I think this thread can now be left to gently die. But, effervescence, what if no-one chose to join the Services? Who would then have to carry out our country's policies as dictated, right or wrong, by our political leadership, be that in Afghanistan or elsewhere? We'd of course be back to conscription, which I strongly doubt any UK government could possibly get support for unless we were actually being invaded.
Most soldiers who join the British Army go through a fairly tough training and thereafter become members of the family of their particular Regiment. The comradeship/esprit de corps/ feeling of belonging turns many previously maladjusted young men into highly motivated soldiers with a sense of self-worth which they haven't ever known before.
Once initiated, the average soldier might want to see a little bit of danger (to boast about in the pub) but otherwise playing football for his regiment, the annual cycle of training, including tough exercises, will mostly keep him happy. He may even relish the excitement of a tour in Afghanistan but I doubt he'll relish a second tour having seen some of his best mates killed or maimed for life the first time round.
I repeat what i've said earlier - soldiers don't actually want to be killed or maimed, nor do they choose to do so.
And back to the original point of the thread - acknowledge the sacrifices of earlier generations, but also acknowledge what is being done on our behalf now.
Tony.
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