General Mark Carleton-Smith
Sensing that conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have dulled the nation’s appetite for war – while sapping politicians’ will to deploy force abroad, the new head of the British Army has warned troops that they must be prepared for combat.
General Carleton-Smith took a veiled dig at well-meaning Brits and MPs who think troops’ lives should not be risked on foreign fields to protect national interests.
Hear the former SAS officer :
“What I’m talking about is a winning Army, a winning Army founded on comradeship, self-respect and self-discipline, a winning Army imbued with initiative and daring, with originality and self-confidence with professional knowledge and infectious energy in all its commanders at all levels.
“We’re paid to fight, and to win, that’s a unique responsibility on behalf of our nation.
“And as commanders and leaders our prime responsibility is to the nurture and nourishment of the fighting spirit of our men and women.
“It’s what they joined the Army for, their martial spirit is the only true litmus test for our readiness.
“We are all custodians of something exceptionally precious, not just our Army, but our nation’s Army, and it’s made from flesh and blood and beating hearts.
“The misplaced perception that there is no imminent or existential threat to the UK, and that even if there was, it could only arise with long notice, is wrong.”
