I think the 5 former CDS are accurate in their observations, and each are proven in armed conflict. Unfortunately they may not be so well equipped for the spin, lies and double-speak of politics. The 'attack' was well coordinated, for example, but to begin their campaign in the midst of the Northern Rock fiasco and straight after the Euro 2008 qualifier - no matter the outcome of that particular game - may have been mistimed. Now that the government are 'fighting back' the whole thing will sputter and fall at the start unless their Lordships already have some current chiefs of the forces on side.
I'm looking forward to the comments from the current chiefs of all 3 services, surely they MUST have an opinion and MUST be consulted in this matter. Shouldn't they? Well if they each have a pair then they will....