Many people have given very generously of their time, and expertise, in the preparation of this report. Some 200 people have been involved from all parts of the Armed Forces, the Civil Service within the Ministry of Defence, to other government departments, industry, retired officers and officials, foreign allies and academia.
I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to speak to us and offer their insights for their generosity and goodwill. The passion and commitment for Defence in many quarters is huge, and the desire to make a difference, and to keep the UK high in the firmament of nations shines through.
I would particularly like to thank the people who have worked tirelessly over the past 8 months on this project. Iain Evans, Larry Verge and Steve Sunderland from L.E.K. Consulting have gone above and beyond the call of professional duty in the effort they have put into this project. Their work has been of the first quality.
Anthea Dolman-Gair from the Ministry of Defence has shone as a star throughout this process, and her dedication and commitment are in the best traditions of the Civil Service. We are indeed fortunate as a nation that people of Anthea's talent are prepared to devote themselves to public service.
I would also like to thank John Hutton and Bob Ainsworth for the opportunity to undertake this work. I know that, along with many others, both of these individuals are deeply committed to the UK's Armed Forces, and wish to do everything in their power to equip our people in the best way possible.
Thank you to all who have participated. The best thoughts are theirs, the mistakes remain mine.
Bernard Gray
October 2009