Well yes of course I am in the ranks of the numpties when it comes to military affairs as I'm not a military man. I wouldn't be expected to be consulted on a mission to Mars either.
People have roles and responsibilities in life.
Right now I can tell you there are all sorts of decisions out there that need to be made by experts. Think of electric plugs and cars. Why not adopt a European wide standard adhering to rules and regulations instead developing country specific ones?
No need to read this link just have a look.
http://www.tuxgraphics.org/electronics/powersockets/
What is the point of asking people which socket/plug they would like?
Let's say you have an electric car and wish to travel to Europe? What will you do?
Consider the question, EU will proceed to create their standard and where will UK contributions, ideas or recommendations be?
What will you do? Wait to see what EU does and then try and keep up or participate by sitting on the table influencing decisions?
Ask the audience, phone a friend, go 50/50?
People aren't interested they just want a job and to get on with their lives.
The same principal and approach applies to GPS, satellites and joint development of technologies which are usually too expensive for any one national government to take on.
We need to think big and strategicallly. We need to move away from Island mentality and how Britain used to rule the waves a century ago. It took two World Wars for Europe to wake out of that slumber. It is all about team work and shared values and principals now.
We need to sort this Brexit sh!t out, pronto