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New army head in pledge to troops | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Gen Sir David Richards has pledged to focus on the military effort in Afghanistan as he takes over as head of the British army. | |
The former head of the International Security and Assistance Force has first-hand experience of the conflict. | |
He said he would also ensure troops were "geared up" for future missions. | |
Gen Richards said people were the Army's biggest asset, and admitted his predecessor, Gen Sir Richard Dannatt, would be a "hard act to follow". | |
He said: "As part of the defence team, I will continue to focus on what is needed to meet the government's aims in Afghanistan and the region, and ensuring the Army achieves the tasks laid upon it. | |
"The Army's most valuable assets are its people: it is essential that we continue to look after our soldiers and their families, especially those injured or affected adversely through conflict." | |
BBC defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt said: "General Sir David Richards is seen as a good communicator who is also politically astute, and perhaps more likely to fight his battles behind closed doors." | |
His leadership style may prove to be in contrast to the outspoken Gen Dannatt, who was often at odds with ministers over equipment and support needed on the battlefield. | |
It is impossible to say whether having more equipment of a particular kind would lead to less casualties Gen Sir David Richards Profile: Gen Sir David Richards Tough task faces New Army chief | It is impossible to say whether having more equipment of a particular kind would lead to less casualties Gen Sir David Richards Profile: Gen Sir David Richards Tough task faces New Army chief |
Gen Richards has extensive operational experience in East Timor, Sierra Leone, and first-hand knowledge of the challenges in Afghanistan, gained as commander of Nato coalition forces there between 2006 and 2007. | Gen Richards has extensive operational experience in East Timor, Sierra Leone, and first-hand knowledge of the challenges in Afghanistan, gained as commander of Nato coalition forces there between 2006 and 2007. |
After the next election, all main parties have committed to holding a root-and-branch review of all military services. | |
Gen Richards said: "Looking to the longer term, I will be focusing on making sure that the Army is geared up for future conflict as it evolves in this highly interdependent and globalised era." | |
Asked earlier this month if he would be presenting a "shopping list" for military equipment on his first day in office, Gen Richards answered: "I will not. | Asked earlier this month if he would be presenting a "shopping list" for military equipment on his first day in office, Gen Richards answered: "I will not. |
"It is impossible to say whether having more equipment of a particular kind would lead to less casualties, and pretty fruitless speculating about it," he said in an interview with the Times newspaper. | "It is impossible to say whether having more equipment of a particular kind would lead to less casualties, and pretty fruitless speculating about it," he said in an interview with the Times newspaper. |
"The enemy's tactics will always reflect, and try to exploit, how we operate - my American comrades first taught me the adage, 'the enemy has a vote' - and our own tactics must reflect the equipment and troop numbers we have. | "The enemy's tactics will always reflect, and try to exploit, how we operate - my American comrades first taught me the adage, 'the enemy has a vote' - and our own tactics must reflect the equipment and troop numbers we have. |
"It is a truism to state that the more we have, the more we can do." | "It is a truism to state that the more we have, the more we can do." |
Gen Dannatt will now take up the post of chairman of the Royal United Services Institute think-tank. He will also become the 159th Constable of the Tower of London, a ceremonial role. |