What is the integrated review?

Published on the 16^th March 2021, The Integrated Review is a comprehensive articulation of the UK’s national security and international policy. It outlines three fundamental national interests that bind together the citizens of the UK – sovereignty, security and prosperity – alongside our values of democracy and a commitment to universal human rights, the rule of law, freedom of speech and faith, and equality.

The armed forces

In his foreword, the Prime minister announces that HMS Queen Elizabeth will lead a British and allied task group on the UK’s most ambitious deployment for 2 decades, visiting the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific. This hopes to strengthen relationships with allied nations and show strength in the geo-political landscape.

Answering questions on reductions of the armed forces by 10,000 Mr Johnson said “There’ll be no redundancies across the Armed forces. The Army, including reserves will be over 100,000.” He has, however, stated that “it is the duty of this government to make tough decisions that are necessary to modernise our armed forces.” Plans to reduce the amount of troops to 70,000 will happen as service people leave the military, not through redundancies.

Investment and the nuclear programme.

A further £16.5bn will be made available for defence over the next 4 years, with a keen focus on R&D. Cyber threats and space have both been referenced as future battlefields that require development.

“But increasing commercial and military use of space will make it an important sphere of competition; there will be considerable risks to strategic stability if this is not managed and regulated effectively.”

This comes alongside a commitment to increase the UK’s nuclear programme, increasing warheads available to 260, contrary to plans to reduce the stockpile to 180. The change of direction comes as the review states "a minimum, credible, independent nuclear deterrent" remains “essential in order to guarantee our security". The review concludes that given the “developing range of technological and doctrinal threats now is not the time to lower the overall stockpile of nuclear warheads.”

“We will create armed forces that are both prepared for warfighting and more persistently engaged worldwide through forward deployment, training, capacity-building and education. They will have full-spectrum capabilities – embracing the newer domains of cyberspace and space and developing high-tech capabilities in other domains, such as the Future Combat Air System.”

The report also predicts there is a “realistic possibility” that a terrorist group will launch a successful chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear attack by 2030.

Investment of at least £6.6 Billion of defence funding in advanced and next generation research & development has been announced to “deliver an enduring military edge in areas including space, directed energy weapons, and advanced high-speed missiles.”

Threats and alliance.

China

The review recognises Chinas’ increasing power with improvements in Geo-economic position, technological advances as well as their assertiveness internationally. It would appear China is a key player in the decision to tilt focus to the Indo-Pacific.

“This is a context defined by: geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts, such as China’s increasing international assertiveness and the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific; systemic competition, including between states, and between democratic and authoritarian values and systems of government; rapid technological change; and transnational challenges, such as climate change, biosecurity risks, terrorism and SOC.”

Russia

Russia still remains the most active military threat within Europe and the UK will look to work with the US and European allies to share the burden of collective security. The UK is the leading European ally in NATO working to deter nuclear, conventional and hybrid threats from Russia, the UK will continue to exceed the NATO guideline of 2% of GDP indicating a clear recognition of the threat.

 “Strengthening security and defence at home and overseas: we will work with allies and partners to address challenges to our security in the physical world and online. NATO will remain the foundation of collective security in our home region of the Euro-Atlantic, where Russia remains the most acute threat to our security. We will also place greater emphasis on building our capacity and that of like-minded nations around the world in responding to a growing range of transnational state threats, radicalisation and terrorism, SOC and weapons proliferation.”

The need for allies is clear, recognising that the threats of tomorrow cannot be beaten alone. The UK is looking to lead by example on the global stage as well as pursuing a deeper engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. Russia, Iran and North Korea have been referenced in the review as likely to try to “destabilise” the globe.

“This approach recognises the importance of powers in the region such as China, India and Japan and also extends to others including South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines.”

The review is comprehensive, but the overall feeling of this review is of redeeming the British place in world power, it recognises that the world is changing, and we must lead the way, not just keep up. It is positive to see an emphasis on allied nations whilst keeping our domestic military numbers high. Further reports have indicated significant investment in technology and the Naval fleet. With personnel being the militaries key asset, we look forward to seeing a developing and well-funded military.  

The Ultimate Military Index 

Which military in the world would be the most successful? We reveal which world military would win in an all out war! 

