Firstly, I make no apologies for this being quite a long post but I hope it helps. Those of you who know me will know I have a great fondness for this country (even with it's faults) and the troops that serve it.
I am proud to say that in Scotland, for the most, support has always been strong for our troops. I also believe that support Nationwide (UK) for the troops is very strong. There has been a campaign ongoing from the 1st announcement of amalgamations of the Scottish Regiments which is actually gaining more pace to the end that there are plans for them to stand in the next election.
http://www.r-o-a-r.org/Joe public understands that the squaddie is more than just someone who goes around the world killing people. They also understand that as much as the soldier will follow orders, he does not neccessarily agree with some decisions of our political leaders. I have seen comments like "if the soldier doesn't agree then he should not go" it's not an argument I intend to get into as it is not as easy as that.
Our troops are a neccessity, not only on the war front (whether we agree or not) but also at home. As well as serving in Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Serbia, Kosovo and the first Gulf war I also carried out the following during my many years in the Army:
Fireman during the fire strikes (twice)
Rubbish collector during the refuse strikes
Various exercises to provide aid to areas in various parts of the world including the UK when it was so greatly needed.
Assisted with searching for various missing persons, especially children, some who were later found murdered and one of whom a couple of my own soldiers actually located, I cannot begin to describe the effect this had on these guys.
I do disagree also that Joe public doesn't really know what goes on in the life of a soldier these days. With technology so far advanced, the media have the ability to take this to the sitting rooms of all at home. What does dissapoint me at times is what the media deems suitable to show us at home and the soldier, like so many celebrities suffer from the old media "build them up and knock them down again" mentality.
I recentlly watched the televised showing of The Black Watch, a theatre show based on the experiences of some soldiers from one of the countries finest Regiments (now defunct due to amalgamation.) I found this to be one of the best programmes covering life as a soldier and I would recommend anyone to watch it to get a full insight into what a soldier facing the dangers of a place like Iraq or Afghanistan goes through on a daily basis.
http://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/content/default.asp?page=home_showblackwatchI for one support the troops fully, it is our leaders who need to take a good look at themselves and ensure that if they are going to ask our troops to risk their lives, that they are given every possible assistance, before, during and especially after any deployment.
Not a lack of equipment as we have seen on so many of these deployments. The Americans have the best of equipment but some of the worst soldiers to operate them. If British troops had half the support that our American "allies" have it would be so much easier for them.
Lee,
I and my family also wish you well on your deployment and a speedy and safe return. Look forward to seeing you again soon.
Yours aye
Geo.
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