I think there's a lot that posters can agree on. I think we are all after the same outcome(s), but divided on how we might get there.
My own experience of 'experts' is not favourable. One might consider Cressida Dicks, who although knighted by the Establishment for services to police, was considered unfit for office by the Mayor of London (another expert)
I also cite Sir Chris Witty as another who buckled to political pressure with his science guidance.
The frustration with myself is that these 'experts' are paid significant amounts for their expertise, and yet still bumble around like blindfolded drunks, making one mistake after another until "we get there, in the end".
I have known many squaddies over the year who have moaned "why have we been given this 4hlt ?" on receiving new kit.
The aircraft carrier debacle recently left our island with no carriers, then carriers without aircraft.
There are many other examples.

This is what really grips my goat.

I disengage, I turn the page.

Ive heard all this before but (and im not doing this to control a narrative, its just nobody with your views generally give a good answer so I am hoping you can)
Where should we get our military information from if our military information is no good? You cant say our military information is no good unless you have a better source of military info, where is it? How are you getting your information?

I tend to disagree with you on almost everything but I can tell that your positions are usually based on much better research than most people with similar worldview so knowing where you are getting your info on this would actually be really useful

My post refers a little to the current war but really it was mainly my irritation at what is presented to the British public by the media/government and specifically about policy toward the British military since the nineties....all apparently delivered to us by 'experts'.

I can't say just how many military reviews we have had which boldly stated how our forces needed to be reduced in size because conventual armies weren't required anymore. For me, I don't think people deserve the status, power and inflated income if their takes are actually wrong.

For me the lesson of history is that using the military as a cost saving department has negative real world effects in hard power and even more importantly perception and influence around the world.....AKA, soft power.

What to rely on information wise for that? Well, personally I'd say talk to people in the military themselves. People in the professions actually know what's going on....but when it comes to leadership positions it becomes political.

So when the new guy comes out with the new take and you get no mention of our past failures and mistaken reviews it actually p1sses me off....all their defenders have are excuses.

In terms of information sources for this war, I would recommend Telegram, as both Ukrainian and Russia sources post war videos and claims there....though that should come with the warning that battlefield coverage can be very grisly and don't watch it if it understandably fecks with your head....the injustice and brutality of war can make you angry.

On Telegram I mainly follow Michael De La Broc, who collects and summaries video and claims made by both sides.
[Link]

For more sanitized, objective and summarized views of the battlefield using maps I quite like Defense Politics Asia.

[Link]

If you want to avoid biased language and deliberate omissions that favour one or other side he's quite good at trying to find the truth within the fog of war.

There is New World Econ as well, though I've only just hit upon his stuff and he sounds like a bit of a stoner so take that with a pinch of salt.

[Link]

Edited by Stirlingsays (20 Jun 2022 7.03pm)

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

What is “misinformation”?

Yeah, I know. My point is that misinformation is just a made up word that’s used because inconvenient truths cannot be labelled as lies

In an interesting move the Ukrainian government has permanently banned the opposition party.

Opposition Platform - For Life received the second most votes in Ukraine's 2019 parliamentary election.

However, the Eighth Administrative Court of Appeal upheld the Zelensky Administration's decision to ban it.

No journalists were allowed in the court.

Edited by Stirlingsays (21 Jun 2022 2.49am)

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)