News, Articles and Comment

Ed. The author gives his state of play on the current socioeconomic conditions impacting British seapower, and proposes a possible RN force structure financially tailored for a ‘regional’ rather than a ‘global’ Britain.

Ed. The author criticises the current state of public discourse concerning diversity in the Armed Forces, citing examples from history to demonstrate that merit must be foundational for leadership in the Services. Originally published in The Article. A 10 minute read.

Ed. In this third article in the NR’s series featuring BRNC Pellew Division officer cadets, the author explores the appeal and consequences of human augmentation and robotics for the Royal Navy, raising important questions about the nature and future of war itself. A 10 minute read.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It insiders a book published in 1950, exploring the wartime experience of those who served in the RNVR. It is also the first of “If you can find a copy of…do read it!” Members are invited to share new reviews of old books, which may be of interest, or past book reviews that may have an enduring value.

Ed. In the first of a series of articles by BRNC Pellew Division officer cadets, the author examines the continuing challenges of women acting in combat roles. A look at the history demonstrates that the press of mobilization often requires abandoning long-held social conventions. The government and media have a responsibility to do more to reach the goals for female enlistment. A 10 minute read.

Ed. Our correspondent draws lessons from his time sailing with the Uruguayan Navy aboard the schooner Capitán Miranda, with a Joint mission of training future officers in seamanship and conducting naval diplomacy around the globe. A 10 minute read.

Ed. A former Editor of the NR reflects on the lessons he might have given his younger self; advice for starting out on a naval career.

Ed. Monday 15 Jan 24 – In a media round before a Lancaster House speech on today’s threats and a rose tinted view of the state of our Armed Forces’, https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/defending-britain-from-a-more-dangerous-world the new Secretary of State for Defence managed to get a Nation of Naval Officers shouting at the Radio. If only our own government could address the flashing red lights on the dashboard of their Armed Forces in the same vein as our adversaries are! He rightly suggest the peace dividend no longer exists and that “An age of idealism has been replaced by a period of hard-headed realism.” If that is the case he will also realise that by any indicator he chooses to pick to measure ‘hard-headed realism’ the Defence of the UK is no longer fit for purpose. An illustrious former Editor has also kindly put pen to paper!  For those who missed Mr Shapps’ interview and would like another opportunity to choke on their wheaties it is available on BBC Sounds at 2:15:20 – 2:19:50 (Mon 15 Jan)  https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001vc9p

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book exploring and responding to claims that Nelson was linked to the slave trade.