I've just read a thread on FF where a user flamed the Armed Forces spouting off any number of naive, uneducated and downright derogatory statements, so of course I replied. But now I'm curious. What are peoples opinions of the Armed Forces of the UK? Please answer honestly as this has really got me thinking. I know most of you know I'm in the Forces, but don't let that affect your answer. I'm only a musician after all :)

i personally think there great and dont get the respect they deserve, i think the people that roast em should take their place and see how it feels >:( >:( >:( >:(

really annoys me that >:( >:(

my brother is in the TA and spent most of his time under fire from the yanks, there 1st class a-holes and shoot anything that moves!! and even somethings that dont, my bro punched a yanke seargent, coz as our guys were moving the yanks forgot to tell our boys the they had moved the firing range and started firing on us!!! >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(

Cheers Red :)

Right at the beginning of Op Telic (March 2003) my unit came under regular fire from the yanks, but not just rifle fire. Mortars, small arms, .50cal machine guns, even heavy armour. Not only did they know who we were, but we were also clearly displaying the Red Cross. Firing on a Red Cross baring anything, base, person or vehicle, is a war crime. Muppets.

I bet it was that idiot JUG on there he's always taking a pop at things like this and the british way of life ..I feel like going to town on the git some time but I would end up getting banned if I did .. >:(

i think the SOLDIERS do an excellent job! the one thing all people need to realise before they slate them. they are the tool of the government and dont get to choose what they do. they just get an order and carry it out. if people want to direct anger and blame then the soldiers are the wrong part of the chain to aim it at. >:(

oh and just to let you know i was an army brat and all my bro in laws are in the army. :)

[quote author=pnl link=topic=701.msg4944#msg4944 date=1197451993]
I bet it was that idiot JUG on there he's always taking a pop at things like this and the british way of life ..I feel like going to town on the git some time but I would end up getting banned if I did .. >:(
[/quote]

Bingo Phil, Jug of course. I've reported his posts to Sammi. I don't think all what he said is total bullsh*t, but the way he spoke about my profession, and by association, me, was really quite offensive. We get enough stick from other places without finding it somewhere I go to chill out and have a laugh.

He's not making many friends on there ..I remember him posting and asking for people with any knocked of stuff to contact him and another post where he admitted he smoked and taking drugs ..I came very close to saying "if you dont like the way we do things in this country them GTFO ..he wouldnt last five minuits back home they cut off their hands over there with theives and stick druggies in jail for long terms ..

Many moons ago I was offered a commision in the Army (long story to be told over a pint or three) and ultimately decided - after much soul searching - that it wasn't for me.

I thought about the choices Chris has posted and I'm sorry to say that I voted 'good' as in good conscience I cannot vote higher. On the whole I have huge admiration for our armed services but not necessarily all of those who make up their compliment - if you follow me.
I have had more than my fair share of exposure to 'loutish' behaviour from members of the Army and the Royal Navy when they were off duty - fair play, letting your hair down and "going for it" isn't unreasonable when you are on leave or have a pass but I expect members of the armed forces to demonstrate some restraint when out and about on the sauce. I appreciate that isn't always possible and maybe I do have a higher expectation than I should but, nevertheless, that's what I think.

I have the greatest respect for all members of armed forces when on duty - indeed I work on and off with various branches of the armed services and professionals they certainly are.
I feel frustrated that very often 'our boys' have been put in positions which they were ill-equipped and ill-trained for; something which I hope will change in the future.

Anyway, that's my 'two cents'.

[quote author=ABZSTILO link=topic=701.msg4959#msg4959 date=1197475265]
Anyway, that's my 'two cents'.
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And very welcome it is. I've calmed down a bit since last night, but Jug really pissed me off.

A good is all I'd expect, because there are some real animals in the forces. I lived with one of them!

Only reason I didn't put an average is I don't think I'd get a true reflection of opinions with that option there...truth be told, I'm not as worried or upset as I was last night now anyway. I've been doing a lot of thinking over the past few months as to whether I'm in the right line of work. I now feel that they Army is for me...just probably not Army music.

I was offered a commission too (pending completion of RMA Sandhurst) but decided against it. Having spent 6 weeks on duty there I'm glad I did. If I'm going to get my commission I'll work my way up to. There's very little respect for Sandhurst trained officers. The respect for their rank is there...but for the most part the individual isn't respected at all. All the officers in my Corps are ex-rankers...not one Sandhurst educated one amongst them.

i think you would get an interesting response if you put the opposite question to army lads. from my experience they have very little respect for 'civvies' as they feel they have an easy life. different life yeah but far from easy.

anyone watched starship troopers where you need to do a stint in the army/certain profession before you could become a citizen. i do see some logic in that.