http://www.rusi.org/ web@rusi.org en-us Copyright 2013 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A514077C33D4E6/ If the government’s plans to increase the British Army’s reliance on reservists are to be a success, the concerns of a number of parties – as well as society’s relationship with defence – need to be addressed. (Free access) 2013-03-13 12:58:47 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A513A103878EA9/ In allowing women to serve in ground-combat positions, the US, and other militaries considering following suit, now face the challenge of sustainability. 2013-03-08 16:22:47 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5107DDB8CF331/ Though less common than their ‘conventional’ IED counterparts, chemical and radiological explosive devices are still a threat to both urban environments and the battlefield. Andy Oppenheimer, AIExpE, an expert on these weapons, outlines their dangers and describes how best to neutralise them 2013-01-29 14:34:23 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5058A88DD8D7C/ Delivering fast, accurate targeting information to pilots is an art form practised by the Forward Air Controller. Giles Ebbutt looks at the ROVER and other offerings on the market 2012-09-18 18:00:19 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5058A83F6DA2F/ An insider’s view of the latest status of the SPV400 light patrol vehicle development programme 2012-09-18 17:58:49 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5058A8074A8F5/ Bob Armstrong explains the process for keeping the Warrior AFVs in service for another three decades, with major upgrades to lethality, fightability and survivability 2012-09-18 17:57:57 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5058A7C98DEEF/ Eugene Kogan presents a market overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the artillery ammunition and anti-tank guided weapons sector across eastern and central Europe 2012-09-18 17:56:57 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5058A7896E7B9/ Current thinking has led the British Army to define forces as light, medium and heavy. William F Owen explains why the concept of medium forces is potentially dangerous 2012-09-18 17:55:58 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5058A51F36E0E/ Kinetic weaponry will remain a key component of land, sea and air arsenals for the foreseeable future, but will struggle to attract R&D investment. Dr Jeffrey Bradford explains why 2012-09-18 17:45:40 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A5058A3F054A01/ Nick Watts on why the time is right for a reassessment of the merits of 5.56mm rifle ammunition in favour of a heavier – and more lethal – replacement 2012-09-18 17:41:57 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C5033ACFA307AB/ The last minute military boost to Olympic security allowed the Armed Forces to be seen as a normal and average part of a relaxed and self-confident British society. The Chiefs should bottle that spirit for the difficult years to come, and politicians should realise that this was a one-off service. 2012-08-21 16:46:31 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A501270705791A/ What lies behind the recent attacks on British troops by members of the Afghan National Security Forces? 2012-07-27 11:42:38 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4FFA86E865E07/ Size is not everything as the British Army announces reductions in personnel. Though sheer quantity is certainly not irrelevant, the numbers in the Regular Army are rather less important than the structure, training and equipment that it embraces. 2012-07-05 08:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4FC4A11B7FFA8/ As the celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee reach their climax, Captain Roly Spiller explores the history and experiences of the Household Cavalry throughout Queen Elizabeth II's reign 2012-05-29 11:12:51 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4F745121E60ED/ Simon Michell talks to the former Commandant General of the Royal Air Force Regiment, Air Commodore Russell La Forte CBE, to discover the nature of the corps’ work 2012-03-29 13:10:11 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4F744ED012C9F/ Avnish Patel, military sciences project manager at RUSI, assesses a selection of the latest unmanned aerial vehicle counter-improvised explosive device technology 2012-03-29 13:00:18 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4F744DDA9CFC4/ The Royal Air Force Regiment provides much more than its unique perimeter-patrolling capability for NATO and coalition partners, also offering vital capabilities to UK Defence and the civilian authorities 2012-03-29 12:56:12 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4F744D501CEA6/ Giles Ebbutt explores the history of the Bowman tactical C4I system, its positive impact on British military capability and the root causes for some of the criticism that it has received 2012-03-29 12:55:09 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4F744C4B77702/ Serge Buchakjian of Oshkosh Defense highlights the role that the company’s vehicle technology is playing in helping to protect troops travelling on the ground 2012-03-29 12:49:37 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4F744BFD33100/ Peter D Antill, Jeremy CD Smith and David M Moore explain how the Ministry of Defence devised urgent solutions to give better protection to personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan 2012-03-29 12:48:17 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4F744B02E42F9/ Colonel Peter Flach MBE (Retd) explains why air-transportable, medium-weight armoured vehicles have become such a vital component in current operations 2012-03-29 12:44:41 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4F744995804FA/ Chris Maughan, managing consultant