The essentials of the Defence Green Paper 2010 - issues for the Strategic Defence and Security Review

Key themes from the green paper

• Adaptability – the green paper acknowledges the work that has happened to date to improve adaptability, citing the package of capability enhancements announced in December 2009 as an example. However, it also notes the challenges faced, particularly relating to campaign resourcing and continuity, and the long lead times for military capability. The paper also sets out the need for improving our understanding and anticipation of requirements as a crucial step towards improving adaptability, including horizon scanning, better understanding of countries and conflicts, and partnership both internationally and across government.

• Influence – the green paper asks that the UK expands the options available to prevent conflict and achieve its objectives without the use of force. It restates the policy on retaining a minimum strategic nuclear deterrent and sets out the benefits that can be and are being achieved through the use of defence diplomacy and security co-operation, particularly in the context of the modest investment in these activities.

• Partnership (international) – the UK's mutually reinforcing international relationships will become increasingly important to its security. The green paper suggests that the UK should review the importance of improving cooperation and ‘capability pooling’ between NATO and the EU, as well as the possibilities for strengthening the UK’s contribution to UN peace-keeping and headquarters functions.

• Partnership (across government) – the green paper sets out the importance of a cross-governmental approach to achieving national security objectives within the framework provided by the National Security Strategy. Major steps forward have been taken, including the CONTEST strategy, the Comprehensive Approach, the joint Stabilisation Unit and the Conflict Strategy, but more needs to be done to strengthen collective responsibility and to extend the Comprehensive Approach to the authorities and citizens of countries in which we are operating.

• People, equipment and structures – the paper also sets out a range of measures to ensure that people, equipment and structures have the capacity and capability to support adaptability.

  • For the people in defence, whether military, civilian, Reserves or industry, this means better skills, flexibility, recruitment and retention

  • For equipment, this means creating an affordable long-term equipment programme, strengthening relationships with industry and continuing support for defence exports

  • For structures, this means reviewing the business model of the Ministry of Defence based on the business models used in other Government departments and the private sector, and continuing the current efficiency agenda that is aiming to deliver £3.15billion of savings over the current Comprehensive Spending Review period.
    

In parallel, the Defence Strategy for Acquisition Reform was also published. The strategy sets out a programme of major reform in the defence acquisition framework and is a critical enabler for a balanced and sustainable equipment programme in the future.

PA Consulting Group has prepared short summaries of each of these documents, setting out the key questions, actions and themes arising.

To request a copy of 'The essentials of the Green Paper' or 'The essentials of the Defence Strategy for Acquisition Reform', or to speak to one of our defence experts, please contact us now.