News, Articles and Comment

Ed. Originally published in two parts in 1999 [87/1, p. 3 & 87/2, p. 105], the author elaborated with particular clarity the strategic, operational and doctrinal rationale for what is now the current RN carrier aviation capability in the Joint Armed Forces post-Cold War environment. A 50 minute read.

Ed. Our correspondent suggests a radical modification concerning the future of the Admiralty Interview Board.

Ed. Through an imagined Socratic dialogue the author conveys to the younger generation the heroism of Shackleton’s rescue of the Endurance crew in August 1916. A 20 minute read.

Ed. Two letters highlighting institutional learning, whether for better in the service of ceremonial fleet reviews or for worse in terms of political-bureaucratic stagnation.

Ed. If the recent conflict in the Middle East has confirmed anything, it is that sea power remains essential to our nation’s prosperity. Much has been written about Operation EPIC FURY, the rapidly evolving threats we face and our ability to counter them, and how advances in drones, uncrewed and autonomous systems have forever changed the way we fight. But some things remain constant, as evidenced by Iran shutting the Strait of Hormuz, the vital maritime chokepoint through which a fifth of the world’s oil transits.

BRE. The latest book review is now available. It considers a book exploring the 300-year old history of Navy Rum.

Ed. The author considers RN readiness from the perspective of Military Aid to Civilian Authorities (MACA). As crises accumulate, the temptation to employ the RN to respond where civilian institutions lack support can erode warfighting capacity. A 15 minute read.

Ed. Two letters responding to recent RN developments and advocating for reform.

Ed. Our correspondent comments on the question of Pompey Revs.