Defence forces under siege - Our troops deserve better

THE lot of a peace-time army, especially in a country that insists on its neutrality, is not always a happy one.

Inactivity, other than occasional ceremonial duties, leads to boredom. Morale tumbles. Social demands means resources are diverted.

This situation is exacerbated in times of economic crisis when pay, manning levels, infrastructure, training and the imperative of constant modernisation are neglected.