Army views please

sturgeon62

He gave it up. Despite my tears, pleading, shouting(think you get the picture). He has grown up since then and realises what a massive mistake he made, but then I suppose thats part of life.

wishface

does he think serving in illegal and misguided foreign wars and risking his own life to kill others a particularly worthwhile cause? I can't see anything worthwhile or honourable about 'serving' these days. But then the media are bombarding him with false notions of patriotism, noble causes and economic security. We have tv ads that look like a video game, 'armed forces day', and even toys!

wishface

Sue-UU wrote: »

It was so good to read that little-lou-pink! You're so right to be proud as he and all those like him are doing a terrific job!

To andy: I'd rather our lads be out there, helping the locals where possible, and keeping it all from coming over here instead, and I'm sure that if asked, they would agree with that. We are not under threat from an invading country, but by golly we'd be at threat of so much IF our lads came home.

Whatever you say or think, no one forced our lads to do what they're doing, they're there of their own volition and proud of all they do and I'm sure that we as a nation are just as proud of each and everyone of them!

Sue

No we would. We have never been under threat from Iraq of Afghanistan and we have no business or need to invade foreign countries. It's no good saying we are helong them - helping them rebuild the country we are blowing up. Who are we to inflict our culture on others, especially those who don't want it and aren't ready for it?

I question the ethics of anyone who is proud to invade other countries and obey without questions the orders of corrupt and greedy politicians. Those aren't the sort of people I want representing my culture and country or defending it - which is all the armed forces should be doing.

sparkey1

IWasWondering... wrote: »

I would not encourage my son (in fact I have told him not to even consider it) after the farce that was/is the Iraq invasion. But that's just my personal opinion.
I would def encourage your son to finish his apprenticeship and join the TA in the meantime.

So what was the farce in Iraq? The Army were sent there by the Govt to do a job and they did it.

If he joins the TA, he could volunteer to go to Afghanistan after training. Should we go to war again he could be called up. Thousends of TA soldiers have, or are serving overseas so if he really wants to serve, he could complete his TA training whilst undertaking some sort of vocational course

dmg24

sturgeon62 wrote: »

He gave it up. Despite my tears, pleading, shouting(think you get the picture). He has grown up since then and realises what a massive mistake he made, but then I suppose thats part of life.

It sounds like the mistake could have been a learning experience for him, so hopefully some positive will come from it.

Good luck to your son, whatever he decides to do. He would be a good example to certain posters on here that think that the govt owes them a living.

sparkey1

wishface wrote: »

I question the ethics of anyone who is proud to invade other countries and obey without questions the orders of corrupt and greedy politicians. Those aren't the sort of people I want representing my culture and country or defending it - which is all the armed forces should be doing.

Well vote the govt out then, don't bash the armed forces that operate within the legal framework, and under the direction of the Government, voted in by the electorate in a democratic election.

mountainofdebt

From the dawn of time members of the Armed Forces have always been at the mercy of the whims of our politicans and as a result, have always been involved in conflicts that an element of the population will disagree with.

So long as the person joining up realises the dangers that then I don't see why they shouldn't be supported.

andygb

mountainofdebt wrote: »

From the dawn of time members of the Armed Forces have always been at the mercy of the whims of our politicans and as a result, have always been involved in conflicts that an element of the population will disagree with.

So long as the person joining up realises the dangers that then I don't see why they shouldn't be supported.

Because as long as we live in a democracy, then we should not be forced to go along with, or support something which we vehemently disagree with.

Pssst

Tell him to join the navy instead. They shoot at you in the army.

andygb

sparkey1 wrote: »

Well vote the govt out then, don't bash the armed forces that operate within the legal framework, and under the direction of the Government, voted in by the electorate in a democratic election.

The "government" only represent around 31% of the people who bothered to turn out and vote for them, and as such, do not represent the views of the majority of the electorate.