Chronic shortage of helicopters

21st October 2010

Back to Blog

The equipment, manning and helicopter argument continues to rage on amidst this flurry of media profile, enabling what, in effect, are some old issues to be revisited. There's no question in my mind - not least, from visits to both Iraq and Afghanistan over the last few years - that there is a chronic shortage of helicopters which has a significant impact on the manner in which the military is able to operate.

From a morale and welfare point of view, this helicopter shortage has a knock-on effect. Military operations obviously take priority but it means very little capacity for welfare items, like the soldiers' mail, which inevitably get held up or have to be transported by road which has significant risks.

The military has always complained about its kit and supply, and, it's fair to say, it will never be enough, but the situation at the moment is unsatisfactory and does raise the question for the soldiers on the ground: if they're not properly equipped by the government, does that mean the government doesn't take the mission itself that seriously?

This equipment issue highlights a contradiction in what is being said at the moment by the government in the eyes of the military. On the one hand they are extremely keen to demonstrate their belief in what the troops are doing and their commitment to the ongoing campaign, and a desire to see it through for many years if necessary. On the other hand, the guys on the ground don't see those words and that commitment being transferred into the equipment they really need to do the job - and that has an affect on morale as much as anything.

Mark Cann Director of The British Forces Foundation (These are the personal views of Mark Cann and not necessarily those of the Charity)