Busy Busy Busy
Busy packing for a few days away, so I don't really have time to blog. So I'll leave it up to you the readers*.
I'd be interested in knowing:
a) What you thought about the British army before you got to this blog?
b) Has this blog changed what you think about us?
* - Blatant fishing for comments I know but there is an ulterior motive. And go on - even if you're usually just a lurker please let me know.
I'd be interested in knowing:
a) What you thought about the British army before you got to this blog?
b) Has this blog changed what you think about us?
* - Blatant fishing for comments I know but there is an ulterior motive. And go on - even if you're usually just a lurker please let me know.
fired down the range by DC at 1:30 pm
22 Comments:
1. Soldiers look sexy in their uniforms.
2. No.
*beams helpfully*
1. didn't know anything but what my Royal Marine Commando told me (don't worry it's not all bad ;o)
2. No, not really, it all seems like I thought... just confirmed that there are nice helpful guys/gals in the Army
well .... yes and no, seeing as i don't really know what you do ..
ummmmm, i'm sure that you do a good job, especially after having spoken to an ex-army do-da ... who knows his stuff. but i have to admit that i'm very much anti-war so i'm probably not the person to ask. but i answered, all the same.
take care, won't you ?
bises,
zoe
1. That you're all just out there doing a job and don't have a choice about where you go and could come back injured or dead.
2. No, except that not all injuries are from hostile causes.
1. Want to get a scholarship to join up with the tanks when i'm older so to pay for uni fees
2. made me want to join even more
Very relevant for me at the moment as my eldest grandson is talking about joining the army.
Since meeting you - in a cyber fashion - my ideas have changed and I feel if there was a possibility that he would turn out like you I'd be happy.
My main concern is that he is opting out of the IT course and have asked him (with his father's permission) to try to complete the next three months and then come to a decision.
Any thoughts?
Sorry I'd forgotten the question.
I had been very concerned about some events in Cyprus and the suicides but realise in every organisation there are bound to be rotten apples.
I'm sure you are not the only good,decent interesting man in the army.
I guess I'm a lurker, I comment only v rarely but read regularly..
I agree with eggbanjo.
I spent some time in Aden (showing my age) and can relate to Iraq.. I work on an Army camp and despite my many comments to serving squaddies about how easy it is today compared to when I was in, I do have the greatest respect for them (don't tell them)and admire the way they carry out the crappy jobs they get.
a) Could do with a uniform makeover, something in powder blue perhaps? ;-)
b) No, they can still make tea in all conditions.
I've lived in a town with a barracks for many years, and unfortunately many of the new recruits did their level best to earn the army a bad reputation with their behaviour on nights out together. That tarnished my early views of our armed forces.
However, I now have a few friends with family in the Army, so this blog has really just confirmed what I guess I've believed for the last few years - you're generally a good bunch doing a job I certainly wouldn't fancy.
And I'm with Greavsie on the Pastel.
Well, my only real impression of British soldiers prior to your blog was another Internet experience. I clicked on the Royal Dragoon Guards' Amarillo video and was shocked at the lack of dancing ability. I asked them about it here (http://foilwomansdiary.blogspot.com/2005/07/test-for-royal-dragoon-guards.html) and they never responded. Sigh.
You seem like you might be more coordinated though.
Powder blue! Like Sting's bellboy outfit in Quadrophenia? No. No no no. Keep Mr Greavsie away from the tailoring budget.
My 22+ ended in 1974. It is clear to me that the Army of today is as much like that of my time as an orange is like a rampant rabbit toy.
I thought the British Army one of if not the best army in the world. Unbeatable and proud.
I know think the British Army one of if not the best in the world. Unbeatable and proud. But also as bloody stupid and up for a laugh as the rest of us.
It's comforting.
Drunken squaddies and arogent officers have given the army a bad name for me. Your blog, along with my experience at British Military Fitness have changed that. There's still a laddish culture but I think we have to be careful not to overgeneralise.
Sorry for the late posting, but I'll answer anyway.
Rather like our own Military, I never thought much about the Army in general until my brother became a soldier. In that case, I learned that there really are individuals of different character and interests--that the military might be a large machine, but the people are still people nonetheless.
After reading your blog, I'm cheered, I like knowing that some of the guys with the big-ass guns are thinking about these things, too.
Thanks for all the comments. Much appreciated.
Having lived with an ex-SAS officer for some years, and known quite a few people in various forces, (my eyesight stopped me joining the RAF) I think I have a relatively good handle on the situation ...
A damn rough job ... work hard, play hard. Civy street is boring in comparison. Living with the ex's nightmares and occasional violence bursts was an eye opener. (fortunately, never really an eye blackener, it was usually the inanimate objects that got the stress, but seeing a single punch smash a 4 by 2 plank required a change of underwear whenever it occured.)
The blog is a solid assurance that the sense of humour needed for soldiers and their much suffering partners, children and relatives, to put up with the demands made of them, is present and correct.
Without all these ingredients, the Britsh Forces would not be what they are ... the best in the world.
Hi, I've only lurked here a bit but have always been impressed by the humanity and humour you bring to your job.
I don't think its easy by any means.
To be perfectly honest, I had an image of arrogant and/or drunken squaddies when I thought of the army. You have genuinely opened my eyes to how narrow and unthinking my view was. I found myself thinking about you when I was in Croatia, where I know you have been, and wondering what it must have been like for you...and also thinking how fucking brave you have to be. And how awful for Mrs S and others in her position.
So yes...you certainly have made a difference to me.
Brit. soldiers are polite, playful with kids and are terrified of ghost stories. Haha. This is based on what I heard when they were here in WW2 and in the '60s.
They loved my grandma who gave them food, cakes and tea and told them ghost stories. When they went overseas, they sent her gifts.
As a former USMC grunt, I appreciate and enjoy your writing.
Previous conception of UK military?
1. Highly disciplened if somewhat stuffy.
2. Tactically competent and aggressive if somewhat hide bound.
3. Respectful and proud of their history and traditions.
Has reading your blog changed any of my preconceptions?
Somewhat but not negetively. It does seem that since both our countries went to all volunteer force structure, we've both become more alike than different in personality and personnel type.
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