troops at risk over helicopters

Image by Downing Street via Flickr

It would seem that Gordon Brown can truly do no right, as yet another scathing attack about government policy hits the headlines. With the military loss of life stands at 184 soldiers since the Afghanistan war commenced, and with inparticular the flurry of recent deaths, this is hitting a very emotional public cord. Given that the public have not been happy with the intelligence and ultimately decision to go to war in Iraq, they now need a clear indication for why this mission is being progressed; is it the right strategy, will it keep casualties and deaths to a minimum and are our soldiers adequately equipped?

I think the public realise that there is a finite budget that can only be spread so far, but they won't tolerate a decision for this military stance if there isn't sufficient funding to ensure thay have the correct kit and support services to do the job expected of them.

Military spokesmen today have indicated that there are enough helicopters to do the job. But it remains somewhat unclear why we have taken this particular strategic ground approach through perilous minefields. My son recently had a visit from a soldier that had just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq. He showed them his kit bag and referred to a number of pieces of kit that were not fit for purpose in the unrelenting heat. If there is no apparent will to act on staff feedback, review basic kit to ensure it does what it needs to do, you can't help but wonder what other shortfalls there might be in equipment provision across the services. I would hate to think our troops are travelling across risky terrain when they could more safely and quickly get to target destinations by helicopter. I hope therefore that the public, politicians and journalists alike keep the pressure up, as we can't afford to let our valiant men and women down.