Batallions to the fore...

Is it me or does the Government love destroying tradition? As is well-known now, the Ministry of Defense is studying options for decreasing the number of Infantry batallions in the British Army from 40 to 36. At first glance the loss of 4 batallions, numbering less than 4,000 men, might not appear much. But let's look at the history books. Every batallion of the British Army has distinguished itself in battle many times over. Esprit de Corps is the order of the day. Soldiers take pride in the honours and traditions of the regiment to which they belong. With the Ban on Hunting with Hounds official, why destroy even more of our national heritage, especially that which is at this moment protecting and fighting for the security of Britain and freedom of others across the world. The Infantry is the mainstay of any Army. Why reduce ours further? Tony Blair should stop wasting time with little titbits, ask for the philandering David Blunkett's resignation and kick Godon Brown into giving our Armed Forces the financial support they need and deserve, instead of inviting more soldiers, sailors and airmen to leave the armed forces for the good of the public purse.