitude that placates non-expert politicians, and to a certain extent explains why the services are in such dire straits today.
The first question from the Committee should have been “fight with what?” I’m not going to bore everyone by detailing yet again how small and under-resourced the UK forces have become after years of neglect by successive governments of all political hues. Suffice to say that our army would be hard pressed to put a brigade, let alone a division, in the field without some serious juggling.
None of the services have sufficient personnel and almost all of the army’s artillery has gone to . Stocks of ammunition and missiles are perilously low for the same reason, and the forthcoming Strategic Defence Review is going to recommend more cuts, not enhancements, as sure as eggs is eggs. General Rob should have told it like it is and not misled the Committee
members. But he chose not to and only he will know why. I have my suspicions, though.
Against this dismal background a small flicker of light at the end of the dark tunnel of gloom may have been provided by the recent announcement of a £8,000 bonus for junior soldiers to persuade them – some would say bribe them – to stay in the army.
This incentive for privates and lance corporals is effort to shore up retention. For many months now the outflow of trained personnel back into civvy street has been greater than recruits coming in. While this is a positive step, it’s hard to shake the feeling that it might be too little, too late.
Military life can be tough, and pay has often failed to reflect the sacrifices soldiers make. Offering a financial reward shows that the army recognises this and is trying to compete with civilian careers. Other countries, such as the United States, Germany, and France, have long used such bonuses effectively to attract and retain personnel. In that sense, the British army is playing catch-up.
However, the bonus alone won’t solve the deeper problems.
Recruitment has been falling short for years, with the army in particular consistently missing its targets. The outsourcing of army recruiting to civilian contractors has proved a disaster and it needs to be brought in house quam celerrime, as Jacob Rees-Mogg might say.
The £8,000 incentive may help, but it’s a sticking plaster on a much larger wound.
The more pressing question remains: is our army big enough to defend the UK and support our allies? The answer, sadly, is no. We are no longer in a position to mount independent operations or offer significant contributions to international coalitions. And this isn’t just a matter of pride, it’s about credibility. If we can’t back up our commitments with real capability, our standing as a serious player will continue to erode.
The situation isn’t hopeless, but it requires urgent action. First, we need a clear and honest assessment of what the army is for and what it needs to achieve. Are we focused on territorial defence, expeditionary operations, or hybrid warfare? The answer will determine how we structure, fund, and equip our forces.
Second, the government must commit to sustained investment in the army. That means not just buying shiny new equipment but also ensuring we have the manpower, training, and logistical support to use it effectively. Bonuses like the £8,000 incentive and enhanced childcare arrangements are a good start, but they must be part of a broader strategy to make army service attractive and rewarding.
Finally, we need to rebuild public and political support for the military. For too long defence has been treated as a low priority, an easy target for cuts when budgets are tight. This has to change. A strong, well-equipped army isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity in an increasingly volatile world.
Against this background General Rob’s gung-ho “it’ll be all right on the night” statement to the Defence Committee was counter-productive.
They might want to haul him in to see them again and ask for a more accurate and honest appraisal.
Lt Col Stuart Crawford is a political and defence commentator and former army officer. Sign up for his podcasts and newsletters at