Last updated at 13:09, Wednesday, 10 March 2010

It really shouldn’t be difficult to understand that soldiers sent to war should first be fully trained and properly equipped.

But since Britain first joined America’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan claims of failings in both areas have been pretty constant.

Stinging criticisms of inadequate training and poor equipment were made yesterday by the coroner at Corporal Sarah Bryant’s inquest.

Sarah and SAS reservists Cpl Sean Reeve, L/Cpl Richard Larkin and Pte Paul Stout died in 2008.

In response to the coroner’s damning remarks – and his promise to write directly to Government to drive his points home – Westminster wriggling has been much in evidence.

Armed forces minister Bill Rammell admitted training had not been adequate – but promised things had changed since the day Sarah died.

That isn’t the way the families of other lost soldiers tell it.

It isn’t the way serving soldiers experience it.

They tell of a close to make-do-and-mend scenario – which is no way to fight a war.

Sarah Bryant died honourably and dutifully at the call of her country.

She was let down.

The best tribute to her and those who died with her would be firm guarantees that British soldiers would never again be the poor relations in an unwinnable war.

The tragic truth is we know we can’t rely on any such guarantee.

First published at 11:26, Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk