British Veterans Reprimand JD Vance for Insulting Comments on War Dead

JD Vance’s recent dismissal of UK’s military history in Iraq and Afghanistan sparked outrage among British veterans. Former military officials criticized his comments, emphasizing Britain’s sacrifices and urging respect for the fallen. Various figures, including Johnny Mercer and Andy McNab, called out Vance’s lack of understanding of the shared history between US and UK forces, warning against undermining military alliances.

British veterans have voiced their outrage after JD Vance, a member of the U.S. government, dismissed the UK’s significant contributions and sacrifices in Iraq and Afghanistan. Vance referred to Britain as “some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years,” amid criticism of British military support for Ukraine. This incited backlash from former military officials and veterans, who emphasized the UK’s historical sacrifices in these conflicts.

Former Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer criticized Vance’s comments, urging him to treat the memory of the nearly 640 British service members who died in these wars with respect. Veterans, including SAS hero Andy McNab, invited Vance to honor the fallen at memorials and reminded him of the allies’ shared bloodshed.

Military leaders echoed disapproval, with General Sir Patrick Sanders expressing concern that such remarks could hinder political cooperation in supporting Ukraine. Vance, a Marine veteran, has faced further condemnation from others, like ex-soldier Shaun Pinner and ex-Royal Marine Ben McBean, who dismissed his military experience as insufficient for commenting on war strategies.

Pinner, who endured torture as a Russian POW, labeled Vance as a “political Neanderthal” and questioned America’s understanding of modern warfare. Ben McBean, who sustained severe injuries in Afghanistan, expressed frustration over Vance’s lack of real combat experience and called for him to stop discussing military issues.

Former First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West condemned Vance’s comments as disgraceful and highlighted the major losses Britain experienced in Afghanistan post-9/11. He noted that Vance’s role in the Marine Corps did not require combat and therefore, he should refrain from making audacious claims about the war. General the Lord Richard Dannatt challenged Vance’s flawed perspective, suggesting he lacks comprehension of historical military alliances and sacrifices.

The backlash against JD Vance underscores how military service and sacrifices made by the British armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan are deeply valued and should be respected. Prominent British veterans and leaders stress the importance of honoring the memories of those lost in war and the ongoing connections between British and American military efforts. Such disrespectful comments could hinder future cooperation as the UK stands alongside its allies in current conflicts.

Original Source: www.the-sun.com