It was only three months ago I wished Major-General Andrews Mackay all the best in his new post of General Officer Commanding Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.
Now it transpires General Mackay, 52, is to leave the army after bitter clashes with the government over the Afghanistan war. He had spoken of his dismay at the 'inadequate support' given to troops and the 'lack of clear policy' in the conflict.
General Mackay took part in one of the best known military operations of the war when he led a British, US and Afghan force to recapture the town of Musa Qala from the Taliban. The US had been highly critical when the town was taken over by insurgents after a deal between British authorities and local leaders and retaking the town was seen as vital in repairing relations with Washington.
According to defence sources, General Mackay, then a brigadier, was astonished when it was suggested by No 10 that the timing of the operation should coincide with a visit by Gordon Brown to Helmand. After the town was retaken General Mackay and his team were said to be disappointed that despite requests from 'stabilisation advisers' on the ground, not enough resources were put into place to win the hearts and minds of the people.
After returning to Britain, General Mackay was part of a team that conducted a counter-insurgency review which is due to shape the strategy in the conflict. But he and others had been impatient about the time it was taking to put the ideas into practice.
A MoD spokesman said: "We can confirm that Major-General Andrew Mackay has decided to leave the Army. This is a personal matter for him."
For those of you who have regard for Michael Yon's dispatches he has another here entitled 'Bullshit Bob.'
Update 13.30: I've just read this article by James Forsyth concerning Major General Mackay. Definitely worth a read.
Source: Independent
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6 comments:
Speaks volumes.
I have deliberately not blogged about Afghanistan because I think my blood pressure wouldn't cope.
Thanks for the tip on the latest Michael Yon. So much for Hearts and Minds. This is all looking very bad. Like Rab C I am twitching, and I think a lot of other people are.
Rab I don't mind doing it and Fitaloon is superb too but the military do need to be kept in the public eye or else many many more of our young will be killed for no sensible reason.
Many switch off when they know it's a 'war' post but at least I'm doing my best.
That's what is needed Demetrius. Military families are a very small section of society and alone their voices won't be heard.
They need help get their message across.
We haven't heard the last of General Andrew Mackay...
No but outside his power base whatever he says will be ridiculed Monty.
Sadly we're losing senior personnel far too rapidly. That doesn't make the troops happy because they depend on the experience of their superior officers.
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