Army chief's concern over public

[Drone_pilot]

The head of the British Army says he is becoming increasingly
concerned about "the growing gulf between the Army and the nation".

Gen Sir Richard Dannatt said soldiers were sometimes greeted with
indifference on returning from service.

A "willingness to serve in such an atmosphere again" could be sapped, he said
in a speech in London.

The warning follows Royal British Legion concerns the UK is failing in its duty
of care to the armed forces.

The Legion claims the Military Covenant - the obligation to support people
who fight for their country - is not being honoured.

BBC Read More (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7006720.stm)

[03Fox2/1]

I agree with the premise of this article. The armed forces of both Britain and the United States are an extension of the national resolve and national character of our nations. It is not for the military to dispute orders or to argue for or against a cause, the military has a legal and moral obligation to fight for our country, if and where sent by our leaders. The active military in our democracies is supposed to be apolitical. It is the responsibility of our duly elected officials to put our troops in harms way, only if it is deemed necessary to protect the interests or integrity of our nation and only within the framework of our legal and recognized system with checks and balances of our respective nations adhered to. A Soldier or Marine or Sailor or Airman must put his own safety and his own opinions secondary to the needs and orders of his government. Because of this and much more, it is incumbent that citizens respect the service and acknowledge the sacrifice of our military and it is imperative that the same government that sends these brave patriots off to war be the first and foremost advocate for these same men and women when they return home. It is unfortunate indeed that the military is the first called upon to suffer and die for our nation and usually the last to hear a thank you from the citizens. These same citizens who still seem to make no distinction between national agendas or foreign policy and personal sacrifice, commitment, honor and courage displayed by the men and women who are ordered to carry it out. It seems there is still a tendency by the many to forget the sacrifices of the few. Again, why is it so difficult to seperate the war from the warrior ? I hope that the situation in Britain improves for the average serviceman or veteran and I hope there is a groundswell of public support forthcoming soon. Here in America, some hard lessons were learned from the indifference and distain displayed towards those of us that fought in VietNam. I honestly believe that our current servicemen, who are also serving in an unpopular war with a President and administration that is viewed with suspicion and distain by most Americans, are still treated better than we VietNam veterans were on our return, and it is because America knows "now", that you have to seperate the war from the warrior. Hate the war if you must, but honor the warrior.
Semper Fi

[Bombardier]

Interesting article Droney. I have always said that we the public could do more to support our military and we should be more outwardly mobile in that respect.

Great words 03Fox2/1, I support your comments whole heartedley.

I hope that our site is a symbol of support for soldiers of all nations and that any soldier,sailor or airman who visits MI.Net goes away with the feeling that at least here, they will find the support they so rightly deserve.

[Hollis]

Good read, all. Thank you.


H.

[Hollis]

In regards to the media, a comment made by a General over 140 years ago;

"It appears we have appointed our worst generals to command forces,
and our most gifted and brilliant to edit newspapers.
In fact, I discovered by reading newspapers that these editor/geniuses
plainly saw all my strategic defects from the start,
yet failed to inform me until it was too late.
Accordingly, I am readily willing to yield my command
to these obviously superior intellects, and I will, in turn,
do my best for the Cause by writing editorials - after the fact."
- Robert E. Lee, 1863"

[03Fox2/1]

Two more quotes from General Robert E. Lee:

"Let danger never turn you aside from the pursuit of honor or the service of your country."

The above was Lee, addressing the issue of personal conduct in warfare.
And lastly, one of my favorite quotes from General Lee, this one commenting on the importance of self-control to command, something Robert E. Lee had and General Peter Pace also profoundly exhibits.

"I cannot consent to place in the control of others one who cannot control himself."

[Advisor]

Indifference---our culture is, to say the least, self-centered. If it doesn't directly concern ME, I really don't care.
Hostility---it is difficult to vent our dissatisfaction, rage, or what have you on our leaders...they're too well protected. Now, the returning veteran..that's a different story..he's not protected & he is a 'symbol' of the policy we don't like. Makes him/her fair game.

Frankly, I'm not sure which is worse..indifference or hostility. When I returned from Vietnam, I got more of the first and a little of the second. I finally had to fall back on the old attitude "Feck it..it don't mean nuthin'."
Personally, I've come to terms with my experience, but I will roast in hell before I let it happen to this generation of young troops. And, it doesn't matter a fig whether or not I agree with what we are doing. Doesn't even enter the equation. Just don't feck with the troops. They did what they did and should be respected for that fact alone...they stayed true to themselves and their oath and to each other. That, as they say, is the 'effin bottom line.:mad:

[PanzerBob]

Interestingly enough, in Canada, we have more public support than we have had for years, even those who don't agree with our War in Afghanistan. I'm not even sure why, but It's nice after the loathing we experienced in the 80's and 90's.