MoD 'still failing' on kit supply

I know that the MP expenses thing is still staggering on but I would like to draw your attention to this article from the BBC

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is still struggling to get essential equipment to front-line troops in Afghanistan, according to the National Audit Office.

It has published a report saying that 57% of consignments reach units within the allocated time.

The NAO also says armoured vehicles brought in to replace Land Rovers deemed to be too lightly armoured are themselves unreliable.

Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth says he will address any issues raised.

BBC defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt said the NAO report found the MoD was failing to meet its own targets for getting equipment and supplies to front-line troops.

It highlighted problems getting spare parts for armoured vehicles, many of which were breaking down in Afghanistan's harsh conditions.

An SAS reservist commander in Afghanistan resigned last year after four service personnel were killed when a Snatch Land Rover struck a roadside bomb in Helmand Province.

He accused the MoD of ignoring his warnings over the safety of the vehicles.
Our correspondent said Defence Secretary John Hutton told the defence committee in April that the new vehicle brought in to replace the Snatch was being withdrawn due to mechanical issues.

She says the NAO report also highlights a shortage of helicopter spares in Afghanistan which means some have had to be cannibalised for spare parts to keep others flying.

Criticism over equipment supply has been a recurring theme in inquests into the deaths of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Our soldiers are dying out there, if we can’t supply them with decent equipment, the MoD should pull them out, despite the fact that they shouldn’t be there in the first place.


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