CHAIRMAN'S COLUMN

Chairman’s web-site message for 2008 – The UKNDA’s Year.
 
This time last year the UKNDA was, after a two year gestation, struggling into existence.   In February 2007 our first introductory web-site was launched, and in June the UKNDA opened its doors to subscribing membership.  Mr Winston Churchill agreed to be our first President and the rest, as they say, is already history.  Our hugely successful formal ‘launch’ on November 8th was followed just a few weeks later by the now famous House of Lords’ debate on “Defence”.  Five former Chiefs of the Defence Staff (three Patrons and two Vice Presidents of the UKNDA) spontaneously and to great effect spoke about the condition of our Armed Forces and the effect on the Defence of this Nation. The UKNDA, having been born, was already making its voice felt.
 
Now we must make even greater progress.  Let us all make 2008 the UKNDA’s year.
 
Over the Festive Season I gave considerable thought to our ‘way ahead’.  I made some notes on my “thinking board” – a large whiteboard in my study – which I now reproduce here.
 
At the top I wrote KISS.  This not only stands for a popular activity, but in this context means:  KEEP IT SIMPLE – STUPID!  A robust statement – but good advice for anyone starting up any venture, great or small. 
 
Ten Commandments for the UKNDA:

1. Maintain the AIM.   A tried and tested military maxim meaning that, in all that you do, never forget what is your main aim – what it is you seek to achieve.   For the UKNDA our purpose is:
   
   To campaign for sufficient appropriate and fully funded Armed Forces that the Nation needs to defend effectively this country, its people, their security and vital interests wherever they may be.
   
   
2. Work as a Team.   Working together is far more effective than individuals working alone.
   
   
3. The Task, the Team, the Individual.   This is the ideal arrangement. Always remember the task in hand. Work together – but remember always that the Individual is important.
   
   
4. Co-operate.  No inter-service squabbling – it is entirely counter productive.
   
   
5. Be Positive.  Onwards and upwards.
   
   
6. Be Inventive.   Observe the masses and do the opposite.
   
   
7. Be Pro-active.  Seize the initiative. Don’t wait for things to happen – MAKE them happen.
   
   
8. Be Persistent.  When bashing your head against a seemingly unbreakable brick wall, persevere. At least you’ll loosen a few bricks, and, with perseverance, the wall will fall down (though you may acquire a headache on the way). (With apologies to the late Admiral of the Fleet Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope – then better known as “ABC” whose saying I have plagiarised)
   
   
9. LISTEN to others – take wise counsel.

And finally – and above all – as Sir Winston Churchill said when asked what was the secret of success:
 
“NEVER GIVE UP!”

Annex: Summary of the UKNDA’s web-site practices and procedures.

Copyright. Copyright of all content of this web-site lies with the authors of the articles where so identified, or otherwise with the UKNDA. Views expressed are those of the authors where names are given, and of the UKNDA when so identified as such.

Permission to reproduce any content of this web-site: Such permission will usually be given in response to a written (hard copy or e-mail) request on condition that the name of the author is featured with the reproduction and the fact that the copy came from this web-site, whose address: www.uknda.org is also to be given.

Contributions submitted for publication. The UKNDA invites and welcomes contributions from readers – either by way of comments, suggestions or criticisms, or as papers or articles for consideration for publication. In particular we welcome digital PHOTOGRAPHS, other illustrations, graphs, cartoons etc. to make this site ever more ‘reader-friendly’ and interesting. Please contact me or any member of our Policy & Management Board at: ndahq@btinternet.com

The UKNDA Policy & Management Board (and their areas of interest) comprises:

PATRONS & Vice Presidents of the UKNDA