The commander of British troops in southern Iraq has said that they need more support from back home.
Major General Richard Shirreff said there were issues that had to be addressed concerning training, infrastructure and accommodation for soldiers on duty.
And he said the covenant between the country and its service personnel was "seriously out of kilter".
In an interview with BBC News 24, he said: "The nation needs to understand that the quality work done by these courageous men and women out here only happens and can only continue if these people, our soldiers, are properly supported back home in terms of the support for training, infrastructure, barracks, accommodation.
"Frankly, some of these issues need solving. Many of these issues are the result of a generation of under-funding and relative neglect in political terms."
Maj Gen Shirreff refused to blame the Government for the present difficulties.
He said: "I don't blame any particular party or government, I think this is a general issue. We need to look after our people properly and that means not only the housing, not only the equipment, not only ensuring our people get what they need in terms of training.
"It also means ensuring that when they go home wounded they are properly looked after as well, so there's a whole range of areas. It's not just the sharp end here, it covers the piece and we must recognise that it is now time to understand... it is the duty of the nation to support us in doing this."
Maj Gen Shirreff said there was a military covenant between the nation and its soldiers.
He added: "I think the covenant is seriously out of kilter, to quote the Chief of the General Staff."
