WT Forums

Leaked Emails Reveal Troops' Fears
Sky News Saturday September 23, 12:57 AM

Leaked emails from a British serving officer in Afghanistan have revealed more of the armed forces' concerns about the fight against the Taliban. The three emails - seen by Sky News - say some RAF pilots have been "utterly, utterly useless" in supporting troops on the ground.

They add more manpower is desperately needed along with extra helicopters for the mission to be successful.

The head of the British Army has described the comments as "irresponsible".

The Chief of General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, praised the efforts of the RAF in supporting ground troops, saying they were doing an "exceptional" job.

And a Ministry of Defence spokesman said the opinions expressed in the emails "do not reflect the view of the vast majority of soldiers about the Harrier Force in Afghanistan".

The emails were written by an unnamed middle-ranking officer with 3 Para in the Sangin area of Northern Helmand.

Two refer to the death in combat of a colleague, Corporal Bryan Budd, and efforts to rescue him during intense fighting.

One talks about concerns for two junior soldiers who "look very frightened and slow to react".

General Dannatt said in a statement: "The way the RAF has performed in support of our operations in Afghanistan has been exceptional.

"Irresponsible comments, based on a snapshot, are regrettable. Following my recent visit, which happened after the incident described in the emails, the men of the battlegroup left me in no doubt as to the value of the RAF's support to their operations.

"The Harriers and the support helicopters have played, and continue to play, a vital role in ensuring the battlegroup's success."

The emails come after another officer serving in Afghanistan expressed strong reservations about the NATO operation.

Major Jon Swift's comments were published in the internal Royal Fusiliers newsletter and placed on a regimental website.

The MoD has denied ordering them to be taken down or trying to "gag" Major Swift.

The major is believed to be based at the Naw Zad outpost in the volatile southern province of Helmand.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22092006/140/l ... fears.html

<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b343/m21sniper/RecoverAgentWIDEsmall.jpg" border=0>
<font color=yellow><i><b>"One way or another, your car is coming with me."</b></i></font id=yellow>

I'm going out on a limb here, If an Officer on the Ground or even a Private see's something that He or She thinks is wrong ,the Brass need to look at it.
One thing is Good Ol Bitching! ANOTHER is a REAL OBSERVATION of the event.

To myself,I think the Brass are "Feeling Political" pressure to tow the "Everytime is Great line"
But a Brit Major that is willing to do what he did TAKES BALLS!
I dont think he said it because he was "Bitching"he must believe in what he saying, because he's committing "Military Suicide" with his career.

Thats just MHO.

Goose

LIVE FREE OR DIE!

_________________
\"Live Free Or Die\"