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We are immensely proud of
We are immensely proud of the bravery, skill and dedication our armed
forces have demonstrated in Afghanistan, Iraq, Sierra Leone, the
Balkans and elsewhere across the world.They are a force for good.We
will never commit forces to battle unless it is essential; but when they
are committed they will have the investment, strategy, training and
preparation they need.That is one reason we have given the armed
forces the biggest sustained increase in funding since the end of the
Cold War. But we also know that modern demands on our armed
forces are changing.That is why reform and modernisation are essential.
A reduction in the number of infantry battalions, made possible
because of the improved security situation in Northern Ireland, has
allowed extra resources for the vital support services such as signals,
engineers, intelligence and logistics units – the parts of the army most
under pressure.This is essential to allow our infantry soldiers to be
fully supported when they go into action on our behalf.We will continue
with the investment and reform that make our fighting forces the
most flexible and effective in the world.