Too little, too late

General Sir Mike Jackson is in the news today after a scathing attack on the government's treatment of our armed forces. I agree with much of what he says, but I can't help wondering why wasn't he saying these things while he was still in the Army?

Sir Mike went along with everything his political masters asked of him. It is he who agreed to the re-organisation of the army along lines designed to fit the European Rapid Reaction Force which has led to the loss of historic regiments and an army unsuited to the kind of warfare it is likely to meet in the coming years. Indeed, I recall him making very strong comments in favour of the re-org. It was Sir Mike who failed to push for what the army really needed in terms of equipment - bowing down to the increasing euro-centric procurement policy.

No point whinging about it now. He should have spoken out when he had the chance - instead he chose to tow the line. If anyone let the army down, it was Sir Mike.