Army launches PR campaign to gain support for troops

THE Army has launched a major public relations campaign today, only days ahead of the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.

The campaign, entitled "To the Best", drew criticism from families who lost loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Rose Gentle, whose son Gordon died in a bomb attack in June 2004, said the money should have been spent on providing equipment to help protect soldiers.

Mrs Gentle, who co-chairs Military Families Against the War, said: "They're trying to recruit but it won't work. You're not going to join the Army if you don't get the protection you need."

The campaign will feature television and print media advertisements encouraging people to show their support for soldiers and telling stories of Army work.

In research commissioned to coincide with the launch, pollsters found 87 per cent of those questioned supported British troops. The campaign website will give members of the public the chance to log messages of support.