[maple_leaf_eh]

The UK has twice the population of Canada, three times that of Australia, but pretenses of defence spending like the US. It is inevitable that something has to give. The USMC is getting a good deal on new/used jump jets, considering they were partnered with the RAF/RN from early on. The USMC/USN have flown the wings off most of the newest F18 in the fleet and have had to go back to early models mothballed in the desert. Ten years at war will do that to any inventory.

Front page story recently was how Canada was hiring skilled RAF pilots to fill some specific holes in the manpower grid. I know a young Royal Engineer who resigned one Queen's commission for another Queen's commission. An Intelligence Sqn Ldr and a fellow now training to be a military doctor. All recent emigres. So, thank you Mr Cameron! Thank you for being responsible with your nation's finances. We'll take care of the paperwork.