Defence sources say areas are now “over-stretched” with one military source describing a ‘shrinking talent pool’

A British army soldier from the 21st Air Artillery Defense Battery prepares to raise the British flag during a transfer of authority ceremony in Hilmand Province, Afghanistan, May 1 2006. U.S. Army Soldiers are transferring Lashkar Gah Provincial Reconstruction Team to the British army soldiers. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Leslie Angulo) (Released)