Some countries have bigger militaries than others. Some have better land capacity, whilst some do better in the air, or at sea. Some pay their soldiers poorly, whilst some have almost unlimited amounts of money and resources. But which of the world’s biggest armies is the best? 

Taking a list of some of the world’s biggest military machines, we’ve pulled the numbers to find out! We’ve scored each military up to 10 points on a variety of mighty military factors - including budgets, number of inactive and active military personnel, total air, sea, land and nuke power, average salaries, weight of equipment - out of a top total score of 100.

Our Ultimate Military Index reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the world’s biggest forces, answering once and for all - which military would win in a fight?

The World’s Greatest Military Machine 

Coming in the first place as the world’s best military machine, it’s China with 82/100.

This overall ranking takes into account everything in our criteria - so that’s military budget, number of active and inactive personnel, total air, land, sea and nuclear capacity, heaviness of equipment, average salary at private and lieutenant level. Each criteria point was given a weighted score for a maximum of 10 points.

The Top 10: 

The USA, despite their enormous military budgets, comes in 2nd place with 74 points, followed by Russia with 69, India at 61 and then France with 58. The UK just about makes the Top 10, coming in 9th place with a score of 43.

Based on these scores, which account for budgets, men, and things like air and navy capacity, it does suggest that China would come out as top dog in a hypothetical super conflict.

Here’s how the scores broke down for each category - each scored out of a total of 10:

Full breakdowns of the scoring methodology can be found at the bottom of the page. 

The Biggest Budget 

No surprises here, the world’s biggest military spender with a whopping budget of $732 billion per year is the USA. China comes 2nd, with $261 billion followed by India at $71 billion. 

The UK is of course much smaller, with $48.7 billion, putting us just below France and Japan but above the US and South Korea. But with the UK Government looking to add $21.9 billion to their budget in 2021, rankings could definitely change in the future. Of course, having the most money doesn’t necessarily translate into being the most successful military - but it certainly helps!

Who would win by air? 

How do the big players stack up in the sky? In a purely air-led battle, and based on numbers alone, the US has the clear aerial advantage here - with a total airpower of 14,141! Russia swoops into 2nd but it’s quite a big drop down to 4,682, followed by China with 3,587.

Who would win by land? 

It makes sense that Russia, with a land mass covering most of the planet’s time zones, would have the biggest total land power. The Russian Federation totals 54,866 land units, putting the country just ahead of the United States with 50,326. China comes 3rd with 41,641.

Who would win by sea? 

China has pushed to become a bigger naval power over the last few decades, and now has an impressively big fleet. China comes in 1st place with a total naval power of 406. Russia comes 2nd with 278, followed by the USA in joint 3rd with India with 202.

What’s perhaps the most interesting here is how the big three players split between land, air and sea. The USA has the air, Russia the land and China the sea, making them evenly matched but on different playing fields. 

The Nuclear Option

In an all out last-ditch nuclear attack, and based on numbers alone, it’s the Russian Federation which comes out on top with 6375 available nuclear weapons. The USA lands in second with 5800, and then it’s quite a drop down until we hit China with just 320. France and the UK make up the rest of the top five.  

The Best Paid Soldiers in the World

If the most successful army is the one who supports their troops the most, then Canada would come out on top. The country has high salaries across each level of service, from private to sergeant and lieutenant, and in our 10 point scoring system points, would hit 26/30 for overall salary satisfaction. France comes second, with strong starting salaries across each level. 

Which army is the fittest? 

Based on the heaviness of the standard equipment carried, it’s the Russian Federation with the world’s toughest soldiers, having to carry an enormous 70kgs of kit. The United Kingdom is no slouch though, coming in 2nd place with 64kg, followed by the United States in 3rd place with 45kg.

Which army is the most active? 

It’s one thing to have soldiers, but you need to be able to use them. Saudi Arabia has the largest percentage of active soldiers available for combat, with 95% of them ready to go at any time, any place. Germany comes 2nd, with 86% and Japan 3rd with 78%.

Methodology

We pulled the data together from a variety of different sources, including military reports, databases and news reports on force capabilities. We used a base list of the world’s biggest militaries. Where information could not be pulled from English sites due to lack of reporting, information was pulled on individual countries’ capabilities through their native Google / national search engine.

