TD, saw you earlier on Politics Show South West.
Brilliant comments by some ex-army star rank, including a comment that the report didnt go far enough in blaming up the command structure, IE Gordon, Tony and former defence secs were all culpable in his view. I would sincerely agree.
Also commented on conflict of interest in terms of risks to troops associated with drops in Air Force Op capability... This for me has always been the big issue, with boys and girls having to go flying in unservicable aircraft, anything other being seen as "LMF" by hierarchy and a major moral issue for those put in that situation. This lack of management needs changing.
We should never again put our people in a situation where risk assessment that needs to be taken at star level is taken by guys at the coalface, on far less pay and suffer the consequences of flying unservicable aircraft.
Those due to retire on 100% pay should bow their heads in shame. There were numerous calls for falling on swords,to raise public awareness, yet it never happened. Air power doesnt come cheap. If you dont have the cash or resource to support an Op requiring extensive Air effects, we shouldnt commit to the Op. Its as simple as that.
BBC iPlayer - The Politics Show South West: 01/11/2009