I am a Sergeant in the British Army and would like to know if you in the public think, we have or have not done a good job in Afghan? This information is for a mess discussion.
Answers (3)
I wasn't 100% sure the army should have been in Afghanistan but it's not really the Army's decision to be there or not so that shouldn't be part of this discussion.
I have friends and colleagues who served with the British Army in both Afghanistan and in Iraq. I also have friends and colleagues who, themselves, are Afghani. I have to take the opinion of people who were there as opposed to what's on the news, in the newspapers, and what civilians say (without knowing the reality). From what I do know, from people I trust, the British Army acquitted themselves very well in Afghanistan, treated locals with respect, did a difficult job, and did it well.
We think you are performing superbly, not only responding, adapting to the changing tactics of a capable determined enemy, but also in overcoming the MOD's shortcomings in logistics & decisions like choosing to lose the more capable close support fast jet.
It is difficult to judge how successful you are, as we feel that we are being carefully fed good & bad news, and that by Ross Kemps documentaries! In a way that could be a good idea, judging how some reporters let details out that could have been useful to the enemy (Falklands in particular, Gulf 2 to a lesser extent). Overall though, with reports of less direct Taliban contacts, their resort to ied,s, increased Afghan army lead patrols etc, things do look hopeful for a successful withdraw and a job well done.
To sum up, we are very proud of you all in what have achieved, professionalism shown & sacrifices made,
