Israel attack on Iran

I wouldn't want to see any of our armed forces go to war.

No-one wants war except warmongering leaders.

However, we should be very grateful to those who have defended and continue to defend us.

Therd is a service for peace at our local church tomorrow.

You are right to be proud of your son GG13. I am grateful to all our armed forces. Where would we be without them.
I'm sorry if you have been upset by my posts.

AGAA4

My father was a soldier in WW2. He sometimes had nightmares about what he had seen. It took him a long time to talk about it.
I wouldn't want to see any of our armed forces go to war.
I did say earlier that I admired those men and women who would do that to defend our country.
They deserve our respect.

Our AC has been to Bosnia, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.

He has witnessed things nobody should.

I am immensely grateful and proud of them and their fellow combatants.

My father was a soldier in WW2. He sometimes had nightmares about what he had seen. It took him a long time to talk about it.
I wouldn't want to see any of our armed forces go to war.
I did say earlier that I admired those men and women who would do that to defend our country.
They deserve our respect.

It is a totally different world since his speech.

WW2 was an exception
Really?

World War One was called
'The War to End All Wars'.

My father was in the Services then.

GrannyGravy13

Claremont you have no idea.

He had. I so miss real politcians like Tony Benn. His speech should be shown and heard, again and again. WW2 was an exception.

x.com/PoliticsJOE_UK/status/1907719830699995544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1907719830699995544%7Ctwgr%5E6c8bb25b89f1063f026d05be0668dcef0273e968%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thepoke.com%2F2025%2F06%2F20%2Ftony-benns-1998-anti-war-speech-is-unfortunately-as-relevant-as-ever%2F%3Futm_source%3Dfacebookutm_medium_picutm_campaign%3Dfacebookpic

GrannyGravy13

Claremont you have no idea.

not a single word of disrespect in the above posts, none

I see plenty.

Claremont you have no idea.

GG13 ''I am utterly disgusted, shocked and disappointed at the lack of respect, support and compassion for our armed.''

not a single word of disrespect in the above posts, none.

What is being said is that it is wrong to lure young people from diffcult background into the Armed Forces, with offers of lots of fun and activities, and money in some cases, witout making them aware of exactly what they are signing up for, especially young teenagers, and often at school. And without proper support, often, after they have served. Saying this is not disrespectful to those soldiers at all.

GrannyGravy13

I sincerely hope that there are no other military families reading this thread.

I am utterly disgusted, shocked and disappointed at the lack of respect, support and compassion for our armed.

You will all be begging for them if we are attacked by an enemy…

I find it quite shocking.

However, I realise not everyone has an understanding of the function of our Armed Forces.

My post should read armed forces

I sincerely hope that there are no other military families reading this thread.

I am utterly disgusted, shocked and disappointed at the lack of respect, support and compassion for our armed.

You will all be begging for them if we are attacked by an enemy…

There's always a chance that they can be drawn into a war. How many military personnel have been killed and had life changing injuries over the years.
It may sound like a good career and for some it may be but there are many who have been traumatised by being involved in a war.
I know a few who have had a hard time after being shot at by the Taliban.

Meanwhile, on CNN, and article about Iran in talks with Europe...hopeful.
But, also an article about Putin and Xi being in accord over Iran...not so hopeful.
Post on Facebook stating that when Trump can't (be bothered to) make up his mind, he always gives the topic a two week wait.

I believe in the defence of our nation, not in the wasteful expenditure of young lives for old men's wars. For Trump and Netanyahu...no thanks.
And for those who make it to Officer Class and great success, there are many many more who don't.

Because of the work I was doing I only saw those for whom it hadn’t worked. Obviously there were those who made a success of their lives, but too many didn’t unfortunately.

And many went on to have successful careers after being in the Forces too.

I know quite a few and they are quite aware of the difficulties some of today's young people have and have the expertise to help them.

Yes the understanding of 'choice' again and how limited choice is for some.

I worked in public service and as a social worker over many years and it was very common for troubled 16 year old school leavers, mostly boys, also those leaving care at a similar age wanting to join the forces, mostly the army.
Their home lives had been chaotic and they saw this as an opportunity to get away and be looked after at the same time, but the problems arose after they left service and many ended up in prison or homeless. This was 70s/80 s and I hope things have changed now, but it was very sad to see how difficult it was for some of them to settle back and many ended up in prison or on the streets. They just couldn’t cope having been looked after for so much of their lives, so paying rent, budgeting, managing life generally wasn’t something they had had to do before.

GrannyGravy13

Maremia

Yes, but they're barely out of their teens when they join up. And haven't you seen those exciting ads, to entice them?

The modern forces encourage new recruits to continue with further education, A levels, Degrees etc.,

They teach them so much more than how to fire a gun or load a missile launcher.

The U.K. has training bases around the world, and the majority of recruits visit them all.

I'm sure there are many interesting things on offer but it is a choice of career. And firing a missile launcher may be part of the role.

They are not Tommy's signing up for the King's shilling.

Yes, they do, and that is the whole point. Many join up to get sponsorship, my OH would even have been paid during his studies, and travel, and sport, and fun, lots of fun.

But the price has to be repaid. I remember some of my students saying 'ah but there won't be any more wars now' - and how many since then? I lost several int he Falklands and it has hardly stopped since.

Maremia

Yes, but they're barely out of their teens when they join up. And haven't you seen those exciting ads, to entice them?

The modern forces encourage new recruits to continue with further education, A levels, Degrees etc.,

They teach them so much more than how to fire a gun or load a missile launcher.

The U.K. has training bases around the world, and the majority of recruits visit them all.

Maremia

Yes, but they're barely out of their teens when they join up. And haven't you seen those exciting ads, to entice them?

Exactly, with many schools hosting recruitment fun for Cadets from a very young age. A fabulous opportunity, especially for poor families, to do fun stuff, fun activities, even camps, climbng, skiing even. Without having any idea of the possible price.

Does not mean I don't agree with defence at all. Children should not be clearly targetted. And all joinng should be fully aware of the possible price to pay.

When my DH was young, he was offered sponsorship, even pay, when doing his medical studies. Immigrant family and very little money. And straight to Officer rank. I am so so gad he turned it down, as tempting as it was at the time. Hs father served in the SA Medical Corps during WW2, what he had to do as a junior surgeon left him changed, very deeply, forever and he died young.

Maremia

Yes, but they're barely out of their teens when they join up. And haven't you seen those exciting ads, to entice them?

So I take it you don't agree with defence?