Cannon fodder for the British Army

[ronaldo7]

Would you let your Son/Daughter be recruited at School?

https://t.co/vb4tHppAIB

[Allant1981]

No issue with it, we had the recruitment guys come in to our school, i done my work experience with the army then when i was 17 i joined, didnt do me any harm

[Scouse Hibee]

Given the amount of casualties suffered by our armed forces in recent years with many brave young men losing their lives, I would do everything I could to discourage any child of mine from joining up. Thankfully my 21 year old son never went on that career path.

[Hibs Class]

Yes, I would too. I'd also explain to them the history of the cannon fodder comparison and why it's a somewhat tired, lazy, predictable utterance.

[judas]

Would you let your Son/Daughter be recruited at School?

https://t.co/vb4tHppAIB

Absolutely not. In fact I would go to the school personally to protest

[Colr]

The army can be a good career option there is some good training going in technical jobs as well.

[Hibrandenburg]

Like it or not but the fact is we need an army and unfortunately probably always will. Anyone who has a gripe with military personnel should take their problems to those that control them.

As for the risks involved in joining the military there are many more jobs out there that are just as risky.

[Bristolhibby]

Not sure it's appropriate in schools. By all means join the cadets, but shouldn't be linked to schools.

J

[Pretty Boy]

Does the NHS or departments from the Civil Service or local businesses get to go into schools and pitch to potential employees?

If so then there's no reason why the armed forces should be excluded, if it's just the army etc getting to do this then it leaves me a bit uncomfortable tbh. Sure it can offer people a decent career in a diverse range of jobs but then being a plumber can be a decent career and I bet Smith & Sons aren't getting time in classrooms to offer apprenticeships.

[--------]

I don't see a problem - if other employers can go into schools to make presentations, why prevent the armed forces from doing so? There are very good careers available and 'cannon fodder' isn't exactly applicable in the present day. What does need to be thought of is provision for those who experience problems either from combat-related stress disorders, or from problems adjusting to civvie street after retirement from the services. This is slowly improving (I think!) but needs a lot more done. I don't think the British armed services are particularly bad at this; I don't think any armed forces give it anything like enough thought or consideration.

Mind you, there aren't a lot of employers who provide really effective adjustment counselling (or even advice) to people facing retirement or redundancy. Most of them, it's a case of 'pay them the money and get them out of here'.

[AndyM_1875]

Would you let your Son/Daughter be recruited at School?

https://t.co/vb4tHppAIB
No I wouldn't as I think its a decision for an adult and my kid is only 5 although when she turns 18 there's not much I can do about it.

My Dad served in the Army and got his initial trade there. He spent most of his 6 years fixing trucks and did very little in the way of soldiering. But he loved it.

After University I had 2 options due to the state of the economy (John Major's Tories were in and the graduate job market had collapsed) I either go back to University and do an MSc or having passed the physical and academic tests, accept an offer to join the Royal Marines Officer Training. Me joining the Marines would have broken my mum's heart and so I went back to University.

[Future17]

I don't think what is being proposed would actually amount to recruiting people at school. However, as has been said already on this thread, the armed forces should be allowed the same opportunity as other potential employers to advertise themselves to the younger generation; no more, no less.

As an aside, I have started to worry about the SNP recently. The "cannon fodder" reference is hyperbolic nonsense and the Wolfe comment is yet another example of the SNP's apparent need to paint everything as an attack of Scotland, even when it is plainly not the case.

[Stranraer]

Would you let your Son/Daughter be recruited at School?

https://t.co/vb4tHppAIB

No. If they wanted to tell my son to recruit I'd tell them where to go. Also, if they insist on bothering our children let them go to the finest schools in the West of London and see how many posh kids get signed up.

[Hibrandenburg]

No. If they wanted to tell my son to recruit I'd tell them where to go. Also, if they insist on bothering our children let them go to the finest schools in the West of London and see how many posh kids get signed up.

You'd be surprised at how many posh kids do sign up.

[--------]

Why don't we just scrap the armed forces entirely, and then no one will need to be recruited ANYWHERE?

[RyeSloan]

Why don't we just scrap the armed forces entirely, and then no one will need to be recruited ANYWHERE?

But to save jobs we could still build the warplanes and put no missiles or pilots in them and build all the tanks but have no shells or tank drivers in them then guns with no bullets and have no one to fire them. Quite why someone hasn't thought of that already I have no idea....

[Sylar]

The Armed Forces are a great avenue to learn a trade that will serve as a pathway into a post-service career.

