The Black Watch et al

[Dinger]

Was wondering were people stand regarding the deployment of the Black Watch Regiment north towards the "Triangle of Death". Is it a simple ploy for the upcoming Presdential Elections?.

My concerns are more with the families regarding are their sons, husbands, fathers, brothers etc and are they going to be home for Christmas?

Dinger

PS just watched the news and it show Brits in a firefight - showed them to be as always extremely professional and level headed.

[DVR]

I think this is just a political move, so no more american soldiers are killed before the election. I just hope tony can see sense, and none of our boys are coming home in a box for christmas.

John

[budgy]

Our Bliar P.M. said he's bringing them back home for Christmas. I wonder does that mean, he intends putting them on the dole.

[Diving Dude]

l voted small fishy trafic warden from eastern europe that grows lemons

Hmmm.... thinks, maybe wrong poll!!!

[Andy the Coastie]

Originally Posted by budgy

Our Bliar P.M. said he's bringing them back home for Christmas. I wonder does that mean, he intends putting them on the dole.

And on the news he said " They will do a 6 month tour and be home for christmas "

So , i take that as been sent there after Apr 2005.......

If they can do as much damage to Iraq as they did when they were stationed here at Dover, many moons ago......... then Iraq, will see a good war # 3

[Cheaperhols]

Morning all,

The Yanks as always go for the gungho approach however the Brit Troops will go for the hearts and Minds approach, Not wearing Helmets Body Armour...Wearing Berets handing out water sweats ect.

Thats not to say that when the shit hits the fan that bayonets will not be fixed, plus of course its the old adage if you take the queens shilling its of you go to sort out the bad guys.

Lets not bebate the pRo an cons and keep the stupid polliticions out of it, or we will end up with a vietnam scenario

[Fathoms Down]

Originally Posted by Cheaperhols

however the Brit Troops will go for the hearts and Minds approach, Not wearing Helmets Body Armour

Is that the "Our government would rather spend money on keeping jobs for the boys than spending money on proper equipment for us. Please don't attack us." approach?

[Angus]

Not wanting to get into the argument about pro's & con's of redeployment to Baghdad I felt I had to make a quick comment on equipment side of things.

Originally Posted by Nick Bown

Is that the "Our government would rather spend money on keeping jobs for the boys than spending money on proper equipment for us.

The press love to slag off the government regarding the equipment issued to the military but the truth is that the equipment is bloody good.

There have been a number of well-documented 'admissions' by the government regarding delays/shortages during the initial liberation of Iraq however by and large there isn't a problem. The government have put a huge amount of effort (and cash) into a wide variety of kit over tha past few years and we have one of the best equipped armies in the world.

I will be the first to admit that there are still niggling little problems regarding the equipment, mainly due to the poor procurement process but I'm sure most people in most jobs can relate to this. The soldiers on the ground are generally pretty happy with the kit they are issued; it's the media that are not. What the media (and often the general public) fail to realise is that one of the things the British military are good at is moaning & whinging; we all like a moan at times (often good humoured) but some take it a little too seriously.

The press certainly don't help by putting words into the mouths of greaving widows/mothers etc and the Army are their own worse enemy by never 'answering to the criticism'.

(just wanted to straighten that one out)!!

[Conor]

I am too cynical for this one. I think its purely american politics, so GBII can say that the allies are helping and he does get suppoort, one of kerry's main criticisms.

Hopefully they will by back south after the election, in the mean time I would still rather be an iraqi in a UK zone than a US zone

[Tony F]

The American political situation being as it is makes this look very convenient indeed, I'd have no trouble at all believing it's being orchestrated by them. But honestly I could actually vote for all the options on the poll.

Frankly I believe our army could show the Americans a thing or two about handling this type of situation and we could help greatly to stabilise things, 'sort the place out' if you will. Potentially our troops are less inflammatory than the American's.

Read that as I don't want our troops dragged into an American 'gung ho' approach and I'll also sign up for wanting our lads home ASAP.

Think that gives me a full house.............