Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Remember our Brave Boys

The average age of our military men is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy.
Not yet dry behind the ears, just old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country.

He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.

He probably went to Comprehensive School; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark.
He can apply first aid like a professional.
He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity.
He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.

If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.
He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.
He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.

He will often do twice the work of a civilian and draw half the pay, and still find ironic humour in it all.
He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.

He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed..
He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.
In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.
Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great- grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the BRITISH Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.
He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.
Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect

dmat

Lets hope the Government see sense and provide them with the equipment they need to fulfil their role safely.

This is particularly poignant reminder to us all, on the day that Henry Allingham, one of the last survivors of the First World War, passed away.

We live the life we do in a free society because of both young and old heroes like him. Like many people, I feel extremely aggrieved that our Government has let the current crop of brave boys down, by failing to provide them with the necessary equipment to propagate their battle whilst minimising their own casualties.

The current unacceptable losses are I feel a national shame.

The current unacceptable losses are I feel a national shame.

I agree and do wonder what would be happending now if Blair had sent over one of his kids or if Maggie had been in charge.

What does annoy me is that once the so called army leader retire they speak out, and yet prior to collecting pensions they seem happy to keep quiet on the matter.

End of rant