Of course there are risks joining the military but there are risks joining the police force, fire service, steel production...hell, even teachers are increasingly subject to violence in their workplace in the form of unruly pupils these days. Granted, with growing international risks in the form of Daesh, expanding acts of terrorism and growing economic instability, the likelihood of operational combat arguably increases so I can understand parents being wary.

What might put me off would be the possible long-term emotional/mental health consequences that many soldiers experience on return to civilian life. The military and government need to be doing more to take care of combat veterans who are forced to serve on the front lines of these hostile environments and see the evils of war up close.

As for them recruiting in schools, I see no harm in it. Nearly all types of company recruit in schools and precluding our armed forces from doing just that would be the worst example of cotton-wool wrapping of children. They offer much, much more than bullets and bloodshed and for those children who perhaps aren't academically gifted, they offer a secure job and opportunity to learn a trade that doesn't require a University pathway.

[CB_NO3]

A life in The British Army, posh folk, telling thick folk to kill poor folk.

[marinello59]

A life in The British Army, posh folk, telling thick folk to kill poor folk.

Garbage.

[Allant1981]

A life in The British Army, posh folk, telling thick folk to kill poor folk.

What a load of rubbish

[CB_NO3]

It was a bit tongue and cheek lads. I know they do a lot of good aid work in Africa and so on but their main objective is to look after their masters (politicians and bankers) overseas assets.

[HiBremian]

Like it or not but the fact is we need an army and unfortunately probably always will. Anyone who has a gripe with military personnel should take their problems to those that control them.

As for the risks involved in joining the military there are many more jobs out there that are just as risky.

Don't Costa Rica manage without an army, Paul? Didn't do them any harm (World Cup v Scotland, Last WC quarter final :-) )


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[Hibrandenburg]

Don't Costa Rica manage without an army, Paul? Didn't do them any harm (World Cup v Scotland, Last WC quarter final :-) )


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If that works for them Richard then great and I wish it would work world wide but it wouldn't work for the UK due to our historical "interests" overseas. Now an independent Scotland might be different but then again historically if Scotland didn't have the ability to defend itself then there wouldn't be a Scotland.

[steakbake]

Armed forces are the military wing of our foreign and defence policy. Our foreign policy is highly questionable, for much of the postwar period. Iraq was an illegal war with widespread abuses taking place. Our role was to assist the Americans and we played the part willingly. We are not the universal good guys. We have an expansionist and interventionist foreign and defence policy. The circumstances that created ISIS - our current enemy - were largely of our own making for decades of failure in Iraq. So we are simply handling the fall out from our foolish intervention there.

I don't have much time for the adulation of the military that is pretty common. The dummy spitting about "cannon fodder" is just a way of keeping our 'brave' troops (and their masters in the MoD) immune from criticism. They defend apparently our democracy (or 5-yearly narrow illusory choice over who will best stick up for the perpetuation of the established order). However, it is a job - a public service job - with opportunities, benefits and drawbacks like any other job. Only difference is that you put your life on the line and mortgage your future. As I see it, anyone who signs up must know that in advance and be willing to take the terms and conditions accordingly - simple as that. If they don't know or don't realise the full implication, then they've made a mistake. No one forces people into this career choice. When you read about young people killed in service, I don't feel like I owe them a debt of gratitude that they signed up for this career choice or that I sleep safer for their sacrifice. At the moment, quite the opposite. There are killers in our midsts precisely because of the UKs actions over the past decade. My main feeling is that I am sorry for them and their families and friends and sorry for a young life cut short and all the potential moments life offers that will never be fulfilled. However, if you sign up given the direction our foreign policy has demonstrably taken over at least the last 20 years, then you should fully expect to find yourself in the firing line. Ultimately, that's what people signing up are trading off for opportunities, pay, conditions and skills.

Cannon fodder is a bit strong, but pawns in a questionable foreign policy might be more accurate.

[adhibs]

A life in The British Army, posh folk, telling thick folk to kill poor folk.

Their recruitment advert on the radio a couple years ago aimed at people who ' liked playing football at school' says it all really.

[lyonhibs]

No. If they wanted to tell my son to recruit I'd tell them where to go. Also, if they insist on bothering our children let them go to the finest schools in the West of London and see how many posh kids get signed up.

What a horrible inference to make showing absolutely no understanding of the make-up of the Army.

[heretoday]

I don't see a problem. It's a career within which they can learn lots of different skills.