at Decision Analysis Services Ltd, examines the two key procurement processes employed by the Ministry of Defence and highlights lessons to be learned from the success of the LPPV rapid procurement 2012-03-29 12:38:01 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4F7447572F481/ 2012-03-29 12:29:08 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4F43E27BC2712/ As the Afghan wind-down continues, the T E Lawrence myth is not helpful: Sir Arthur Lawrance is a better example 2012-02-21 18:31:03 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4F43DB7E313D3/ Influence, rather than being a radical new idea, has roots in a long tradition of manoeuvre warfare 2012-02-21 18:01:08 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4ED3C73A22B1F/ A look at the challenges that face the Joint Support Chain in current operations 2011-11-28 17:39:37 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4E8EE557E7BA7/ Review of Afghanistan: How the West Lost Its Way; Cables from Kabul: The Inside Story of the West’s Afghanistan Campaign; and Losing Small Wars: British Military Failure in Iraq and Afghanistan 2011-10-07 12:41:13 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4E8EE3A30B558/ Western defence ministries are getting better at capability-based planning. But they need to do more 2011-10-07 12:33:58 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E452206A06D8/ As the British Army’s existing CVR(T)s reach the end of their useful life, Steve Rowbotham assesses the utility of the British Army’s next reconnaissance vehicle. 2011-08-12 13:52:48 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E4521E98A3A0/ William F Owen considers whether the British Army’s post-SDSR configuration of permanently formed multi-role brigades will enable the British Government to prosecute overseas operations with confidence. 2011-08-12 13:52:02 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E452047ED601/ RUSI’s Acquisition Forum makes a robust plea for careful government defence acquisition policy reform and warns of the dangers of any ill-conceived changes. 2011-08-12 13:45:36 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E451F565858B/ Toivo Niemi highlights some of the recent experience that the Swedish armed forces have had with Urgent Operational Requirements and reveals some of the consequences. 2011-08-12 13:41:30 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4E451D8318F86/ Jeffrey Bradford suggests that the United Kingdom’s military force reductions are of little relevance to the nature of the UK-United States ‘Special Relationship’. 2011-08-12 13:34:19 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4D9EEFAF078C3/ With the continental threat gone, Austria, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland have embarked on different paths of defence reform 2011-04-08 12:21:50 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:P4D5E78590C17F/ In this exclusive photo essay, Susan Schulman captures the challenges - mental and physical - faced by Corunna Company both as they prepare for deployment and after they arrive in south-western Iraq in Autumn 2004. 2011-01-18 13:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/publications/newsbrief/ref:A4CED652035D31/ After the Supreme Court's verdict, soldiers still need an acceptable deal on human rights 2010-11-24 19:20:14 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4CBC17F44203B/ Two retired US colonels offer some candid thoughts on the future character of British military capability 2010-10-18 10:48:45 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4CAED999A3AD8/ The closure of the Afghan/Pakistan border earlier this week and consequent targeting of NATO fuel supplies has highlighted a critical vulnerability for the International Security Assistance Forces: Fuel. But what can be done to overcome ISAF's Achilles heel? 2010-10-08 09:48:24 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4C24757A877C0/ Dr Andrew Davies considers the capabilities of the Australian Army and how it hsould approach its next Defence White Paper 2010-06-25 10:23:14 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C231770B43C9/ While the sombre landmark of the three hundredth British death was passed this week, and the Commander has been summarily replaced, politicians and military leaders reveal divisions at the top that make everyone wonder whether the campaign is winnable. 2010-06-24 09:31:32 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4C223C1F023C7/ British operations in Helmand Province are showing signs of significant progress, thanks partly to the success of the counter insurgency strategy and the leadership of General Stanley McChrystal, argues a new report from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). 2010-06-23 17:55:12 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4C221B2D3B14B/ Dewar Donnithorne-Tait discusses what must be done to allow robotics systems to work alongside those that are manned 2010-06-23 15:35:12 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4C220D5BEFBBD/ Peter Flach sets out the reasons that MoD has spent almost £1bn without a single vehicle to show for it 2010-06-23 14:34:50 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4C21D2CCCCBA7/ Engaging in a constantly evolving battlespace, the British Army needs to ensure that its intellectual capacity keeps pace with frontline demand 2010-06-23 10:24:38 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4C18A1424C1AA/ The longest and most expensive public inquiry in UK legal history has finally produced its report - to extraordinary scenes in Londonderry. Just as Bloody Sunday was a catalyst leading to an upsurge in violence then, so this report into events could now prove a critical turning point in consolidating the peace process today. 