In Uniform

Remember the average soldier

The previous page was: "Heart Breaking News"

In uniform; the average age of the British military man is 19 years; in his uniform he is recognised as a true fighting man.

Out of uniform he is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, but just old enough to buy the beers.

But; in uniform he is old enough to die for his country.

Out of uniform he never really cared much for work; he would rather wax his car than wash his father's, but he was never any trouble or unemployed.

Before he wore his uniform he was possibly a recent Comprehensive School graduate; who was probably an average student, which pursued some form of sporting activities. He drives a jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listened to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing.

Heart Breaking News

The making of the man

In uniform now he listens to the sound of the 155mm howitzer. He is taught that; by failing to prepare he would be preparing to fail.

In uniform he is currently 10 or 15 pounds lighter than when he was at home; for, he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.

In uniform he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.

In uniform he digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.

In uniform he obeys orders instantly, without doubt and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity.

In uniform he is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.

He can save your life-or take it

In uniform while in action he might forget to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.

In uniform if you are thirsty, he will share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He will even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

In uniform should the action turn out badly his courage is not a fear; but the ability to soldier on while facing fear.

In uniform he has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it; that is his job.

In uniform he will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humour at the end of the day.

In uniform he has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime. He might have wept in public or in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and for that he proudly stands unashamed.

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Army, Navy, Airmen or Woman's uniform

In uniform he feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.

In uniform by an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful; just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather.

In uniform he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the average British Fighting Man that has kept this country free for hundreds of years.

In uniform he has asked nothing in return, except for our friendship, loyalty and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.

In uniform we have women around the World in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls upon us to do so.

Out of uniform as you go to bed tonight, remember the average soldier always, for they have truly earned our respect and admiration with their own blood.

The next Link below will be: "Jenny's Side Party"

In uniform Jenny's Side Party

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