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Shock leaked report shows British troops are exhausted even before they reach the battlefields of Afghanistan.

The paper, written by a senior Army officer, also slams a shortage of vital equipment such as mine detectors. And a second report reveals a "catastrophic" collapse of communications systems.

It comes amid Tory cuts which are forcing the Army to axe 7,000 personnel and get rid of 40 per cent of its tanks and 35 per cent of its heavy artillery.

In the first of two "Post-Operational Reports" Signal Squadron Officer Captain Georgie Dunn, says troops starting a six-month tour in Afghanistan suffered because they did not get time to recover after gruelling training.

In a 30-page overview of their battle against the Taliban she wrote: "Many arrived already fatigued... Time should be afforded... in order that forces can arrive mentally and emotionally, as well as physically, fit for the rigours of the deployment."

She worries over "demands being placed on young, inexperienced soldiers" forced to face "much horror and tragedy".

She says the squadron did not have enough Vallon mine detectors - essential for finding Taliban roadside bombs which are the biggest killer of British soldiers. And while some troops got new helmets others had to make do with older, heavier versions,.

In the other report seen by the Sunday Mirror, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Fallows, Commanding Officer of 16 Signal Regiment, highlights the collapse of a communications system during his soldiers' six-month stint in Helmand.

He also says too much reliance on mobile phones around the Afghan capital Kabul had led to security breaches.

Colonel Fallows attacks higher ranks for being caught up with red tape and adds: "Too many appear reluctant to stick their neck out."

He also reveals how heavily the Army relies on TA troops. He writes: "Once again the contribution of theTerritorial Army has proven invaluable."

Colonel Sir Richard Kemp, ex-commander of British Forces in Afghanistan said: "When a commanding officer writes a post-deployment report every word needs to be looked at very carefully.

"Their comments are extremely important. If there is a shortage of Vallon mine detectors, that could cost our soldiers lives and limbs. This needs to be resolved immediately."

The MOD said: "It is routine for commanding officers to report at the end of a tour on what went well and what needs addressing."

OFFICERS' WORRIES

Soldiers given too little time to recover from gruelling training

Not enough mine-detectors to find Taliban bombs

'Catastrophic' collapse of communication systems

High-ranking officers bound up in red tape

'Young recruits are facing much horror & tragedy'