[Russ]

Originally Posted by SMG

I agree we should equip our forces with the best we can afford, the trouble is, a lot of the time, civil servants make the decision, based on cost, & not quality or efficiency, as to what they get.

A mate of mine who's currently serving says Whitehall bases cost on theoretical safety levels (ie perfect weather conditions etc) whereas what the forces really need is the equipment tested to actual safety levels.