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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| UK Afghan troops' morale 'good' | UK Afghan troops' morale 'good' |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| The outgoing commander of UK troops in Afghanistan has denied soldiers are suffering poor morale and and has said they are making "significant progress". | |
| Brigadier Gordon Messenger discounted reports quoting Royal Marines as saying gains were squandered owing to lack of manpower and equipment. | Brigadier Gordon Messenger discounted reports quoting Royal Marines as saying gains were squandered owing to lack of manpower and equipment. |
| He admitted troops had "suffered setbacks" but said morale was good. | He admitted troops had "suffered setbacks" but said morale was good. |
| Brig Messenger made his comments as 122 personnel, mostly Royal Marines, returned home at the end of their tour. | Brig Messenger made his comments as 122 personnel, mostly Royal Marines, returned home at the end of their tour. |
| 3 Commando Brigade's outgoing commander has been in charge of UK troops in Helmand for six months, during which time 32 soldiers have died. | 3 Commando Brigade's outgoing commander has been in charge of UK troops in Helmand for six months, during which time 32 soldiers have died. |
| It is slow progress at times, but progress it is Brigadier Gordon Messenger, 3 Commando Brigade | It is slow progress at times, but progress it is Brigadier Gordon Messenger, 3 Commando Brigade |
| He was speaking as the 122 personnel - made up mainly of Royal Marines from 42 Commando based in Bickleigh, near Plymouth - returned to Exeter Airport, Devon, to be met by family and well-wishers. | He was speaking as the 122 personnel - made up mainly of Royal Marines from 42 Commando based in Bickleigh, near Plymouth - returned to Exeter Airport, Devon, to be met by family and well-wishers. |
| "I wont pretend that there have not been setbacks and surprises but the overall direction is one of progress," he said. | "I wont pretend that there have not been setbacks and surprises but the overall direction is one of progress," he said. |
| "It is slow progress at times, but progress it is." | "It is slow progress at times, but progress it is." |
| He said the families of serving personnel should be "extremely proud" of them. | He said the families of serving personnel should be "extremely proud" of them. |
| He added that he believed the international community would stay in Afghanistan for some time but hoped military missions would be scaled down as Afghan security forces took a greater role. | He added that he believed the international community would stay in Afghanistan for some time but hoped military missions would be scaled down as Afghan security forces took a greater role. |
| 'Very busy' | 'Very busy' |
| He said: "I have been really encouraged by the Afghan National Army. I was here two-and-a-half years ago and have seen a big improvement in their capability." | He said: "I have been really encouraged by the Afghan National Army. I was here two-and-a-half years ago and have seen a big improvement in their capability." |
| Commander-in-Chief Fleet Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope said: "What 3 Commando have achieved is hugely significant. They have done a job well; we are awfully proud of them." | Commander-in-Chief Fleet Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope said: "What 3 Commando have achieved is hugely significant. They have done a job well; we are awfully proud of them." |
| RSM Marc Wicks, from Plymouth, was met by his wife and daughters at the airport. | RSM Marc Wicks, from Plymouth, was met by his wife and daughters at the airport. |
| He said: "The guys are really glad to be back. It was a high tempo tour; we were very busy. | He said: "The guys are really glad to be back. It was a high tempo tour; we were very busy. |
| "Everyone is looking forward to spending some quality time with their families and reflecting on the 32 who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country." | "Everyone is looking forward to spending some quality time with their families and reflecting on the 32 who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country." |