' Happy Armed Forces Day. '

Everybody.

I'm in the RAF myself so play a small part but the guys in the army who have been out there fighting deserve so much respect.

Any of them out now please God let them get home safe.

Respect to the armed forces

Respect to those that have died RIP and those that continue to fight on behalf of Great Britain

Here here!

Also serving RAF. 12 years come November! Hoping they all return safe for xmas!

Respect to those that have died RIP and those that continue to fight on behalf of Great Britain

Annis I remember you saying to me years ago that we couldn't change things in Afghanistan. I think you were right. Still feel that?

Here here!

Also serving RAF. 12 years come November! Hoping they all return safe for xmas!

What do you do and where are you based bud?

Also Raf, based in Odiham - gef

Also Raf, based in Odiham - gef

I'm at Brize myself. How do you like odiham? Seems a lovely area.

Also Raf, based in Odiham - gef

I'm at Brize myself. How do you like odiham? Seems a lovely area.

It's alright mate, areas nice and not to far to drive to home games! I've heard there's far worse camps!

Everybody.

I'm in the RAF myself so play a small part but the guys in the army who have been out there fighting deserve so much respect.

Any of them out now please God let them get home safe.

As you know Neil I'm ex RAF.

I'm working in London now so stay at the Union Jack Club. A hotel built in central London for serving and ex servicing members of the armed forces. As soon as you enter the reception you are hit with the military history of the pictures on the wall and all the regimently ensigns. If you end up staying there for say a week you will see such people as Yeoman of the Guards and the Chelsea pensioners. You just have to take it in.

What I find strange though is that most of the staff are none British. Within the reception area I have talked to a Hungarian, Spanish, Bulgarian and a few others. People who come from countries that had no freedoms until recently. Their freedom was gained from the guys they now see drinking at the bar. They are young, the guys are old....I wonder if they reralise?

ICT Tech at Tactical Comms Wing Leeming mate

Everybody.

I'm in the RAF myself so play a small part but the guys in the army who have been out there fighting deserve so much respect.

Any of them out now please God let them get home safe.

As you know Neil I'm ex RAF.

I'm working in London now so stay at the Union Jack Club. A hotel built in central London for serving and ex servicing members of the armed forces. As soon as you enter the reception you are hit with the military history of the pictures on the wall and all the regimently ensigns. If you end up staying there for say a week you will see such people as Yeoman of the Guards and the Chelsea pensioners. You just have to take it in.

What I find strange though is that most of the staff are none British. Within the reception area I have talked to a Hungarian, Spanish, Bulgarian and a few others. People who come from countries that had no freedoms until recently. Their freedom was gained from the guys they now see drinking at the bar. They are young, the guys are old....I wonder if they reralise?

My mate at Brize is heavily involved with the UJ club. Loves it.

That's the way of the world now Ian. I have no problem with foreigners who come here and work.

Also Raf, based in Odiham - gef

I'm at Brize myself. How do you like odiham? Seems a lovely area.

It's alright mate, areas nice and not to far to drive to home games! I've heard there's far worse camps!

Everybody.

I'm in the RAF myself so play a small part but the guys in the army who have been out there fighting deserve so much respect.

Any of them out now please God let them get home safe.

As you know Neil I'm ex RAF.

I'm working in London now so stay at the Union Jack Club. A hotel built in central London for serving and ex servicing members of the armed forces. As soon as you enter the reception you are hit with the military history of the pictures on the wall and all the regimently ensigns. If you end up staying there for say a week you will see such people as Yeoman of the Guards and the Chelsea pensioners. You just have to take it in.

What I find strange though is that most of the staff are none British. Within the reception area I have talked to a Hungarian, Spanish, Bulgarian and a few others. People who come from countries that had no freedoms until recently. Their freedom was gained from the guys they now see drinking at the bar. They are young, the guys are old....I wonder if they reralise?

I'm sure some realise, most probably don't. Surprising how many people in this country really don't understand our own history!

Respect to those that have died RIP and those that continue to fight on behalf of Great Britain

Annis I remember you saying to me years ago that we couldn't change things in Afghanistan. I think you were right. Still feel that?

I would agree with Annis on that for a number of reasons.
1. The terrain means that large parts of the area are cut off for up to 9 months of the year, so that each of those separate areas will always have an insular tribal war lord. How can anyone govern an area that may only be a couple of miles away as the crow flies, yet can't be reached for months? This is why ironically the purest form of the Aryan race comes from this region (they have blond hair and blue eyes).
2. Historically because of the previous reason the people do not adhere to a country principal and borders become transparent. The people think of themselves as Muslims first and foremost, with more than 90% Sunni and the remaining Shiite (Shia).
3. They don't abide by international laws, therefore they don't wear uniform and will hide their weapons and become farmers when losing an area, plus they will use suicide bombers as well, making it difficult to keep control of any area gained. Therefore, even if a vast armed force attacked every valley at once during the limited window of opportunity the weather allows, they would still have hidden fighters remaining.
4. The only way that the West could ever win would be to wipe everyone out which will never happen as we abide by laws.
5. The way that most Islamic countries have stayed stable is with strong ruthless dictators like Saddam Hussain and Muammar al-Gaddafi,. We should leave them to control their own countries, as acting like the World's Policeman isn't working.

Just left after 22 years myself, respect to all the guys still serving.

You are right with point 5.

respect to all servicemen and women.past ,present and future.k.r.o

Respect to those that have died RIP and those that continue to fight on behalf of Great Britain

Annis I remember you saying to me years ago that we couldn't change things in Afghanistan. I think you were right. Still feel that?

Really Sorry Neil, I blame our Govts, not soldiers like yourself, Total Respect for you Neil

Respect to those that have died RIP and those that continue to fight on behalf of Great Britain

Annis I remember you saying to me years ago that we couldn't change things in Afghanistan. I think you were right. Still feel that?

Really Sorry Neil, I blame our Govts, not soldiers like yourself, Total Respect for you Neil

Mate I know that. It was before I went to afghan and you said you can't impose democracy on them. I hoped you were wrong but you got it right.

Respect to those that have died RIP and those that continue to fight on behalf of Great Britain

Annis I remember you saying to me years ago that we couldn't change things in Afghanistan. I think you were right. Still feel that?

Really Sorry Neil, I blame our Govts, not soldiers like yourself, Total Respect for you Neil

Mate I know that. It was before I went to afghan and you said you can't impose democracy on them. I hoped you were wrong but you got it right.

Neil, We cant and we should never have tried.

You can feel proud though

Full respect to forces both past and present