>But not in Zild. We appear to have emasculated our armed forces.

Strictly in the interests of accuracy, it would be neaerer the mark to say that NZ has emasculated its Air Force. The Army is now using post WWII communications gear, a giant leap forward, and is receiving some very nice modern APCs. The Navy has pretty much escaped the neuteress' ax, given that public opinion would never have let any government proceed with the extra frigates, and the new Antarctic patrol vessel will be a nice toy to keep the bluewater boys happy for awhile.