Men at arms
From Mr David Todd Sir: Following the change in world order after the end of the Cold War, a reassessment of the role of our armed forces is perhaps due. While we can be justifiably proud of their professionalism, the main role of the forces at present seems to he to interfere in other people's civil wars, often with unforeseen consequences, as indicated by John Laughland's review of Kosovo and Macedonia Mill an Albanian for Nato', 24 March).
An invasion of Britain cannot be ruled out, and the state has an overriding responsibility for self-defence; I suggest, however, that a traditional land invasion is extremely unlikely, and attack is more likely to come by way of terrorist attack, or nuclear or chemical air-based weapons.
A continuing air-defence system is therefore necessary, but I would propose that most of the remaining forces be converted to a home-based defence force. This should be trained to deal with terrorist issues and civil incursion, but should also be trained to assist with such matters as foot-and-mouth, floods, road and rail disasters, and other unforeseen crises which require considerable manpower to be made quickly available.
While political advice to other countries may be appropriate on occasions, defence of the realm should be based at home, since overseas excursions are, in most cases, none of our business.
David Todd
Feltham, Middlesex
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