The major manifestation of militarism in Britain at the present time is the murderous war being waged against the Afghani people by British, American and other NATO military forces. We should be aware that for each Union Jack draped coffin flown back to Britain several hundred Afghanis have been killed by the invading forces. The media propaganda campaign bleats on about British troops not being "properly equipped" when in fact they have very advanced weapons and can call in devastating air strikes by RAF Harrier fighter bombers. The British Government and media try to depict the British soldiers as "heroes" when in fact the real heroes are the Afghani peasant farmers - armed only with AK's, RPG's and homemade bombs - who dare to defy the most powerful military forces in history . Victory to the Afghani people!
Here in Nottingham is situated Chetwynd Barracks where most of the British military personnel on their way to Afghanistan are mustered. It is now four and a half years since there was an anti-imperialist war demonstration at this military base. It is urgently necessary to start actions directed at this facility both to tell the troops that what they are doing is wrong and to hinder their activities. Also, not far away in Lincolnshire is RAF Cottesmore which is the home base for all British Harrier fighter bombers. This too should be opposed. In addition there are the Armed Forces Recruitment Office in Nottingham and Territorial Army halls around the city. They too should be targeted for their part in waging imperialist war.
It is all very well campaigning against arms manufacturers such as Heckler and Koch but first and foremost we have a responsibility to oppose the imperialist militarism of our "own" British Government and its armed forces.
If you are up for it then contact me so we can get an organising meeting together.
Ross