Just as long as there's no trying to airbrush the fact that you could get killed or be ordered to kill.

[HiBremian]

Armed forces are the military wing of our foreign and defence policy. Our foreign policy is highly questionable, for much of the postwar period. Iraq was an illegal war with widespread abuses taking place. Our role was to assist the Americans and we played the part willingly. We are not the universal good guys. We have an expansionist and interventionist foreign and defence policy. The circumstances that created ISIS - our current enemy - were largely of our own making for decades of failure in Iraq. So we are simply handling the fall out from our foolish intervention there.

I don't have much time for the adulation of the military that is pretty common. The dummy spitting about "cannon fodder" is just a way of keeping our 'brave' troops (and their masters in the MoD) immune from criticism. They defend apparently our democracy (or 5-yearly narrow illusory choice over who will best stick up for the perpetuation of the established order). However, it is a job - a public service job - with opportunities, benefits and drawbacks like any other job. Only difference is that you put your life on the line and mortgage your future. As I see it, anyone who signs up must know that in advance and be willing to take the terms and conditions accordingly - simple as that. If they don't know or don't realise the full implication, then they've made a mistake. No one forces people into this career choice. When you read about young people killed in service, I don't feel like I owe them a debt of gratitude that they signed up for this career choice or that I sleep safer for their sacrifice. At the moment, quite the opposite. There are killers in our midsts precisely because of the UKs actions over the past decade. My main feeling is that I am sorry for them and their families and friends and sorry for a young life cut short and all the potential moments life offers that will never be fulfilled. However, if you sign up given the direction our foreign policy has demonstrably taken over at least the last 20 years, then you should fully expect to find yourself in the firing line. Ultimately, that's what people signing up are trading off for opportunities, pay, conditions and skills.

Cannon fodder is a bit strong, but pawns in a questionable foreign policy might be more accurate.

Great post, SB. The purpose of the British military has been, and is, highly questionable. Its lofty place in UK society is maintained largely by propaganda, british national patriotism and "tradition". But as you say, it is also a public service job to which many good people have been drawn. The role of a military - not just the British military - can in theory be positive if properly led. "Peace-keeping" is an honourable career, and I'm sure there are plenty recruits attracted by that idea. But I suspect the violence and agression attracts others. One thing I remember well when teaching police cadets way back in Durham - a mix of types recruited, but including a small group of Geordie thugs who simply swapped sides for their fortnightly fist fight at St James Park.


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[ronaldo7]

It seems the Military are looking at the most deprived areas of Scotland for their new recruits.

https://stv.tv/news/features/1401829-army-draft/

Scottish Government agency Education Scotland confirmed the MoD had asked for statistics on the deprivation rates in schools in 2015.

[Mr White]

It seems the Military are looking at the most deprived areas of Scotland for their new recruits.

https://stv.tv/news/features/1401829-army-draft/

Scottish Government agency Education Scotland confirmed the MoD had asked for statistics on the deprivation rates in schools in 2015.
Is that anymore cynical than the SNP looking to lower the age to vote to 16 in 2014?

Organisations use statistics to improve their performance. They wouldn't be doing their jobs properly if they didn't follow up on proven patterns that might help them achieve their goals.

Doesn't make it right of course but that kind of judgment is entirely subjective.

[over the line]

I personally wouldn't want my kids to go in the army. Not after the shameful waste of lives in the potentially ( I say potentially, but I mean definitely) illegal and morally questionable (I say questionable but I mean disgraceful) military interventions of recent times. (My jibes are aimed at the politicians, definitely not at the soldiers, some of whom are my mates).

But as it has already been said, we do need an army and if school leavers want to join up, then good luck to them. Hopefully the UK has learnt it's lesson and we don't get involved in any wasteful wars in the foreseeable future. The armed forces provide a good start to adult/working life for some, especially if the other options are limited, which is so often the case now a days.

[marinello59]

It seems the Military are looking at the most deprived areas of Scotland for their new recruits.

https://stv.tv/news/features/1401829-army-draft/

Scottish Government agency Education Scotland confirmed the MoD had asked for statistics on the deprivation rates in schools in 2015.

More fool them then. After ten years of SNP rule in Scotland there can be no deprived areas left. Get them telt R. :greengrin

[ronaldo7]

Is that anymore cynical than the SNP looking to lower the age to vote to 16 in 2014?

Organisations use statistics to improve their performance. They wouldn't be doing their jobs properly if they didn't follow up on proven patterns that might help them achieve their goals.

Doesn't make it right of course but that kind of judgment is entirely subjective.

I'd be more concerned if I were a parent in one of the schools which had the Military visiting more times than I've had hot dinners.

[ronaldo7]

More fool them then. After ten years of SNP rule in Scotland there can be no deprived areas left. Get them telt R. :greengrin

With limited resources of course.

[Mr White]

I'd be more concerned if I were a parent in one of the schools which had the Military visiting more times than I've had hot dinners.

So you would further restrict opportunities of a good career for kids in deprived areas but stopping a large employer offering a potentially solid, long term and rewarding job from recruiting in those schools?

[marinello59]

I'd be more concerned if I were a parent in one of the schools which had the Military visiting more times than I've had hot dinners.

Seriously, you only have one hot dinner a year? :wink:

[marinello59]

With limited resources of course.

That doesn’t make them blameless though does it? Far from it.

[SouthsideHarp_Bhoy]

You'd be surprised at how many posh kids do sign up.

I have a family member who went to Sandhurst and then served in bosnia and iraq with engineers- it stood him in good stead for a career in civilan life, and he loved it.

Personally i can see the attraction to young men. However for many reasons i wouldnt habe joined, not least because im not prepared to put my life in the hands of politicians - any politicians.

However it would also be churlish to suggest that the military's main bulk is not made up of uneducated young men from poorer backgrounds. I would guess thats just a fact.

[SouthsideHarp_Bhoy]

Don't Costa Rica manage without an army, Paul? Didn't do them any harm (World Cup v Scotland, Last WC quarter final :-) )


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Youre not seriously suggesting that we dont need an army are you?

[SouthsideHarp_Bhoy]

I'd be more concerned if I were a parent in one of the schools which had the Military visiting more times than I've had hot dinners.

You mean you dislike a uk institution, amd are taking an SNP party line on the issue?

Well sir, i am shocked.

[ronaldo7]

That doesn’t make them blameless though does it? Far from it.

I'm not apportioning blame, I'm questioning the need for the military to go into schools in the first place. They've got offices on the high st for that. Taking guns into school should not happen.

[ronaldo7]

You mean you dislike a uk institution, amd are taking an SNP party line on the issue?

Well sir, i am shocked.

Is it an snp party line? I'm shocked.

[marinello59]

I'm not apportioning blame, I'm questioning the need for the military to go into schools in the first place. They've got offices on the high st for that. Taking guns into school should not happen.

SNP criticism. Does not compute. Does not compute. Does not compute :wink:

[ronaldo7]

SNP criticism. Does not compute. Does not compute. Does not compute :wink:

Crack on, you usually do.:wink:

[marinello59]

Crack on, you usually do.:wink:

:faf::faf::faf:

[McD]

I'm not apportioning blame, I'm questioning the need for the military to go into schools in the first place. They've got offices on the high st for that. Taking guns into school should not happen.


Did they definitely have guns when they went to schools?

is there a need for any profession to go into schools (on a recruitment basis)?

[ronaldo7]

Did they definitely have guns when they went to schools?

is there a need for any profession to go into schools (on a recruitment basis)?

Yes. They were asked to remove them at further visits.

I've been out of the loop on School visits for a while.:greengrin I'm sure they still do open recruitment days which ALL employers wishing to be present, will be.

[marinello59]

Did they definitely have guns when they went to schools?

is there a need for any profession to go into schools (on a recruitment basis)?

My son’s school has a careers fair every year where many employers are represented. It’s a great chance for the pupils to engage on a one to one basis and to find out more about what’s on offer out there . I can’t really see how that’s a bad thing.
The armed forces were present this year but I didn’t see any guns. :greengrin

[ronaldo7]

My son’s school has a careers fair every year where many employers are represented. It’s a great chance for the pupils to engage on a one to one basis and to find out more about what’s on offer out there . I can’t really see how that’s a bad thing.
The armed forces were present this year but I didn’t see any guns. :greengrin

They'd have sent the officers to your sons school. :greengrin No riff raff allowed.

[RyeSloan]

With limited resources of course.

Are not all resources limited?

As for the army going into schools, I'm really struggling to find the story here to be honest.

[speedy_gonzales]

As for the army going into schools, I'm really struggling to find the story here to be honest.
Aye, the armed forces attend a lot of schools, even the public ones.
I thought there'd be more pitch forks and torch burning for the likes of RBS attending schools and bussing off the innocent children to their Gogarburn internment camp and showing them their wicked ways ;)

[marinello59]

They'd have sent the officers to your sons school. :greengrin No riff raff allowed.

They let me in. :greengrin

[johnbc70]

Are not all resources limited?

As for the army going into schools, I'm really struggling to find the story here to be honest.

Likewise, what is the point being made - Army go to deprived areas to talk to young people who may have limited career prospects, offer them an alternative to unemployment or worse. What is the problem?

Is it because it is the British Army and seen as Unionist, is the need for points to be scored now taking digs at the armed forces?

[ronaldo7]

Are not all resources limited?

As for the army going into schools, I'm really struggling to find the story here to be honest.

With guns.

[johnbc70]

With guns.

Why did you not post "Army go into schools with guns" if that was the real point of your post, but you never did you? You made reference to the army going to deprived areas and never mentioned guns at all.

[McD]

My son’s school has a careers fair every year where many employers are represented. It’s a great chance for the pupils to engage on a one to one basis and to find out more about what’s on offer out there . I can’t really see how that’s a bad thing.
The armed forces were present this year but I didn’t see any guns. :greengrin


It was a vaguely double edged question, in that, if you’re against the armed forces visiting schools for recruitment purposes, surely you’d be against any professions recruiting in schools, or if you’re for other professions recruiting, what’s the issue in the armed forces doing the same?

r7 said the armed forces have offices in the high st for that purpose, equally isn’t there job centres, recruitment websites and the like for other professions to recruit.

I agree, I think it isn’t a bad thing to hear directly from the horses mouth what a career in the armed forces can be like. If the student’s parents are against them joining, they will look to show the negative aspects of that, thus allowing the student/adolescent to make an informed choice.
Theres also the point made above, that giving a person from a deprived area another option for a successful and prosperous career (I know and am friendly with several former forces people who are very successful and happy in their lives), where otherwise they may end up being a burden on the state.

[ronaldo7]

Why did you not post "Army go into schools with guns" if that was the real point of your post, but you never did you? You made reference to the army going to deprived areas and never mentioned guns at all.

It's in the link, I provided. I'm sure you read it, didn't you?

This from a post earlier in the thread.

Taking guns into school should not happen.

[johnbc70]

It's in the link, I provided. I'm sure you read it, didn't you?

I did, but why not make your point in the post if that was your point? You made reference to the British Army going into deprived areas, no mention of guns?

[ronaldo7]

I did, but why not make your point in the post if that was your point? You made reference to the British Army going into deprived areas, no mention of guns?

I'm on my phone so can't see the post number, but if you read my posts you'll see it mentioned.

[johnbc70]

I'm on my phone so can't see the post number, but if you read my posts you'll see it mentioned.

The first post on this thread in 18 months was by yourself yesterday, post number 29. No reference to guns in schools in your post at all, only pointing out that the Army is going to deprived areas and the Scottish Government agency Education Scotland confirming the MoD had asked for some statistics.

So when you posted that your main point was about guns in schools? That was the story?

[HiBremian]

Youre not seriously suggesting that we dont need an army are you?

No. Just pointing out that some countries survive quite well without one.


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[SouthsideHarp_Bhoy]

No. Just pointing out that some countries survive quite well without one.


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Fair enough 🖒

[ronaldo7]

I'm not apportioning blame, I'm questioning the need for the military to go into schools in the first place. They've got offices on the high st for that. Taking guns into school should not happen.


With guns.


It's in the link, I provided. I'm sure you read it, didn't you?

This from a post earlier in the thread.

Taking guns into school should not happen.


The first post on this thread in 18 months was by yourself yesterday, post number 29. No reference to guns in schools in your post at all, only pointing out that the Army is going to deprived areas and the Scottish Government agency Education Scotland confirming the MoD had asked for some statistics.

So when you posted that your main point was about guns in schools? That was the story?

No **** Sherlock. FWIW, I'd rather the MOD didn't take guns into schools, although, I think that may have been mentioned in the first sentence of the link, I provided.

Each to their own, I suppose.

[johnbc70]

No **** Sherlock. FWIW, I'd rather the MOD didn't take guns into schools, although, I think that may have been mentioned in the first sentence of the link, I provided.

Each to their own, I suppose.

Deflection again. You know your original point had nothing to do with guns, it was about the Army recruitment in deprived areas.

[ronaldo7]

Deflection again. You know your original point had nothing to do with guns, it was about the Army recruitment in deprived areas.

:boo hoo:

I agree with you that the Military shouldn't be recruiting in deprived areas with the gusto they are, in comparison to the areas of the luvvies.

