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Army chief: 'We epitomise the welfare state'

17/07/2008

Britain's chief of general staff, Sir Richard Dannatt, says the army epitomises the welfare state and "espouses many recognisable socialist ideals".

In a speech to centre-left thinktank Progress later today, Sir Richard will argue the army was often misunderstood, but it is actually "the very epitome of the welfare state".

"We provide everything from marriage guidance to social care to a roof over people's heads," he will continue and "even if a soldier spends all of his money on beer and cars, we will not let him go hungry".

In a wide ranging speech, the army chief will voice his concerns about the behaviour of soldiers in theatre.

"Events such as those perpetrated in Abu Ghraib or during the detention of Baha Mousa by our forces are not only tragic, but also inexcusable," he will say.

"I take no pride in the conduct of those of our people – however few – who took it upon themselves to deliberately abuse Iraqi civilians during 2003."

Sir Richard will also look forward to a time when the army would combine its civil role with its military role in a systemic way, even suggesting putting soldiers under the command of the Department for International Development.

He will suggest creating "permanent cadres of stabilisation specialists" which could specialise on training and mentoring indigenous forces.