The General Political Thread

[Riddlez]

because a lot depends on the effective work the military does? And because the public will fucking smite you if problems rise with the military because it is a matter of pride and emotion?

That, and because saving money on gear will actualy produce more costs down the line... It's a short term solutin that will provide a shitton more of life cycle costs.

[Duuring]

Does it? Is the public smiting the government? I'll remind you that all ministers of Defence since the end of conscription and the switch to a full professional army have been politicians from the VVD, CDA and CU. The same parties which are now once again forming a government. Of course, the militairy is getting more money, but do you really think they'll stop buying cheap shit gear? No government in the world buys gear for soldiers with the motivation to make them as operational and well-equipped as possible. It buys gear with the idea to make them just operational enough without being too expensive.

That, and because saving money on gear will actualy produce more costs down the line..

Easier to just defund the army and give people a tax break.

[Riddlez]

That's the point though... we're not operational enough

[Duuring]

Just show the enemy your can-do mentality.

[Riddlez]

Can I borrow the stick up your ass to beat them to death with then?

[Duuring]

Pretty sure the size of that stick would make that a warcrime.

Like it or not, the militairy is by its very nature the easiest to defund. And finally soldiers are speaking up about this, and the new government is going to send extra money its way. But you're still gonna end up with shitty gear and having to buy your own shit. That's not gonna change.

[Theodin]

Ouch

[Piercee]

Well hopefully we'll atleast get the new camo instead of the constant woodland, it's so outdated and most militaries rely on digital camos nowadays.

Spoiler

[close]

[MrTiki]

When they make changes to military budgets it's usually technical equipment etc anyway right? Like they buy more choppers, missiles and so on, not better backpacks lol

[Piercee]

When they make changes to military budgets it's usually technical equipment etc anyway right? Like they buy more choppers, missiles and so on, not better backpacks lol

Not always, basic infantry equipment is actually something that is often upgraded on, or atleast should be since alot of countries do it like this.
New weapon lines are being tested for that reason, new uniforms are constantly being developed for that reason and overall equipment like vests + helmets were done in that exact reason.
That's why most armies use FAST helmets now.
Don't forget that if you only spend money on equipment like vehicles, missiles and shit that you're eventually gonna fall far behind on infantry.
Infanty combat is still a thing, and it'll stay a thing.
Look at the middle-east, CQB happens every day. You can only do that with infantry, that's why infantry equipment needs to be also top notch to compete.
Like I'm glad my country's army uses the HK417 for example, it's a good rifle. Now we just need more fitting uniforms for tactical purposes, our armour plating in our vests is fine.
Could do with a different camo aswell and it'd be perfect. See what I mean?
Soldiers in the end win the war, not just helicopters and fancy toys.

[McPero]

In UK house of commons u are not allowed to wear armor.

[Duuring]

When they make changes to military budgets it's usually technical equipment etc anyway right? Like they buy more choppers, missiles and so on, not better backpacks lol

Yeah. Those backpacks, like all equipment, have a life expectancy. They're not going to be replaced before their time.

Not always, basic infantry equipment is actually something that is often upgraded on, or atleast should be since alot of countries do it like this.
New weapon lines are being tested for that reason, new uniforms are constantly being developed for that reason and overall equipment like vests + helmets were done in that exact reason.

Just because they do tests, doesn't mean they actually get purchased. Those tests usually are done by private companies who want to make money, not the actual militairy.

Look at the middle-east, CQB happens every day. You can only do that with infantry, that's why infantry equipment needs to be also top notch to compete.
Like I'm glad my country's army uses the HK417 for example, it's a good rifle. Now we just need more fitting uniforms for tactical purposes, our armour plating in our vests is fine.

You're thinking from the perspective of a general, not of a politician. If we were to update our army everytime something better is created, you'd be spending money every year on new gear. It's not how it works. When it is time to replace a certain item (Its life expectancy has run out), it's decided with what to replace it. A compromise between quality and price is found, and because it's so easy to defund the army (Because they don't strike), usually it's the price that is the most important factor. And more often then not, it doesn't actually get replaced until long after its life expectancy because 'hey you're not gonna throw away this perfectly almost always working radio?!!!".

[Riddlez]

Where you from, Pierce?

When they make changes to military budgets it's usually technical equipment etc anyway right? Like they buy more choppers, missiles and so on, not better backpacks lol

No usually the first thing to be cut on is innovation. After that comes new investments, then training hours, floght and sailing hours are cut and then there will be personnel cuts

[Toffee]

By googling the rifle it would appear Pierce is from Germany or pretty much any other country in the world

[McPero]

By googling the rifle it would appear Pierce is from Germany or pretty much any other country in the world

His description says "dutch cunt", no clue where is he from, aren't Dutch nation in Northwest India?