2010-06-16 11:06:28 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4C0F6DC2C2608/ General David H. Petraeus, the current Commander of US Central Command spoke at RUSI's Land Warfare Conference on 9 June 2010. General Petraeus spoke of the enduring relationship between British and US Armed forces. 2010-06-09 11:45:10 http://www.rusi.org/news/ref:N4BA22EE62AF70/ General David Petraeus, Commander of United States Central Command will join General Sir David Richards, Chief of the General Staff at a high-profile RUSI conference. 2010-03-18 13:54:02 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4B8F9EE61A0E2/ The US Army has renewed its focus on the whole life cycle from research and development through in-service support to disposal, asset visibility, ramping up and scaling down as necessary, and investing wisely in logistic facilities 2010-03-04 11:54:23 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4B8F97322CA36/ There is much more work to be done in order for UK forces to integrate air and land assets better 2010-03-04 11:23:44 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4B8F8F665F346/ Timescales of capability delivery need to be shortened in a rapidly changing defence environment 2010-03-04 10:48:40 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4B8E92226BAB5/ Technology is expensive and we must be careful that we do not assist terrorists in one of their key strategic aims, which is to “strangle the enemy financially” 2010-03-03 16:46:55 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4B8E8E9B4B8E2/ Suggestions that the current small arms round is under-performing in Afghanistan and that a different calibre is required are wrong 2010-03-03 16:34:20 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4B8E8C8D35554/ If properly employed, concentrated High Explosive is the main instrument for achieving shock effect on the battlefield. Shock effect is critical in achieving sudden, decisive tactical success 2010-03-03 16:24:12 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4B8E89240DBED/ The development of electrically conductive textiles and the significant advantages that they promise can provide a solution to some of the 'burden' problems for dismounted soldiers and marines. 2010-03-03 16:11:43 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4B8E7E2F3AFDB/ The trade-offs of electronic warfare manpack systems between functionality and tactical considerations can be minimised through new technologies 2010-03-03 15:20:55 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4B8E6CECCAB18/ The direction of the US Army research programme and how this will affect the dismounted soldier in the future 2010-03-03 14:07:10 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4B86651F4DD35/ Russia has recognised the need to transform the army following its poor display during the 2008 war with Georgia. However, more must be done if it is to create fully modern and professional armed forces 2010-02-25 11:58:39 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B7A986340AD7/ Operation Moshtarak is the most important campaign in Afghanistan since the invasion in 2001. Its success, however, will not be measured in military terms but in terms of public opinion, both in Helmand and the rest of Afghanistan and in the Coalition's domestic electorate. 2010-02-16 13:25:09 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B6C4E6458A39/ The Green Paper to the Strategic Defence Review highlights strategic premises which should be presented to the public in the run up to the General Election. 2010-02-05 17:02:11 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B6C2E49D19B4/ The Defence Green Paper hints at more cooperation with Europeans as the way forward, but a need for short-term cuts may damage the coherence of defence outputs before the defence review is completed. 2010-02-05 14:44:03 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B5D811C5B7C2/ Our services must get smarter to cope with today’s threats. Their ability to adapt and maintain their high professionalism and dedication in a range of roles and with a variety of technologies is key to playing to British strengths. 2010-01-25 11:37:20 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4B28F1972200C/ The winning entry in the 2009 Trench Gascoigne Essay Prize argues that Britain's future defence policy must look beyond counter-insurgency 2009-12-16 14:41:53 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4B28EDF601CA0/ Reviews of two key new works on counter-insurgency 2009-12-16 14:25:59 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4B28ECBC990D9/ Do British officers on the front line understand their own doctrine and the wider mission? A new study suggests a surprising lack of awareness 2009-12-16 14:20:55 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B28B2C882CF9/ Bring on new Chinooks. But the defence budget can't cover the needs of a long-term occupation 2009-12-16 10:15:47 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B28AC1602813/ Bob Ainsworth, the Defence Secretary, has announced deep cuts in military personnel and equipment to fund a £900 million boost for the Afghanistan campaign. However the figures may not stack up. Something is going to give and in a big way. Defence is living through a slow motion road accident while it waits for the political wheel to turn and give it some strategic direction. 2009-12-16 09:48:04 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4B14E068758F1/ British success in Malaya appeared to show how an insurgency could be defeated by Western-led forces. The campaign was plundered for ‘lessons’ – for Vietnam in particular. The latter’s failure, however, led critics to argue that Malaya was a special case which did not offer transferable ‘lessons’. An analysis of the general principles underlying British success in Malaya can nevertheless still provide important policy implications for Afghanistan. 