Public support for the armed forces is growing

In the week leading up to remembrance day it is increasingly clear that the public is becoming more supportive of the armed forces and becoming aware of the scandalous treatment of servicemen. The Government policy of cutting defence spending (while fighting 2 wars) is now out of step with public opinion. Also the forces are at last seeing improvement in recruiting levels as young men step forward willing to serve their country, not just seeking job security but aware they are likely to see action and risk their lives. The Army is obviously the main beneficiary of public and media support at present but while a large proportion of servicemen on the ground in Afghanistan are naval personnel, the RN is somewhat out of the limelight and there is relatively little public outcry about the shrinking fleet.