Are British troops in Iraq experiencing the same logistical problems

[wickerwoman]

as American troops? Do they have the same problems with stop-loss orders, cancelled leave, being called back on short notice, insufficient equiptment, etc.?

My friend's brother is in Iraq and I don't like to bring the subject up, but I'm curious if the morale/circumstances for British troops is similar to American troops.

Has anyone heard anything about this?

[punpirate]

1. Someone I know in GB says...

... that equipment problems are common to British troops, as well. Boots falling apart, no replacements, problems with rifles jamming due to the sand, etc.

Morale is slightly better amongst British troops than American troops, but not by much. They don't like being there, either, I think.

[Oggy]

2. Not quite the same

I haven't read much in the press over here, but the numbers involved are so much smaller. There are just under 10000 British troops, down from 40000 at the height of the war. A quote from Prince Charles's recent visit suggests morale may be low:-

"A spokesman for Charles said: "We don't normally take the prince to places as dangerous as this. The troops need cheering up." " :- from BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3470651.stm

The biggest news over here was the lack of equipment, which is still an issue. Many of the British deaths have been due to lack of body armour and lack of bullets.

[FlashHarry]

3. They're in the Shi'a south, which is a little more friendly.

Plus, they've got a whole lot more experience in this sort of endeavor (viz, Northern Ireland). I'm sure they're not happy to be there, but they're muddling along better than the Yanks in the north.