SAS commander who attacked Iraq war quits his post 'over lack of resources for troops'

[Barrett808]

Source: Daily Mail

SAS commander who attacked Iraq war quits his post 'over lack of resources for troops'
By Martin Smith
Last updated at 11:30 AM on 08th June 2008

A former SAS commander has resigned from the Army after a 24-year career, amid speculation he was unhappy with the resources provided to troops by the Ministry of Defence.

Brigadier Ed Butler, 46, claimed he was quitting because the pressures of overseas operations was having a ‘negative impact’ on his family.

However paying tribute to the servicemen and women he fought with, Brig Butler said they operated 'within the well-known constraints and restraints', leading to speculation his departure was due to concern over troops' equipment and conditions.

...

However, Ministry of Defence insiders said a key factor in Brig Butler’s decision was that he had been overlooked for promotion to Director of Special Forces, which would have given him responsibility for all special operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

But there were also claims he had become exasperated by the Government’s failure to pay for sufficient troops and equipment.

Two years ago, as commander of 3 Para, he criticised Government policy, saying the invasion of Iraq meant Nato troops were diverted from Afghanistan, leaving British soldiers with a much tougher task.

Read more: http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/article-1024945/SAS-commander-attacked-Iraq-war-quits-post.html

[Earth_First]

1. Kudos to Commander Butler...

However; how about the soldiers you have left behind who are still without the necessary equipment and have no choice whether or not to resign from service?

Keep their feet to the fire on this one, sir. You cannot simply resign and leave them all behind.

Good luck!