Sir, Contrary to ministerial blandishments, a direct correlation exists between the overstretch and underfunding imposed on our armed forces and the deaths of service personnel.
We have a situation in which the size of the Nimrod fleet has been slashed while its taskings have escalated (including its filling of the photo-reconnaissance void caused by the recent withdrawal of the Canberra). Helicopter lift is now so inadequate that secondhand and mothballed Pumas have been acquired from the South African defence forces. Armoured protection on the ground is so poor that 1960s-vintage troop carriers are to be refurbished and rushed to the front.
Our military deserves and requires the best equipment to achieve its mission. We instead give them antiques. There is a limit to which the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers and airmen may overcome the glaring deficiencies of this Government. It, and our security, will suffer for it.
JAMES HEITZ JACKSON
Author
The Counter-Terrorist Handbook
London SW11