I know the Red Arrows are part of the RAF, but I'm sure that's because they're the best around. I never thought of the displays as overtly military, they just happen to use the military designed equipment to hand. It's not really in the same spirit as the Soviet may day parades is it. If it was was a drive past of tanks then fair enough, but I'm sure it's more to do with pretty smoke trails and impressive aerobatics. Maybe, as someone suggested, we get the Red Bull people instead, it's just they're not as good. But if it's reallllly so bad I can do without, in fact I don't think I'll be watching it anyway, the only enjoyable opening ceremony moment was Diana Ross' kick in the World Cup (which I think SMG mentioned. Ooh, do his initials make him overtly military? ;-))