Cyprus-Forum.com

[Talisker]

From a recent retiree of thirty years of full and part time service, I see or hear no crying from the British public.
I see or hear no crying from British soldiers either, no flag waving, patriotism, just men and women doing a job.
There will always be wars, always be killing and always be people willing to stand up and be counted while others poke fun and criticise. I for one was proud to serve with brave men and women of all nationalities, may those that never returned home rest in peace.

Actually, Brits do have pride in their armed forces. There has been a good example of that only in the last couple of weeks.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8149051.stm

You have chosen to be a professional soldier for the last 30 years - I don't have a problem with that, and you should be proud of your career. However, that is completely different to the volunteered or conscripted soldiering experience of Harry Patch and his ilk in WW1, and hundreds of thousands more in WW2. One of the most humbling experiences is to attend the Remembrance day march past the Cenotaph in London. Brits of all ages take pride in the old soldiers who survived and are attending, as well as remembering the dead. I don't see much difference between that and recent events in Wootton Bassett.

[purdey]

Where is the pride when old soldiers end up on the streets of the UK. Suffer from breakdowns, look for decent employment, look after families who have lost a loved one.
Get the above right and I might also say the great British public have pride in their armed forces.

[Floda]

Where is the pride when old soldiers end up on the streets of the UK. Suffer from breakdowns, look for decent employment, look after families who have lost a loved one.
Get the above right and I might also say the great British public have pride in their armed forces.

A great many of the young soldiers (18 year olds) in the modern British Army, are only there because they are unable to find decent jobs in their deprived home towns.

All the media hype about 'Heroism' and the call of duty is a load of well rehearsed political BOLLOCKS (excuse me ladies) and the more discerning members of this forum will know the true value of what I have written here. (IMHO)

[denizaksulu]

Where is the pride when old soldiers end up on the streets of the UK. Suffer from breakdowns, look for decent employment, look after families who have lost a loved one.
Get the above right and I might also say the great British public have pride in their armed forces.

A great many of the young soldiers (18 year olds) in the modern British Army, are only there because they are unable to find decent jobs in their deprived home towns.

All the media hype about 'Heroism' and the call of duty is a load of well rehearsed political BOLLOCKS (excuse me ladies) and the more discerning members of this forum will know the true value of what I have written here. (IMHO)

On this point I agree with you. The parents of the dead and the Britsh public are not happy at Britain forced in to fighting Bushs' Wars.IMO

[Talisker]

People from all walks of life land up on the streets. Professional soldiering involves entry into a contract for a period of commitment to that profession with associated monetary gain. Once that contract is over there is no obligation for the state to support that individual beyond the basics offered to those from any other profession. I'm afraid that's the harsh truth. Anyone who enters the armed forces must know it is a risky profession, and that it won't last too many years. They must be prepared for a life when they leave the forces. Like I say, there is, in my opinion, a huge difference between choosing to join the armed forces as a career, and being conscripted to serve with the likelihood of active service, and in the case of WW1, high chance of death or injury. Volunteering during a war is a selfless act; being conscripted and 'doing one's duty' (if one believes in the reason to fight) highly praiseworthy too.

[purdey]

To a certain extent I agree with you Floda, however figures have not shown an increase in young people joining up. Why fight, when the government pays you to do nothing and let's you stay in bed.
As for the well rehearsed garrison town march pasts and welcome home boys banners, yes it is regarded as bollocks !