Woeful MoD is blocking change, says Forces chief

BRITAIN’S new military chief last night launched a stinging attack on civil servants and accused them of stifling initiatives and wasting public money.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the new Chief of the Defence Staff, vowed to transform the ‘flat-footed’ Ministry of Defence.

He is the latest senior public figure to target ‘the Blob’ – public servants who seem determined to block change and progress.

‘Everything [in the department] is too slow and too resistant to change,’ he said in his first speech. ‘For every person trying to get things done, it can feel like there are four or five other people looking over your shoulder, or worse, standing in the way.

‘Defence’s structures, processes and pace are too large, too hierarchical and too ponderous for the threats we face and our need to embrace technology much more strongly. That could mean a much leaner head office and supporting organisations. More reliance and trust on the frontline commands. More integration.

‘This is about “just do it”, and do it in five months and not five years. And to do it quickly might mean more focus on time and less on money. And absolutely focus on outcomes.’

Military figures had expected last night’s speech to the Royal United Services Institute in London to be more conciliatory. Instead Admiral Sir Tony targeted ‘ugly truths’, including a lack of diversity in the forces. ‘We are striving to do better, that includes reflecting the diverse nation we serve. Because if we don’t we risk looking ridiculous,’ he said.

‘This is not about wokefulness this is about woefulness. The woefulness of too few women.

‘The woefulness of not reflecting the ethnic, religious and cognitive diversity of our nation.’

His claim that the Armed Forces have all the resources they need was attacked by Conservative MPs who want defence spending increased to 3 per cent of GDP.

Tobias Ellwood, a former defence minister, said: ‘No 10 will be pleased with this speech as it obediently avoided any demands for an increase in defence spending.

‘However, I hope it won’t be long before he is using his privileged access to the Prime Minister to argue that our peacetime budget of 2.2 per cent is no longer enough to keep the UK and our interests safe, with specific focus on standing up to Russia’s adventurism.’

Admiral Sir Tony was appointed by the Prime Minister to command the UK’s 160,000 troops. He is the first sailor for 20 years to get the top job and has replaced the Army’s General Sir Nick Carter.