2009-11-28 09:00:00 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4AF97CF94AC8B/ Placing the British army's experience on the Western Front into the context of wider military developments in strategic and tactical thinking amongst allies and opponents alike, Dr Philpott's assessment of the often traumatic but nonetheless dynamic transformation in the conduct of war between 1914 and 1918 provides an important corrective to the existing Anglo-centric interpretation. 2009-11-10 14:47:30 http://www.rusi.org/publications/defencesystems/ref:A4AF1A4D95671C/ Inherent differences between the UK's armed services have made Air/Land integration difficult to achieve 2009-11-04 15:59:44 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4AEB20B8D5A85/ British units increasingly operate alongside Afghan forces in theatre. Adopting the local uniform has some compelling advantages 2009-10-30 17:22:31 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4AEB1D7656217/ Winter operations present tough challenges, but also great opportunities. ISAF should seize them 2009-10-30 17:10:31 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:A4AEB0E6CCF2C1/ The UK Ministry of Defence's acquisition organisation has an unfair reputation. It delivers first-class equipment to the right place at the right time argues its chief operating officer 2009-10-30 16:04:11 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4ABB85CAB4F4A/ Effectively starting from scratch with a force of varied backgrounds and global outlooks, the IDF underwent an unusual learning curve in its early stages, where previous experience and lessons of success were absent from the process until built up in years to come. 2009-09-24 15:48:29 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4AB7D5F2E6E6D/ While the recent conflicts engaged in by the British Army have revealed successful military-media relations on the frontline, they have also underlined a significant failure to engage with the media at the political and strategic levels. During the second half of the twentieth century the strict censorship that had reached its apogee during the Second World War was relaxed. But the recent doctrinal failure within the Army to distinguish between the fields of military-media relations and deception has seriously undermined these public relations efforts. 2009-09-21 20:43:27 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4A952992C52DF/ As General Sir David Richard’s accedes to the post of British Army Chief of the General Staff, RUSI takes this opportunity to highlight his views on the future of warfighting and British Army organisation as revealed in his speech to the June 2009 RUSI Land Warfare Conference. 2009-08-26 13:36:34 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4A60CA6E87B77/ With the deaths of fifteen UK troops in Afghanistan over the past few weeks, Britain is forced to re-think its strategy for strengthening the country. 2009-07-17 20:12:42 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4A116595F1491/ Following the release of China’s defence white paper, an enormous amount of attention is being paid to China’s naval and air force modernisation as well as its nuclear and missile forces. However, it is the PLA’s less-discussed army that is going to play the most critical role in safeguarding China’s security interests in 2009. 2009-05-18 14:51:08 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C49FCE0A01E12E/ Troops need to believe that they risk their lives for things that are genuinely important. 2009-05-03 01:12:17 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C496A10B7D39F6/ The UK needs more troops on the ground to relieve pressure in Helmand, but unless an increase is accompanied by significant victories elsewhere, the Coalition’s long-term prospects are not good. A new approach to strategic thinking in Afghanistan and the means to give some effect to it are sorely needed in the new year. 2009-01-11 15:31:27 http://www.rusi.org/analysis/commentary/ref:C4538E2591AE95/ 2006-10-20 15:53:19 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7c899b7b/ Alex Tucker examines whether there is a need for a new vision for Britian’s Reserve Forces, by comparing and contrasting Haldane's Defence Review with the SDR in order to identify the fundamental principles that a new Vision Statement. might encompass. 2004-06-18 12:23:45 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7aebe56b/ Brigadier Mungo Melvin considers three main issues in relation to army doctrine. 2004-06-18 12:23:44 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7b8d6c0b/ David Ian Hall takes a brief canter through what was a rather tempestuous relationship betwee 2004-06-18 12:23:44 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7a6ea48b/ 2004-06-18 12:23:44 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7b93f62b/ In response to John Peaty’s article on the subject of desertion in Italy during the Second World War 2004-06-18 12:23:44 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f79b3a80b/ 2004-06-18 12:23:43 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7774e08b/ 2004-06-18 12:23:41 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7762bdab/ 2004-06-18 12:23:41 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f76eea48b/ 2004-06-18 12:23:41 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f75e332db/ 2004-06-18 12:23:41 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7607789b/ 2004-06-18 12:23:41 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f765ccfcb/ 2004-06-18 12:23:41 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f75a6401b/ 2004-06-18 12:23:40 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f7520c1db/ 2004-06-18 12:23:40 http://www.rusi.org/publications/journal/ref:J40c1f74f5f1fb/ 2004-06-18 12:23:40