You are all looking at this much too deeply. (a) Close the range, win over 12,000 voters, pi$$ off 300 servicemen, or (b) keep the range, lose 12,000 voters and the win the begrudging thanks of 300 servicemen (maybe), Ooooh, I know this one...
Winning war counts for ****-all chaps, these fine upstanding politicians at all levels only understand winning votes.