Quote/Poem We must be "slower to condemn, quicker to understand" the Forces

[Matzos]

We must be "slower to condemn, quicker to understand" the Forces
- John Reid Secretary of State for Defence UK

Quotes from his speech at Kings College 20 Feb 06

"The actions of our armed forces, at home and abroad, have never been under greater scrutiny than they are today. Our forces are operating – in this hazardous new environment – under a microscope and that microscope is here to stay."

"And I believe that these changes have made life far more difficult for the men and women who do the job. Moreover, I think we all need to see – and urgently – a greater understanding of this in public, political and media discussion."

"UK civilians have less experience and understanding than ever before of the military service"

For the full speech goto Full Seech

 

[Bombardier]

The first of these great changes is in the type of enemy we face today. The enemy our parents and grandparents faced in the 1st and 2nd World Wars wore a different uniform to theirs, but had aims and, by and large, had conduct they could understand. The enemy fought much as we fought; his forces were structured in much the same way. And, by and large, they accepted the same conventions. Today's most dangerous, global enemy, the terrorist, does not.

Very Very True