Well at least he did say something at somepoint, surely that's better than nothing. Perhaps he recognised the politicisation of the MOD when he was 'in the job' to realise that such comments would have been instantly dismissed or tucked away in a small column on page 23 of a newpaper followed by his early dismissal "an opportunity to spend more time with the family after many years of loyal service".
Whether he was in the post or not the comments he makes now may well have more to do with Tony Blair's last days in the castle where they'd have more of an affect. These comments
However it's again the general public that's to blame here, why didn't they note the slow but steady erosion of the armed forces around them. Why didn't they show more interest in the welfare of the armed services especially since they are being called more often than a pizza delivery boy and bodies are returning from overseas conflict. Labour resent the armed forces and just see them as an easy target to slash and cut, disrespectful. I'm all for cutting the massive benefits mechanism reduced to a more sensible and practical level and the money invested in other 'areas' of society and defence.
General Sir Jackson, good man, right then who's next from the General staff, anyone else approaching retirement.