Launch of a major new publication for the Armed Forces

London: Speaking at the launch of The British Army, a major new publication for the Armed Forces, General Sir David Richards, Chief of the General Staff, highlighted the key role the Army has in protecting the nation, both through military and non-military effects.

General Richards emphasised the importance of "innovative thinking" in order to tackle the multiple threats to the security of the United Kingdom, as well as threats to trade, energy sources, overseas territories and allies.

The publication, General Richards said, was designed to provoke such innovative thinking. Edited by Chris Donnelly, Director, Institute for Statecraft and Governance, and written by a wide range of journalists, industry specialists and Service personnel, the publication challenges established thinking about the Army and seeks to inform the wider, non-military audience about its role in defence.

The launch, which took place at the House of Commons on 11 November 2009, was attended by a number of MPs, members of the Ministry of Defence and British Army officials.