An MOD spokesman said:
"Like many others published in recent weeks, this is a moving and at times humbling account of fighting in a part of Helmand province, Afghanistan. It reflects both how intense the fighting can occasionally be, and the enormous courage, dedication and skill of the British troops operating there. As the Secretary of State said only this week, British soldiers in Helmand are, in some cases, working to the limits of endurance, but their morale is high and they are winning the fight."
"The comments this Major makes about the RAF are, however, unfortunate. They do not reflect the view of the vast majority of soldiers about the Harrier Force in Afghanistan, which has consistently performed brilliantly in defending coalition forces, so much so that it is in regular demand not just from British commanders on the ground, but from our allies too. It must be remembered that this is the opinion of only one man.
The general view is very different. Captain Matt Taylor, 3 Para Operations Officer in Afghanistan said: 'The GR7’s have played a critical part in ensuring the security of the lads on the ground. They couldn’t have asked for better support during some very difficult times’."
Additionally Lt Col David Reynolds, UK Forces Spokesman in Helmand province, said:
"The RAF is an absolutely essential part of the operations in Afghanistan. Many in theatre troop movements and sustainment missions are conducted by RAF Chinook helicopters, we have increased their numbers and continue to review our force allocation. Without the RAF’s contribution with air transport both C17 and C130, none of the operations would have been feasible.
"GR7A from Joint Force Harrier provide invaluable close air support and reconnaissance for all ground troops, UK and Coalition. They have been enormously effective but, necessarily, work within very clearly defined Rules of Engagement. The Harriers have been in theatre since 2004 and were seen as so effective by the US Forces that their deployment has been extended and their numbers increased.
"In addition, the UK operation continues to be supported by the air-bridge and reconnaissance aircraft."
The RAF’s Assistant Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Chris Moran added:
"The RAF’s contribution is vital to achieving success in Afghanistan, both for UK and multi-national forces. Joint Force Harrier have been flying missions in Afghanistan for 2 years, providing invaluable close air support and reconnaissance. They are enormously effective and are highly regarded by the NATO Land Forces, often praised as the platform of choice."
"RAF Chinooks play an irreplaceable role in conducting in-theatre troop movements and sustainment missions, often under fire.
"The Nimrod fleet in the reconnaissance role, and strategic air transport, provided by C17s, C130s and Tristars, are also crucial components in providing support to operations.
"In addition, the RAF Regt has the key task on the ground of securing Kandahar Airbase as a HQ for British Forces."
The Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, also had praise for the RAF:
"The way the RAF has performed in support of our operations in Afghanistan has been exceptional. Irresponsible comments, based on a snapshot, are regrettable. Following my recent visit, which happened after the incident described in the e-mails, the men of the Battlegroup left me in no doubt as to the value of the RAF’s support to their operations.
"The Harriers and the support helicopters have played, and continue to play, a vital role in ensuring the Battlegroup’s success."
