Vox said: It looks to me as if this press leak might save lives.
The MOD have an abomnible record at dealing with such matters...keeping it secret and telling service men and women to stop whining and get on with it, despite the dangers is their usual modus operandi. Only when it becomes an issue that might actually cost someone a job (rather than a life) do things get done. Good luck to the brave person who risked their own career to get this into the public domain.
VP
I agree with most of that too. But if you back brief the media like this, without full clout, co-ordination and sustained conviction, all that happens is that MoD handlers only brief the official line and things move on. All that will have happened too, is that you afford succour to those who will whince about this today, but who will wake up in post tomorrow, and be able to breathe a little easier and feeling a little stronger.. because they're still there (see Ian Blair). You mark my words. This will achieve nothing, other than undermine the principle of military discipline, and muddy the water. For instance, this has clearly been actioned by someone in authority and insight. Who is he/she now, to pass judgement on others on matters of military discipline? There are far better ways of achieving the aim.
And those who need a little fortitude, or who have forgotten about what they are paid to do, or who they are paid to lead, then I suggest they listen to Frank? In the meantime, leaking to the media (yes, its an awful allusion) is pointless unless you are prepared to go the whole 9 yards and go public with what you've got and be prepared to do time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKAxnB6Ap4o