1. Steering Group members and the supporting team in the MOD have consulted widely both internally and externally to obtain views and understand lessons learned in order to provide a balanced set of recommendations.
2. The members of the Steering Group between them consulted with all the members of the Defence Board and with other 3 star and 2 star personnel across Defence. They also visited operational establishments to understand how they work. In addition Lord Levene and other Steering Group members have consulted with past Chiefs of Defence Staff and senior officials. Our thanks in particular to, Field Marshall The Lord Bramall, General The Lord Walker, Admiral The Lord West, Sir Ian Andrews, Sir Richard Mottram, Sir David Omand, Sir Kevin Tebbit, and Sir Clive Whitmore for their valuable assistance.
3. The Team has also consulted other government departments in the UK and in other countries, including USA, France, Germany, Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Israel, Australia and New Zealand who are undergoing or are about to embark on similar projects, to learn from their experiences and pick up best practice.
4. We are also grateful to the think tank and academic community who offered their thoughts: our thanks in particular to Lord Hennessey and Professors Michael Clark, Malcolm Chalmers, Hew Strachan and Trevor Taylor, and to Catherine Haddon at the Institute of Government. Thanks also to David Berteau and colleagues from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC.
5. The Team has also held discussions with a number of Trade Union officials who represent a diverse group of personnel.