And Still They Struggle

A lot of publicity has being made about the poor equipment and the lack of it for our services. This unfortunately has always been the case. Certainly as far back as I can recall. That date being mid 1957 when I joined the forces. This problem although much more serious, still existed when I left in 1987. Mainly caused by green eyed officers and MOD personnel. Who order equipment that is totally unnecessary and often over specification, having seen it elsewhere. Usually at an American base. The two proposed aircraft carriers, with no aircraft being a classical example. Added to which the incompetence of many civil servants who could not make a serious decision if their life depended upon it. Not flagging up problems when they occur, causing an unnecessary drain on the available budget. It was ever thus. What in my opinion is much more serious issue, and nobody as yet to my knowledge, has addressed it. Is training, or should I say lack of it, of our young people. These people, the cream of our society are being sent to their death like lambs to the slaughter, by unworthy, ill informed politicians who have little interest in what is happening in Afghanistan. Preferring to feather their own nests while the opportunity still exists. These young people, and I know my next remarks will be challenged by some of them. ( I reassure you the remarks are not meant to be derogatory, but unfortunately are a fact ), are being put in a situation that our troops have never had to face before. They are being sent to fight for a cause. that few have a genuine belief in. Against a hardened, seasoned, medieval, brutal, dishonest regime. That have  entrenched traditions and beliefs. It is their country they know it well and they are not afraid to die for the cause. Our personnel by and large are young, and are not driven by the same intense inbreed patriotism.  Our troops not being as disciplined, as in the past. I know that last remark will cause an uproar so let me explain as to what I mean.. We live in a society where we're all allowed to have and encouraged to voice our opinions. Consequently the modern youth will challenge any situation that they are not happy with. This is fine under normal circumstances, but in the situation that they find themselves in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is serious. Added to which they are not receiving adequate training, being sent to the front line far to young, lacking the necessary skills. This unfortunately is right across the board. We live in the age of human rights, free speech, our youngsters being encouraged to question decisions. and act independently.. Which in a War situation, could be disastrous.  Gordon Brown, Tony Blair, George Bush and the Military Chiefs are aware of this,. yet not one of them has had the guts to stand up for our young forces. They are being sent out  daily,  ill equipped, poorly trained, inexperienced and most probably frightened, to fight a tribal people who have never been beaten in history. In an extremely hostile environment. WHY?.  When any politician or Military spokesman is asked what we are doing there. They give the woolliest of answers. We are told, it is to keep the streets of the U K safe. Well has worked as it not?. The streets are much more dangerous now, than ever before, drug addicts every where, terrorists are flocking to the cause, and we are on the verge of bankruptcy. The truth is they did not know, what they were getting into. Not having sufficient knowledge or guidance as to what could happen. Having no contingency plan, having dug this hole, they do not know how to get out of it. Mean while more and more of our high caliber young people are laying down their lives for an unjust, unknown cause. We need these young people they are our future. It is a criminal act , to have them fight and die for an unjust cause. So that a few drug addicts, criminals and scroungers can live in peace, whilst unworthy politicians claim credit. In my opinion, which I exercise my right to have one. I feel  that .Tony Blair and George Bush should be charged with \war crimes. Gordon Brown should be charged with incompetence or gross negligence ( although I suppose it can be said that events have already punished him)  I do not know how they sleep at night. I sincerely hope that the new regime can address the situation quickly.
As you might gather I feel very strongly about the whole situation.


John Michael Backhouse
Warrant Officer (rtd ) - Royal Navy