LAVs: Burton bungles planning

National’s Defence spokesman, John Carter, says some of the defence force’s light armoured vehicles are being cannibalised to keep others serviceable.

“Sources tell me this has come about as a result of the rushed purchase of the $677 million LAVs, which left nothing in the kitty to buy spare parts.

“This comes on top of a report by the Controller and Auditor General showing that the Army is still two years from having enough trained personnel to man the entire LAV fleet, and that is even after the temporary dismantling of an entire infantry company and leaving the Army's reconnaissance skills at the minimum level.

"All of this on top of acknowledged recruitment and retention issues.

“Labour’s planning for and management of our defence forces is an absolute disgrace. National will restore pride to the forces,” says Mr Carter.

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