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There is a contradiction at the heart of British public life. The operations in Iraq and Afghanistan the British army is involved in are not popular; they may or may not be considered necessary but they are certainly not popular.
However, the army is held in high regard by the vast majority of British people who admire their tradition and professionalism. The trouble is that this regard is not translated into welfare for the soldiers themselves. A recent poll has revealed that almost half of those serving have considered quitting. A number of reasons are cited - lack of pay and proper equipment, more tours of duty and perceived insufficient healthcare for those wounded in action. The army is also close to being overstretched, endangering its capacity to defend the UK, according to senior officers. Successive British governments have done little to improve the soldiers' lot and with harsh economic winds blowing, it may be some time before they see any significant improvement in their pay. Nobody joins the armed forces for financial reward alone but that should not be an excuse for meagre pay or lack of care.
Apathy is more a threat to soldiers than any enemy they face.
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