Stop Moaning!
See A Mother's reply

I have visited your site from time to time. I am always amazed at the moaners and complainers who are happy to receive their pay in the forces until they have to fight – then it’s different. If you join the “ARMED FORCES” it follows that at some time you may have to fight. If you don’t want to fight don’t join – its simple.

It unfortunate that in the UK there is no public pride in the Armed Forces in peace or war, which is not helped by people like Malcolm Kendall-Smith (and others). If this officer was a conscientious objector he should not have joined. This man took the ‘Queens shilling’ and is basically a coward. It’s much the same with reservists / TA who for years have been happy to take the money but suddenly become conscientious objectors.

Personally I do not believe that attacking Iraq was the correct option, but that is not the issue. The issue is duty to ones country and putting into action all the expensive training that has gone into both Regular and Reserve troops. Its not personal choice once you have joined – i.e. I don’t agree with this conflict so I won’t go!! If that would have been the case in 1939 we would now all be speaking German.

I was a reserve Officer for 20 years and deployed on two occasions to areas of conflict – that’s what we were paid and trained for.
I have a son who flies into Iraq and Afghanistan sometimes daily and my daughter has finished her first deployment to Basra. Whilst I would prefer them not to be at risk they made the choice to be in the Armed Forces and I support them. More effort should be put into supporting the troops and making their period of deployment better as opposed to supporting those who have betrayed their duty.

I wonder if you will put this on your web site?

Regards
John W Gray
Major Rtd
Currently in USA where troops are visibly supported
5th August 2006