LONDON, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- A former British army commander who served in Afghanistan says more troops are needed there as well as better equipment, particularly helicopters.
Retired Col. Stuart Tootal, who led the Third Battalion of the army's Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan, said the Sea King helicopters used in Afghanistan were antiquated, leaving troops stationed in Afghanistan in need of better equipment, The Daily Mail said Thursday.
"I personally believe there is not enough equipment or enough troops there," said Tootal, who resigned from the army two years ago.
Speaking at London's Frontline Club Wednesday night, Tootal also urged British residents to support their country's efforts in Afghanistan.
"They can question the way it's being delivered, but they must not turn around and say 'this is the wrong mission that we are in,'" he said of the public's response to the overseas conflict.
"Soldiers don't want sympathy, they don't want pity, they just want support, and the last thing they want is for the British public to wobble on them now."
