"The level of support our nation is giving our soldiers for the job they're doing in Afghanistan is sometimes humbling, " he added.

BBC: 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment in homecoming march

"He says he'll never send troops into harm's way without enough firepower and support, but he voted against all of the firepower and support when it mattered most for our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, " Bush campaign spokesman Scott Stanzel said in a written statement.

CNN: Kerry, Bush campaigns battle over security

"I wanted to take money that was paid in fines by people who, frankly, demonstrated the worst of the values in our society and help support those who demonstrate the very best values in our society - and those are the soldiers and sailors and airmen who fight on our behalf, " Mr Osborne told BBC Breakfast.

BBC: Libor fines to fund armed forces charities, says Osborne