The Armed Forces are going to go through a new round of restructuring measures. Transfers, disbanding and reorganisation-a familiar tune? Not really, because this time it isn’t simply a matter of basing and cuts. It is above all almost a revolution that will affect tomorrow’s local military organisation in defence bases. The author, who was involved in drawing up the 2007 report by General Bouteiller on the general support and administration of formations, here gives some dispassionate thoughts on the plan.
Rationalising administration and support: a challenge to take up, under certain conditions
Imbalance in the teeth/tail ratio? ‘Back office’ overmanned at the expense of the ‘front office’? Reorientation of military personnel towards their ‘core skills’?
Different ways to describe the same issue, some controversial, some short and to the point, but all once again in the news now that the publication of the White Paper and the conclusions of the General Review of Public Policies (RGPP) have been described, at the highest level in the Government, as heralding an ‘historic’ reform.
If due allowances are made for eye-catching shorthand—as hidden behind the distinctions between the teeth and the tail exist some much more complex realities, as military logisticians know only too well—can the structure of the armed forces become more efficient, without prejudicing its ability to train and fight, even gaining some advantage? Certainly.
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