The interview is at time 2.41.23 (almost at end of the Today clip) at:
BBC iPlayer - Today: 28/08/2009
Just to clear up a few points;
1. It was occasioned by the handover on 28.08.09 of Dannatt to Richards as CGS.
2. Rifkind was making the point that we
are at war, and it was important in that case that Chiefs are seen to champion their subordinates.
3. The point was also made (by Maj Gen Cordingley?) that there is a funding crisis at the MOD which
must be addressed.
4. Rifkind picked up on that by saying that a Government that sends its Armed Forces to war cannot carp at the cost of
winning that war!
Perhaps he can go back on your Christmas Card list again Pontious? As to Dannatt, well done Sir! Would that the light blue had such leaders!