This is an account by an insider who worked for 18 years in the Ministry of Defence. The book examines the people, the procedures and the decision-making processes involved. It highlights incompetence and waste, and identifies major weaknesses in the system which reduce performance and efficiency far below the levels to be expected, and takes a critical look at the UK defence industry and international collaboration. The book also proposes options for improving the system, as well as discussing the obstacles that must be overcome for the MOD to operate more efficiently. Covering high-level decisions and major issues, the book should provoke discussion at all levels within the MOD, other government departments and the defence industry. It should also appeal to non-specialists interested in the workings of government and bureaucracy.