The men and women of the defence forces don’t want Stephen Smith as their minister following harsh criticism of him from a retired major-general, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says.

Retired major-general John Cantwell has written an article in Fairfax Media on Saturday in which he accuses Mr Smith of having disregard for the military based on his experience of accompanying him on a visit to Afghanistan.

Stephen Smith. Credit:Andrew Meares

‘‘Reflecting on Smith’s visit, the abiding impression I was left with was that he merely tolerated people like me and the troops I commanded...’’ he wrote.

‘‘Then I had it: respect. Smith had no respect for those who chose to serve in uniform for their country.

‘‘It was an uncomfortable insight.’’