One soldier said damaged, second-hand helmets are being used

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has rejected criticism from five former military chiefs about the treatment of and funding for the armed forces.

Some soldiers and former servicemen say they are relieved news of equipment and funding shortfalls have reached the ears of Gordon Brown.

While most active members of the British forces are hesitant to speak publicly about their worries, former and active soldiers say morale has plummeted and it is time that military funding became headline news.

But there are some who say they do not recognise this picture and they have not experienced problems with resources or morale.

Some of those voicing their concerns are doing so on military websites and chat rooms, highlighting what they say is a disregard for their needs by a cost-cutting prime minister.

'Broken helmets'

One soldier who recently left the forces after serving in Iraq detailed the commonplace use of second hand kit, including damaged helmets, adding that "a used, broken helmet is better than none at all".

The former soldier told the BBC on condition of anonymity that his colleagues still serving in Afghanistan and Iraq are alarmed over the lack of basic equipment such as armour and spare parts for weapons.

A soldier currently deployed in Afghanistan said troops are told to downplay their lack of equipment.

"When we are asked, we are advised to gloss over the negatives. It's about time that truths were exposed," he told the BBC, again on condition of anonymity.

Both said the renewed debate about adequate funding is overdue, but welcome nonetheless.

Ten years ago I would have encouraged a young person to join the military for the discipline and life skills, but not anymore, not like this John Morfitt, retired military policeman

Retired serviceman Mark Botterill of Yorkshire said while lack of equipment is a reality of life in the military, the move by five former defence chiefs to speak out in a House of Lords debate has helped to bring a new urgency to the issue.

"It used to be that they said it in private but now it's out in public and it's about time," said Mr Botterill, who left the army seven years ago.

Admiral Lord Boyce told the Lords that the prime minister's actions were seen by some as showing "contempt" for the services.

"It is certainly a demonstration of the disinterest and some might say contempt that the prime minister and his government has for our armed forces," Lord Boyce said of government decisions.

Family worries

John Morfitt, a military policeman who retired a year ago after 22 years, said morale is hampered not only by worries about safety, but about the families they leave behind.

The PM pledged aid money on his first visit to Iraq in 2006

"When you go away your family is not looked after, the accommodation isn't there, the supports aren't there. It's all an added worry."

Mr Morfitt said most of his colleagues still in the forces are counting the days until they are eligible for pensions.

Worse, he said, the military's longstanding reputation as a good career path for young men and women is being undermined.

"Ten years ago I would have encouraged a young person to join the military for the discipline and life skills, but not anymore, not like this."

My ship's company are well motivated, well-trained and we are ready to do operations as required by the government Commanding officer Captain Mike Mansergh

However, Captain Mike Alcock, currently on HMS Ark Royal, said that as a parent he understood the difficulties of tearing yourself from your family.

It takes a great deal of moral courage to walk through the doors of an armed forces recruitment centre, he said.

"They want to be a part of something where they can make a difference. They understand what they are coming into," he added.

His commanding officer, Captain Mike Mansergh, said he has no problems with resources or morale.

"We are in a position where we are fully resourced to do what is asked of us," he said.

"From my perspective, my ship's company are well motivated, well-trained and we are ready to do operations as required by the government."

In addition to the harsh comments directed at Mr Brown from the former chiefs, a leaked report published by the Sunday Telegraph quoted the head of the British Army adding his voice to those worried about morale.