© Imperial War Museum
INTRODUCTION
Our Armed Forces in the 21st century
The following 15 pages give overviews of the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force, with their rich history and changing roles in the twenty-first century.
and her interests, which is seen as the most important role in any government. The second principle is to promote and strengthen international peace and stability, with the aim of going beyond managing and stabilising conflict, ideally by preventing it. This is an awesome responsibility that the men and women of our Armed Forces, and the civil servants that support them, have consistently risen to in magnificent fashion – now as in the past. An organisation is only as good as the people that are in it and we are fortunate that this country provides some of the most committed and professional individuals to make teams that are second to none. Our Armed Forces serve to protect and
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safeguard the United Kingdom and perform superbly in the service of the nation, from warfighting to humanitarian relief and much else besides and their professionalism and commitment is the envy of the world. In recent decades they have: liberated the Falkland Islands; contributed to a peaceful resolution of the troubles in Northern Ireland; helped liberate Kuwait in 1991 and Iraq in 2003; contributed to the restoration
he output of UK defence is governed by two overriding principles. The first is to defend the United Kingdom
of legitimate government in Sierra Leone; relieved suffering in the Balkans and Africa; countered narcotics and supported security on the high seas; provided our strategic deterrent; and at home, played a pivotal role in response to flooding, the foot-and- mouth crisis and in sustaining essential public services. The British Armed Forces are conducting
important missions in many places around the world, helping to promote peace and reduce instability. But most of the attention is, understandably, in Afghanistan where our forces are making a vital contribution fighting terrorism as part of an international coalition of over 40 nations. The Armed Forces are also vital national
institutions. Reservists live and work in our communities, spreading experience, skills and values gained in the military into civil society. The Cadet Forces play a key role in developing today’s youth. Our veterans from World War II through National Service and up to now total 5 million plus from octogenarians and older to men and women in their twenties with operational experience. On average, 20,000 people leave the forces every year and rejoin ‘civvie street’ better educated, fit, skilled and motivated with compassion, confidence and a strong
work ethic and team spirit. These qualities provide employers with valuable staff and society with responsible citizens. We ask a great deal of the men and
women – regular and reserve – who serve in the Armed Forces. Many are working in dangerous and difficult circumstances, in which some 469 have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the nation since 2001 and many others have been injured in the line of duty. Still, all around the world, every day, they demonstrate their courage, professionalism and dedication in the service of their country. What has not changed in the Armed Forces, whether in the green fields of France, the Normandy beaches, the deserts of the Middle East or the complex terrains of foreign villages, towns and cities where conflict erupts, is the extraordinary courage and commitment of our servicemen and women, who deliver unfailingly in the most difficult and dangerous of circumstances. The Armed Forces of today are wholly
manned by those proud to serve their unit, regiment and country. The support shown by the UK public is a boost to the morale whether at home or overseas and Armed Forces Day is the ideal day to show your support. •
www.armedforcesday.org.uk SHOW YOUR SUPPORT 21
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