The armed forces.

It's just yob culture. I think people who object to the war in general are educated people, or people that know enough about it to have an opinion. I used to get teased the the mickey taken out of me whenever I was in my uniform when in the ATC.

I don't think it's just objectors to the war, I think it's general hooliganism. Look at these idiots that attack firemen and ambulance crews. It's along the same line.

I think it's disgusting, have pride in your armed forces FFS. Even though I'm not British born I still feel a lot of pride and am humbled by things such as trooping of the colour. I have immense support and in spite of agreeing/not agreeing with the war they are doing their jobs, and putting their lives on the line.
 
I disagree with the war but respect the soldiers - they're doing their duty. The politicians are the ones against whom anger should be directed.
 
badbob said:
Yes it is. Resign.
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Don't be childish. They sign up to the forces for many reasons, pride in their country, give something back, learn new skills, see the world, and support their country and well maybe because they like the military lifestyle. It's what they've signed up to do. You don't question your orders, if you started doing it then there would be anarchy within the army which in effect means you have no army.
 
I believe anybody in the armed forces should be shown the utmost respect and admiration. They are doing such a hard job, risking their lives and for not much money at all. After watching Ross Kemp in Afghanistan I fail to see how anybody who watched it would not think the same as me.

I've even considered joining the army if my degree goes Pete Tong at any point, I think it's an experience everybody should go through. If we had national service then I doubt these people would be disrespecting the armed forces because they would know what a tough job it is.
 
Jefan said:
Apparently the public abusing members of the armed forces is becoming increasingly common, the justification being that they don't agree with the operations currently under way in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The last time I heard anything like this was the case of a soldier wounded in Iraq that was told by a NHS hospital that he would have to take off his uniform before they would treat him, as it may have offended the staff or patients. I was shocked when I heard this, however it never crossed my mind that it could be anything more than an isolated incident.

The Prime Minister has condemned all who abuse or discriminate against members of the armed forces, I agree that it is a complete disgrace that our soldiers cannot show their commitment to this country without living in fear of being insulted or abused. Anyone showing the least bit of disrespect to members of the armed forces should be ashamed of themselves.

How do you feel about members of the armed forces? Have you/would you consider insulting them? If so, why?
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I feel immensly proud of our boys and girls serving the country irrespective of my personal views on the reasons why they are there my beef would be with the politicians not the forces.
 
As someone who is about to embark on a career within the Army (I am starting at Sandhurst in May)I am appalled but not surprised that certain uneducated cretins would do such a thing on a regular basis.

Hopefully I dont have to deal with this but I am sure at some point I shall have to.

As to BadBob,...that maybe so but in those times where we need our forces who will be there? The job our service personnel do is invaluable and far beyond the scope of the two major conflicts currently in the public eye. Without them much charity work implemented by the UN or for example the Red Cross would be impossible.

We are also forgetting their work at times in Home affairs when fire-fighters go on strike...a right that the armed services give up so as to be able to full fill a duty to society.

In short I really disagree with you (BadBob).
 
Its disgraceful the way some have been treated but support is pouring in from all over the country on Sky news for our lads and lassies. I know many of you may not agree with the war we find ourselves in at the moment, I too have reservations regarding Iraq whereas I fully support the action taken in Afghanistan.

As already said, our fighting forces can't choose which battles to fight and which not to, they obey the government of the day and carry out their wishes on behalf of all of us. I'm the very proud father of a son who is a Sgt in the Parachute regiment [2nd. battalion] and already done two tours of duty in both of the countries mentioned above. He will soon be leaving for a third tour in Afghanistan and my prayers go with him to return home safe once again.

My D-in-L his wife also serves in the RAF as a flight attendant and also flies out weekly to both of these dangerous battle zones, my prayers are also constantly with her. Their first child, my first grandson is 9 weeks old this week so his mum is on leave for the next couple of months but then she will be back doing her job every day as always.

Even if you don't agree with what our government has committed us to in this present time please don't take it out on our brave armed forces, rather shake their hand if you see them in the street and don't feel ashamed or embarrassed to tell them how proud you are of them.
 
badbob said:
Why should you support the troops, if you are against the war?
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This isn't really about supporting the troops. This is about shouting abuse at them. By all means feel free not to cheer them, not to buy them drinks, not to congratulate them, not show them respect. But do not feel free to shout abuse at them, tell them how much you hate them, show them disrespect.
 
It's what they've signed up to do. You don't question your orders,
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Sorry to use a cliche, but that excuse cannot be trotted out "just following orders". It's one thing for someone to work in a field hospital, and another to work at camp x-ray, or the occupation of a country. Instead of being at camp x-ray, those soldiers have a moral obligation to resign.
 
badbob said:
Sorry to use a cliche, but that excuse cannot be trotted out "just following orders". It's one thing for someone to work in a field hospital, and another to work at camp x-ray, or the occupation of a country. Instead of being at camp x-ray, those soldiers have a moral obligation to resign.
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Soldiers are not politicians when they start to take create policy by refusing to carry out an order it undermines the government who in many cases make a tough decision which the public may not be able to fully understand due to a lack of information. However I am not condoning the work of the US Government in Cuba.

Also you are derailing this topic. You need to remember that these men and women are doing a brave job which puts them at great personal risk, like it or not your not doing it and someone has to. They havent made the decisions that send them overseas to the wars and situations you dislike. They are carrying out their orders which have in the past protected our country, (your way of life) and continue to do so every day. Without a doubt these people deserve recognition.

Please by all means protest at the conflicts and decisions made but dont do it to them, do it at the people you elected in to power.
 
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badbob said:
Sorry to use a cliche, but that excuse cannot be trotted out "just following orders". It's one thing for someone to work in a field hospital, and another to work at camp x-ray, or the occupation of a country. Instead of being at camp x-ray, those soldiers have a moral obligation to resign.
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No they don't!

We sign on for a certain number of years, give an oath to say we will do out duty to queen and country and there is little chance of getting out unless there is a very good reason (i.e you need to look after an ill family member etc).

If you hand in a "notice" it can take over a year before you can be released.
 
badbob said:
Sorry to use a cliche, but that excuse cannot be trotted out "just following orders". It's one thing for someone to work in a field hospital, and another to work at camp x-ray, or the occupation of a country. Instead of being at camp x-ray, those soldiers have a moral obligation to resign.
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So they should have to go to a military prison for refusing orders to suit your morals?
 
They risk thier lives and undergo grueling physical and mental challanged everyday to keep us safe. The military is a tool of the country. A weapon is not evil, just the person who uses it in the wrong way, any kind of bad political decision is not thier fault and as such under no circumstances would I ever show lack of respect for the fine men and women that serve in it.

- Pea0n
 
Jefan said:
Apparently the public...
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Whatever you think of the war, there are soldiers and airmen and naval personnel who are defending the country here, in the UK and abroad - we should have respect for all of them, irrespective of where they are currently based. They would put their lives on the line for us if need be, more than could be said for those scum bags slinging abuse.

I work in an A+E department and regularly we get soldiers, police officers, fire fighters etc in - if I get the chance, I always try and get them in ahead of non-"public servants". Those of us who work in the public sector get sweet FA or frequently even respect back from anybody, I feel it's the least I can do for them.
 
Nickg said:
but what about the public abusing the FireBrigade, WTF is that about?!
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I honestly think people caught doing this should just be killed, no questions asked, no excuses.
I can't for the life of me work out how people can think it's a good idea to abuse, attack & endager the life of a member of the emergency service.
 
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