Credibility is about training people not buying equipment

The capability of a military force is often measured by the equipment it operates. If a cursory examination of combat tells us anything it is that a capable military force is determined by the people in it – and how they operate the kit they have available for the fight they are in. That alone turns the training conundrum on its head; add to that the requirements of trainng a very different generation, and a move from ‘training to competency’ towards ‘training for excellence’, and the training and education rhubric starts to get at the root of the underlying issues with military priorities. Turns out this military philosohy in Europe – putting kit before people in priorities – permeates almost every facet of the martial environment. I chatted this through with Tess Butler, CEO of Ruddy Nice and a Director of Fight Club International, and looked for some solutions. It seems that puttng people first (in deeds not speeches) wouldn’t cost much cash, but it would change recruitment and retention in a really positive way. More importantly, it would equip our militaries better for the fight tonight, and the fight tomorrow, and be reflected in lethality, readiness, and their ability to effectively deter. Credibility, perhaps, is more about a group of people educated and trained for excellence in the Profession of Arms.