FROM THE EDITORS

Abstract

The disparity between strategic aspirations and affordable resources is a strategic
reality confronting all militaries. Strategic aspirations tend to be international and
foreign policy in orientation, whilst resource decisions are made in the context of the
domestic political domain. Both these decision environments or realities may
severely affect military forces as was dramatically illustrated recently by the military
episode in the Central African Republic. The ordeal, in which fifteen South African
servicemen were killed, not only brought South Africa’s strategic aspirations in the
spotlight; it also highlighted a range of perceived South African political, military
and operational deficiencies. Some consider this to be South Africa’s Srebrenicamoment
and an opportunity for military strategic, operational and institutional
introspection.