To all Service personnel, past and present...

[Mart61]

Thank you;

- for giving us the freedom that we now enjoy
- for laying down your life for us, in the past, today and going forward
- for making this country a safe place to live
- for having the "balls" to do what so many of us dare not

This post was originated to show that we do care about you all and the work that you do. We are all, directly or indirectly, indebted to you.

Keep up the good work and, most importantly of all for those still serving, stay safe.

Martin.

[Pantone 186C]

I agree wholeheartedly with your sentiments, but still consider it a tragic waste of life for virtually no gain.

The likes of Afghanistan, the Taliban and Drugs Trafficking will be no different in years to come with or without our involvement.

Oh! but I forgot - politics stupid!

[JohnJ]

I did 24 years and din't want to leave, people ask me today "If I was younger & able would you join up" my answer "[B]Where Do I Sign[/B]"!

Most serving members of the armed forces would be far more likely to stop and ask if you needed a hand if you were stuck or hurt, it installs a certain degree of respect for you & those around you and I also salute the guys & gals that are doing their bit for us all today.

John (Proud to have served) :grouphug:

[stuskimac]

I served in the Territorial Army for 12years, part-timer i know, but i learnt so much about myself, met the best people i will ever meet & took on my greatest challenges ever! they were the best days of my life and i really miss them ! when you join the forces its not just a job, its a way of life, you become part of a family, your section, platoon/troop, Company/Squadron, Regiment/Corp becomes your world, anything outside that isn't important, its called unit "esprite de corp" ( not sure about spelling, but i do understand the sentiment"). You will do anything to defend your family, and when your unit lose's a member it hurts ! because you've lost a family member.
When you take the Queens shilling, you know exactly what your letting yourselve in for, you just have to watch the news reports to know what may happen, But Remember the Service men & woman are all " Volunteers !!!", their there because they want to be ! thats what makes them so professional, and i for one salute them, past & present, i will always wear my poppy with immense pride.

[Milamber]

[quote=JohnJ;490428]I did 24 years and din't want to leave, people ask me today "If I was younger & able would you join up" my answer "[B]Where Do I Sign[/B]"!

Most serving members of the armed forces would be far more likely to stop and ask if you needed a hand if you were stuck or hurt, it installs a certain degree of respect for you & those around you and I also salute the guys & gals that are doing their bit for us all today.

John (Proud to have served) :grouphug:[/quote]

Well said. I did my 25 years [army] and then went to work in a defence related industry, 21 years, mainly navy, although other arms and civilian contracts were handled. I am 3rd generation military, grandfather WW1 and WW2, Army, father WW2, Royal Navy, self and then my son did his 16 year stint in the Royal Air Force. We are all proud to have served.

Thanks also to Martin for starting this thread so eloquently.

Maurice.

[johnc150x]

100% supported.

Just finished an amazing book (well in my opinion) called The Junior Officer's Reading Club, by Patrick Hennessey. Actually I listened to it (read by the author) via Audible on the iPod which I think added to the experience. A brave man, amoung so many brave men risking everything for our security and safety.

Check it out. I'd put it in the same league as Chickenhawk (which I assume EVERYONE on here has read - if you haven't, do it next!).

[EtheAv8r]

Well said Martin. Thank whatever powers there are that there are still fine Human Beings in this world that and not all "me me me" and that care and help and look out for others - not just their own, but for strangers.

Just not enough care and compassion in this World, but the fact that there is some, gives Hope that the violent and the selfish and the "blame everyone else" thugs that seem to exist just about everywhere, are indeed a minority that [I]can[/I] be educated or defeated.....

[ChickenHawk]

Couldn't believe what that pillock in the 'Disrespectful' thread posted.

I am not in the Armed Forces but am proud to come from a family that has had more than its fair share of servicemen.

My Great Grandfather was a Regimental Sgt. Major in the Royal Artillery.He foght in the Boer War and WW1.....we still have his medals.
My Uncle Tom was a Commando and was at Tobruk and Monte Casino .
My Uncle Bill was on the ship that sank the Scharnhorst.
My Dad was in Palestine when it was partitioned to form the State of Israel.
My cousin Ernie was shot down and killed during a bombing raid on Germany in WW2.

Big big respect to those who have the guts and gumption to join up to help protect this country and it's overseas interests.

[wibplus]

[quote=JohnJ;490428]I did 24 years and din't want to leave, ......................
John (Proud to have served) :grouphug:[/quote]

Well said John. :)
I had 12 years in the Army and it was the most fulfilling and satisfying period of my life and included three tours of duty in N.Ireland.
I dont agree with National Service in any form. Why should the Armed Forces be lumbered with sorting out the chavs and numpties that do-gooders have created and who have absolutely no regard for anyone except themselves ? Not the sort of people I would like to have to depend on in a firefight.

BTW, My Grandad and two of my Uncles and myself and my brother all served in the forces and we are an Irish family. :patriotirl:

[Mart61]

I see from the news this morning that [URL="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10674647"]four of our lads[/URL] have been killed in the last 24 hours.

This is a tragic loss of life and my hearts go out to their families and friends.

[JohnJ]

Yes indeed another waste of life in a fight we can never win!

I'm not anti us being there but we will never "Win" as our troops operate with one hand tied behind their backs, we follow and operate within the myriad number of Rules, Regs & International clauses whilst the Taliban do as they wish.

I feel we have done all we can for that country and it's time we gave them the place back to sort out as best they can!

I liken the situation to a fencing match whereby we follow the "Queensbury Rules" and the opposition can do and use what they want, thus your on a hiding to nothing!!!

Lets hope the day is not too far away when Wootton Bassett no longer welcomes our heros home draped in a flag :grouphug:

John

[gramey]

:confused:Whilst I have the utmost respect for our armed forces I do find myself questioning what it is exactly they are fighting for? Apparently so that those who wish to openly criticise our way of life, culture, laws, religion etc. have the freedom of speech to do so from within our own country and all whilst doing so at the British tax payers expense.:ack2:

[stuskimac]

Professional soldiers are professional soldiers ! you enlist to train to fight ! one day you may have to fight ! we fight professionally, because we are professionals ! wars are shitty business, more so in a modern unconventional war against an unconventional foe using guerrilla warfare tactics, highly effective with the minimal risks to themselves, this is the face of modern conflicts, gone are the days of set piece battles. Take strength in the knowledge that our forces are not quitters, even if government policy changes our forces will remain determined, disciplined and always true professionals.