A group of former military chiefs and politicians, calling themselves the UK National Defence Association (UKNDA), has launched a campaign for a major increase in funding for the armed forces.
It is rare for former top brass to start such a public campaign, let alone in such a sensitive political area - but they believe it is time to speak out.
The establishment of the UKNDA can be seen as a sign of the growing gulf between ministers and some in the military over the course of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
There are claims that the government is no longer honouring the military covenant, Britain's duty of care to its servicemen and women.
Winston Churchill, former MP and grandson of the UK's prime minister during World War II, is president of the group and insists that the government must prioritise spending on the armed forces.
"Successive governments have let people down," he says.
"Whereas health and education have seen surges in spending, defence has seen a decline, and that needs to be reversed if we are to ensure our men and women on the front line have what they need.
"That decline in spending also means that when they come home injured there are few defence medical facilities for rehabilitation and some have to rely partially on charity for funding.
"While in terms of compensation, they get a fraction of what a civilian would receive for injuries."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7084444.stm
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