Bad News For Britain’s Military, Half of Troops Regularly Contemplate Quitting

Recently, the British Ministry of Defense had conducted research that involved over 20,000 British troops. So far, Britain is playing a very active role in both Afghanistan and Iraq. The results from the research were not pleasant. This is very unfavorable for the British government.

At the same time, this could be very unfavorable for US presumed GOP presidential nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona. Iraq has been the main platform of McCain’s presidential campaign. Britain is one of the US’ main allies in Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to the research, almost half of Britain’s military troops are contemplating resigning.

Factors include the speed and pace of operations having psychological effects on the troops. There is the stress factor involved in regards to the families. According to Conservative MP Patrick Mercer, this is one reason that many are thinking about leaving the military life.

There are the factors of simultaneous military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Like US troops, British troops too are having to go through extended and multiple tours.

So far, it’s affecting and hurting all branches of the British military. Almost half of the troops in the British Army constantly think about resigning. Almost half of those serving in the Royal Navy are thinking the same thing. Almost 40 percent of the royal Marines are thinking the same thing. Almost 45 percent of those in the Royal Air Force (RAF) on a regular basis are contemplating leaving.

The Regular Army is bleeding out troops like crazy. Its ranks have decreased at an insane rate.

Overall, Britain’s government has a huge conundrum in its hands. This could also very well affect British assistance to the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As a possibility, this could be used as ammunition by presumed US Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama of Illinois to use against McCain in the general election.

But in regards to Britain’s MoD, it will put a hamper on its overseas operations. Not long ago, the MoD was entertaining two plans which use military intervention in Zimbabwe as a result of the election crisis. So far, it looks like the MoD might have to scrap its plans for a possible military intervention into Zimbabwe.