How likely is the Royal Navy to return to a two-power standard?
Short answerA return is considered very unlikely in the recording, which proposes defining Britain's allied and global roles before choosing a force structure.
NotesA modern two-power standard first needs to define which two navies Britain would be measured against. Without that definition, it supplies little guidance for force planning. The alternative proposed here gives naval and air forces a larger role in providing both NATO support and global reach. The accompanying army concept includes an armoured division, a smaller expeditionary formation drawing on Royal Marines and air-mobile forces, and units suited to tripwire deployments. Expanding any service also requires time to build capability and competitive wages to attract and retain personnel. The demands on an infantry soldier's freedom, social life and personal safety are part of that recruitment calculation.