Trump's Armada Sails East

Your weekly dose of defence news, biased opinions and poorly curated content. You’re welcome.

The Donald is at it again - this time he’s sending an “armada” toward Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, along with various other atts and dets, was steaming toward the Middle East last night as the U.S. ratchets up pressure on the fragile Iranian regime.

Once again, the powers that be are reviewing the long-term viability of BATUS. At 2,700 km², it is the largest single tract of real estate the UK can access for training. The UK stumps up 80% of the costs for the Canadian training area (with Canada paying the other 20%), but with usage dropping - only one exercise planned on BATUS in 2026 - ministers are increasingly looking at options to save a quick buck.

A new Ipsos poll has shone some interesting - and concerning - light on public attitudes towards defence. Across the board, concern over defence has actually doubled to (a measly) 24%, although it still trails the NHS, the economy and immigration. What’s wild is that only 6% of those under 24 think defence is important. Six per cent.

Surprisingly, Green Party voters are more than three times as likely as Reform voters to see defence as a key issue.

Well, you’re in for a nasty shock when my national service bill gets through government (this is made up).

Big events from the past, covered in brief and probably inaccurately.

I choose my words carefully, because clearly people populated Australia before those plucky Brits arrived.

On the 26th January 1788, the First Fleet sailed into Sydney Cove and Arthur Phillip raised the Union Jack for the first time in Australia. 238 years later the Union Jack still flies over Australia (albeit in the corner of their flag).

Hope you had a good Australia Day, all you Aussies out there.

You’re forgiven for the Ashes.

Changing things up? This is where we briefly look at career options from across the civvy world - everything goes here so expect some absolute drivel. Sometimes Forces Assist can help place you, sometimes we can’t. Either way we can offer advice.

Hey, it doesn’t always work out, but there are options out there to keep the home fires burning.

We talk about this more on our insta - give us a follow:

Over at Forces Assist in the next few weeks we’re going to be publishing our annual Veteran Employers Guide. Get all your mates to sign up for Despatches and we’ll a) be grateful b) get the guide out to you and them.

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Cheers,

Team Forces Assist