It's just so sad. Shocks me that soldiers so young are out on the frontline
RIP
A great point George.
The Army is no longer the lifetime career for most those days, whilst it may be their initial intentions to have a long career in the Army, after a few years of almost always being on operations or training to go on operations they just become totally burnt out and disillusioned. Couple this with having to spend so much time away from family and friends.
This has led to the average age of our forces dropping and it really is sad to see.
Lee mentioned in another thread that the opportunity for young soldiers to do vocational courses are fewer than ever before.
Jake Hartley was a full Corporal and he wasn't even 21. That lad must have been some soldier to have gained that rank within 3 years as an infantryman. Moreover, he must have sacrificed a hell of a lot of his time dedicating himself to do the education and additional training and courses required to achieve this beyond his normal duties.
Unitl 10 years ago you would average 2.5 - 3 years between operational tours now it's probably 18 months. Our politicians seem to have more commitment to others than they have to our own troops and it's an utter disgrace. Troop cuts over the years have been huge, whilst all the while adding to the tasks they want them to do.
They too are suffering from the change to public sector pension rules and other cutbacks like losing London allowance for those ordered to be stationed there.
To say that by being in Afghanistan assists the safety of those at home is nonsense.
RIP brave guys
Geo
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