British veterans condemned JD Vance’s disrespectful comments about the UK’s military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. Vance’s remarks, made while criticizing British military support for Ukraine, drew strong reactions from former military officials. Key figures emphasized the significant contributions and sacrifices made by British service personnel in recent conflicts, urging Vance to show respect toward their sacrifices.
British veterans and military leaders have expressed outrage after JD Vance, Vice President of the United States, dismissed United Kingdom’s military contributions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Vance referred to Britain as ‘some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years’ while undermining its military plans for Ukraine. Former Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer, who served in Afghanistan, criticized Vance for lacking respect.
SAS veteran Andy McNab invited Vance to visit British war memorials to better understand the sacrifices made by soldiers who fought alongside American troops. General Sir Patrick Sanders, a former Army chief, voiced his disagreement with Vance’s remarks and noted the difficulty such statements could create for politicians seeking cooperation.
Ex-British soldier Shaun Pinner condemned Vance as a “political Neanderthal” and highlighted his misconceptions about modern warfare, reminding him of the reality faced by soldiers on the front lines. Pinner, who experienced torture as a prisoner of war in Ukraine, emphasized the lessons the U.S. needs to learn from current conflicts.
Ben McBean, an ex-Royal Marine who suffered severe injuries in Afghanistan, admonished Vance to refrain from commenting on military matters. He criticized Vance for his perceived superficial military experience, contrasting it with the realities of those who serve in combat situations. McBean received acknowledgment from Prince Harry for his bravery during his service.
Admiral Lord West, the former First Sea Lord, called Vance’s comments “utterly disgraceful,” lamenting the loss of British lives in service alongside American forces. He pointed out that Vance did not serve in a combat-capable role but rather in public affairs, making his comments inappropriate and disrespectful.
General the Lord Richard Dannatt questioned Vance’s understanding of military history and realities, expressing disbelief at his remarks. The United Kingdom has endured numerous conflicts, with its participation in Iraq and Afghanistan resulting in significant casualties as part of the War on Terror. Collectively, 636 British service personnel have sacrificed their lives in these operations, underscoring the sacrifices made in alliances with the U.S. and other nations.
In summary, British military leaders and veterans have rebuked JD Vance for his disrespectful comments regarding the UK’s military sacrifices in Iraq and Afghanistan. They emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions and sacrifices made by British forces in the War on Terror, highlighting a need for greater respect and understanding from U.S. leaders regarding their allies.
Original Source: www.the-sun.com