We had the following data sets available to us: budgets, number of inactive and active military personnel, total numbers for air, sea, land and nuke power, average salaries of sergeants, lieutenants and privates, and finally weight of equipment. These were each given a weighted score which assigned a value out of 10, with higher figures suggesting a stronger military force for our story. More resources work score highly for example, as would a larger percentage of active soldiers, or a high salary as it suggests the military would be more committed. These criteria sets add up for a total over score of 100. 

The sources, full data set and sources, can be found here.

Shop at Military Direct for all your combat needs - uniforms and accessories, tactical clothing, and survival kits. 

Camelbak Motherlode Lite – 37L Review

Introduction:

The Camelbak Motherlode daysack was used by a GPMG gunner in the light role environment, during a 7-day exercise in Estonia with temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius.

Reservoir Set Up: 

After an hour on the ground, the reservoir proved unfit for purpose due to the freezing temperatures. However, it was easy to remove from the main unit.

Easy Storage and Access: 

The smaller pockets were ideal for storing fiddly items such as HMNVS and ear defence. This separation from the main pouch made them more accessible and protected them from the larger items. Conversely, the 37L main compartment provided ample storage space for numerous, larger items including cold weather clothing sealed in waterproof bags, up to 600 rounds of 7.62mm link and 24hrs rations. A mesh storage area within the main compartment enabled the user to separate items further, giving easy access to a notebook and pen, spare gloves and smaller items of warm kit, such as a beanie hat.

Comfort and Feel:

The user complained that the pack pulled away from the body when fully loaded with ammunition and personal equipment. This was partly due to the VIRTUS body armour, around which the chest strap could not be connected. In general, however, the pack was comfortable and did not sway whilst patrolling in 2ft snow. It was easy to remove, enabling the gunner to adopt a rapid firing position when required. Similarly, the external handheld straps enabled the user to carry the pack without slinging it over his shoulder, which proved useful when bounding forward over short distances.

Overall:

The Motherload proved to be a functional daysack whilst operating as a GPMG gunner in a Light Role environment. Unfortunately, it was not possible to test the reservoir system, due to the freezing temperatures. The pack was comfortable and robust, whilst operating in extreme cold weather conditions.

CRYE COBRA D-RING MOLLE SHOOTERS BELT REVIEW

Introduction:

Crye Cobra D-Ring MOLLE Shooters Belt was used by a Sharpshooter in the light role environment during a 7-day exercise in Estonia with temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius.

Belt Set Up: 

Attached to the belt was two sharpshooter magazine poches, a small first aid pouch and two small utility pouches. The user deemed these were easy to fit and did not shift on the belt. 

Comfort and Feel:

The overall fitting of the belt was comfortable throughout. The Velcro adjustment made it simple to adjust to size and did not lessen through the exercise. However, due to the narrowness of the belt, the magazine pouch did tend to rub on the soldier’s thigh whilst patrolling over long distances through deep snow. The quick release buckle proved easy to operate when taking the belt on and off.

Operational effectiveness:

The low profile of the belt made it easy for the operator to move around the battlefield. The was especially noticeable when operating in the trenches, built up areas and forests. The lack of storage capability meant that the operator did have to store more of his items in a pack and could not operate from his belt kit alone for a substantial duration of time.

Overall: The Crye Cobra D-Ring MOLLE Shooters Belt was a comfortable and easy to use. It was durable and allowed the operator to fight effectively whilst maintaining a low profile. However, it did prove uncomfortable whilst tabbing for long durations.

Military Direct is Proud and honoured to receive the Defence Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award 2020

UK military supplier AMMO & COMPANY and its continued dedication to the armed forces has been recognised with the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award.

Part of The Armed Forces Covenant, the ERS scheme aims to reward employer organisations for their support and dedication towards defence, including putting initiatives in place to provide training and employment to veterans and ex-forces personnel as they begin the transition to civilian life.

AMMO & COMPANY has had a close history with the Armed Forces since its formation in 1850. In addition to around half of our current workforce is made up of Veterans, CFAVs and Military spouses. 

AMMO & COMPANY recognise the skills and attributes that service leavers bring to any organisation and are very keen to tap into these skills and help develop them. As they work closely with our workforce from commercial and business backgrounds, strong diversity ensures a great client offering.”

Tommy Dalman, Managing & Director of AMMO & COMPANY, said the company prides itself on its links with the UK Armed Forces and ex-service personnel are an integral part of our workforce, with a great balance between them and our workforce from business backgrounds as we build for the future

 Commenting on the announcement of the ERS 2020 awards, Johnny Mercer, Minister for Defence People and Veterans said:

“The breadth and diversity of the winners this year shows how business support for the Armed Forces continues to grow no matter the sector, company size or location.

“I am grateful for the positive attitude and flexible policies these organisations have adopted towards the defence community, which is testament to the fantastic contribution our serving personnel, veterans and their families can make to any organisation.

“I am delighted that so many companies are supporting our people and that, through this scheme, we can give them the public recognition they deserve.”

Coronavirus / Covid-19: Keeping you safe and well

The rapidly changing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a source of uncertainty for all of us. We know you are concerned, and so are we.

At times like this, communication is critical. I am writing today to share what we’re doing in response to this public health crisis and to let you know how we’ll continue to provide you with the high level of support and service you’ve come to expect from us.

Primarily, the health and safety of our community—our employees, customers, and partners—is our top priority.  We have had conversations with many of our customers and suppliers in recent days about the developing situation with Covid-19, and we have been heartened and inspired by the positive and pragmatic outlooks that have been shared with us. While we embrace this optimistic outlook, we would also like to take the opportunity to assure you that we are taking every possible step to play our part in protecting and preparing you for every eventuality. 

We have been and will continue to monitor and implement formal advice from the government, Public Health England and the World Health Organisation.

At the core is a full action plan, which fundamentally creates segregation within the workforce:

• All our staff members are fully aware of current advice and requirements and regularly briefed with updates.
  
  
• A system of ‘teams’ has been introduced within departments, with separate facilities, in order to duplicate activities where possible.
  
  
• Working hours have changed in the warehouse to prevent any overlap of shifts and to allow for the extra cleaning of crucial areas and equipment. Our overall operational hours have increased to meet additional demand and we have currently no delays to shipping or stocking.
  
  
• In line with the latest advice from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Officer, any member of our team who has a fever and/or has a new, persistent cough is to stay at home for at least fourteen days.
  
  
• We have handwashing facilities on every floor of our HQ, wall-mounted clinical-grade hand washing instructions in our toilets, and wall-mounted and freestanding hand sanitiser dispensers throughout the building, including in the entrance. 
  
  
• We have ample supplies of disposable gloves in our building, which are worn, and our staff are sanitising at regular intervals. 
  
  
• An ‘off-site’ office facility has been set up, which has no physical link to Ammo HQ current office areas.
  
  
• Staff business travel offsite has suspended, and likewise visitor access on-site, with all business meeting being conducted via phone or video link.

We can confirm that all in the business will be working hard to ensure that Ammo & Company and its subsidiaries continue to provide high service levels that are unaffected by these measures and that we will be maintaining the usual order deadlines, shipping schedules and other SLAs, subject to our carriers also doing so. 

We have temporarily asked those employees whose roles allow them to work remotely at least until Friday, 24 April 2020, at which point we will re-assess. It is quite possible that we will extend that time, and we are planning as if we will. However, we are keeping our re-evaluation cycles short given our learnings—the evolution and additional information we gain on this, even day-to-day, is significant.

We will be monitoring developments and official advice closely and implementing any, additional measures we feel are necessary and beneficial to protect your health and safety.

If you have any questions, suggestions or concerns about any aspect of current events or our response, please do not hesitate to speak to any of the team. We ask in the first instance to email us to enquries@ammoandco.co.uk rather than call with your query, and our team will get back to you as quickly as they can.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support, loyalty, and the trust you place in us.

As at all times, we take our responsibilities to help protect your health and safety incredibly seriously, and we would like to assure you that, you continue to be in the safest possible place, and hands, at Ammo & Company. 

Assuring you of our best attention always,

Tommy Dalman

Managing Director