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UK troops 'stretched but winning' UK troops 'stretched but winning'
(about 2 hours later)
British troops are "stretched" but they are winning the tactical battle in Afghanistan, head of the Army General Sir Richard Dannatt has said. British troops are "stretched" but they are winning the tactical battle in Afghanistan, the head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, has said.
During a visit to the country, he told the BBC that operations in Iraq and Afghanistan meant soldiers were being deployed more often than he would like.During a visit to the country, he told the BBC that operations in Iraq and Afghanistan meant soldiers were being deployed more often than he would like.
But their skill and determination were defeating the Taleban, he said.But their skill and determination were defeating the Taleban, he said.
Gen Dannatt also backed calls for special recognition for those involved in the battles in southern Afghanistan.Gen Dannatt also backed calls for special recognition for those involved in the battles in southern Afghanistan.
CasualtiesCasualties
He said he had "pride and admiration" for all the young soldiers in the British army and said there was no other force that could be doing such a difficult task in the country.He said he had "pride and admiration" for all the young soldiers in the British army and said there was no other force that could be doing such a difficult task in the country.
"With the training we've got, the equipment we've got, and determination, and leadership, we're winning our tactical engagements," he said."With the training we've got, the equipment we've got, and determination, and leadership, we're winning our tactical engagements," he said.
We can be busy, we can be stretched, we can run hot - provided we are looking after individuals General Sir Richard Dannatt UK 'not failing' troopsWe can be busy, we can be stretched, we can run hot - provided we are looking after individuals General Sir Richard Dannatt UK 'not failing' troops
"Of course, tragically, we take casualties from time to time. I don't want to get into a numbers count, but the Taleban have taken a lot more casualties than we have.""Of course, tragically, we take casualties from time to time. I don't want to get into a numbers count, but the Taleban have taken a lot more casualties than we have."
While troops were "certainly stretched" and soldiers were not getting as long in barracks as he would like, morale was good, he said.While troops were "certainly stretched" and soldiers were not getting as long in barracks as he would like, morale was good, he said.
"We can be busy, we can be stretched, we can run hot - provided we are looking after individuals."We can be busy, we can be stretched, we can run hot - provided we are looking after individuals.
"Critically, our soldiers feel valued and supported and thanked for what they are doing.""Critically, our soldiers feel valued and supported and thanked for what they are doing."
His comments came as Defence Secretary Des Browne denied claims the government is failing in its duty to UK troops who put their lives on the line for their country.His comments came as Defence Secretary Des Browne denied claims the government is failing in its duty to UK troops who put their lives on the line for their country.
The Royal British Legion had said the Military Covenant - guaranteeing troops fair treatment in return for forgoing other rights - is not being upheld.The Royal British Legion had said the Military Covenant - guaranteeing troops fair treatment in return for forgoing other rights - is not being upheld.
Medal petitionMedal petition
Gen Dannatt also backed calls for special recognition for those involved in fighting in southern Afghanistan which he said was "of a greater intensity than that which had gone on elsewhere in Afghanistan in recent years".Gen Dannatt also backed calls for special recognition for those involved in fighting in southern Afghanistan which he said was "of a greater intensity than that which had gone on elsewhere in Afghanistan in recent years".
"My view is that there should be a clasp on the medal which says southern Afghanistan," he said."My view is that there should be a clasp on the medal which says southern Afghanistan," he said.
"We've already got a medal for Afghanistan, we don't do two medals for the same campaign, but to recognise southern Afghanistan by a clasp on that medal is, I think, the way to do it.""We've already got a medal for Afghanistan, we don't do two medals for the same campaign, but to recognise southern Afghanistan by a clasp on that medal is, I think, the way to do it."
His comments follow the launch of an online petition calling for a special medal to be awarded to British forces fighting the Taleban.His comments follow the launch of an online petition calling for a special medal to be awarded to British forces fighting the Taleban.
Campaigners complain the Ministry of Defence (MoD) still offers soldiers the same medal as it did to those involved in peacekeeping duties in 2002.Campaigners complain the Ministry of Defence (MoD) still offers soldiers the same medal as it did to those involved in peacekeeping duties in 2002.
However, the MoD says the current award is not for peacekeeping but general operational service.However, the MoD says the current award is not for peacekeeping but general operational service.
Gen Dannatt also called on the Post Office to offer free postal services to the families of serving members of the armed forces deployed in conflicts overseas.Gen Dannatt also called on the Post Office to offer free postal services to the families of serving members of the armed forces deployed in conflicts overseas.