The inherrant nature of warfare is "making the best of a bad situation".
The British solder has the tenacity, courage, flexibility and mental toughness to adapt to many and varied theatres and scenarios, hence his historical success on the battlefield. The very fact that he does not get all that he needs (read "wants") is a benefit to his wonderful qualities. The essential needs of the combat soldier are combat supplies: Ammo (as a priority), then water, food, and fuel. Everything else is secondary. The alternative is to become soft and pampered like some of our allies, to the point where we can't go to war unless we can guarantee the troops that Coke and hotdogs will be present!
I have served with and experienced a variety troops from around the world over the last 23+ years as a soldier. The Brits are comparitively VERY well equipped, even now, and are undoubtedly among the best in the world! In my experience, only the Ausies and Canadians come up to a similar standard as individual soldiers. The Americans have most definitely improved over the last fifteen years (they used to be absolutely horrible!), but they have a way to go yet!
The French Foreign Legion have a monster assault course in the jungle in French Guiana. It is an absolute BEAST of a thing (measured in Kms!)! Fastest time over it belongs to 2 REP in a couple of hours or so (hell, it's their piece of kit, they should be good at it!). Fastest foreign time is the Royal Marines who came in just a little slower than 2 REP. The honour of the slowest recorded time of 19+ hours goes to the USMC!
My advice would be, that if you are so concerned at this point about what you will and will not receive in the military, then you are not mentally prepared or capable of funtioning as a member of the military. No offense intended. Just stating facts.
Seems to me you have a choice:
1. Join and find out for yourself (first you have to make the grade, though
). Then,
maybe, earn the right to whine about the lack of kit.
2. Stop whining and stay as a civi.
Currently, I'd suggest the latter.