Thanks for agreeing.:aok:

The guns were just a side matter, just like, in the US.:greengrin

[Mr White]

:boo hoo:

I agree with you that the Military shouldn't be recruiting in deprived areas with the gusto they are, in comparison to the areas of the luvvies.

Thanks for agreeing.:aok:

The guns were just a side matter, just like, in the US.:greengrin
This post is a fascinating insight into your way of thinking.

[ronaldo7]

This post is a fascinating insight into your way of thinking.

As is your view of posts from the previous evening.

[Mr White]

As is your view of posts from the previous evening.

Eh?

[ronaldo7]

Eh?

I thought you had insight?

[Mr White]

I thought you had insight?

Only when what I'm reading makes any sense.

[ronaldo7]

Only when what I'm reading makes any sense.

You'll be lost on here then. Insight eh?

[marinello59]

:boo hoo:

I agree with you that the Military shouldn't be recruiting in deprived areas with the gusto they are, in comparison to the areas of the luvvies.

Thanks for agreeing.:aok:

The guns were just a side matter, just like, in the US.:greengrin

Eh?
Maybe you should stick to posting links, this really makes no sense at all.

[johnbc70]

Eh?
Maybe you should stick to posting links, this really makes no sense at all.

I never replied as I had no clue what the post was about, glad it was just not me.

[ronaldo7]

Eh?
Maybe you should stick to posting links, this really makes no sense at all.

Thanks for that.:aok:

[Mr Grieves]

Likewise, what is the point being made - Army go to deprived areas to talk to young people who may have limited career prospects, offer them an alternative to unemployment or worse. What is the problem?

Is it because it is the British Army and seen as Unionist, is the need for points to be scored now taking digs at the armed forces?

Interesting. On another thread you're against under 18's being able to vote because they're not mature enough, but you're quite happy for them to sign up for the army and put their life on the line. Is that correct? :wink:

[RyeSloan]

Interesting. On another thread you're against under 18's being able to vote because they're not mature enough, but you're quite happy for them to sign up for the army and put their life on the line. Is that correct? :wink:

Under 18's are not sent to contact zones.

[johnbc70]

Interesting. On another thread you're against under 18's being able to vote because they're not mature enough, but you're quite happy for them to sign up for the army and put their life on the line. Is that correct? :wink:

No, see reply above.

[Hibrandenburg]

Under 18's are not sent to contact zones.

No, but they are being groomed to do so.

[TheReg!]

No, but they are being groomed to do so.

Stop talking pish, they’re not groomed for anything. They’re trained in many aspects, first aid, driving, education I.e level 2 Math n English, physical training, shooting, discipline, telecommunications etc etc

[Hibrandenburg]

Stop talking pish, they’re not groomed for anything. They’re trained in many aspects, first aid, driving, education I.e level 2 Math n English, physical training, shooting, discipline, telecommunications etc etc
Don't forget:

Field craft including camouflage, defensive positions, section attacks, assault weapon training, military first aid, military map reading and chemical and biological warfare. Of course it's grooming young men to fight in wars. Or were we talking about the boy scouts?

[RyeSloan]

No, but they are being groomed to do so.

Groomed? Strange choice of words.

But the simple fact is they are not sent to war zones under the age of 18. Ergo they are not putting their life on the line without having a vote. Surely you can agree on that?

[Hibrandenburg]

Groomed? Strange choice of words.

But the simple fact is they are not sent to war zones under the age of 18. Ergo they are not putting their life on the line without having a vote. Surely you can agree on that?

What's so strange about the word groomed? You can't deny that they are being prepared (groomed) to take part in armed conflict. That's the whole point of the Junior Soldiers AFC.

[marinello59]

What's so strange about the word groomed? You can't deny that they are being prepared (groomed) to take part in armed conflict. That's the whole point of the Junior Soldiers AFC.

Groomed would imply that they don't know what the Army is for. You are right though, Junior Soldiers are being prepared to be Soldiers with all that implies. It maybe is long past the time when we have the Junior intake at all.

[Hibrandenburg]

Groomed would imply that they don't know what the Army is for. You are right though, Junior Soldiers are being prepared to be Soldiers with all that implies. It maybe is long past the time when we have the Junior intake at all.

I'm not sure what the Hibs net definition of groomed is, but here's one out of the dictionary:

Grooming-prepare or train (someone) for a particular purpose or activity.

"star pupils who are*groomed for*higher things"

synonyms:prepare,*prime,*make ready,*ready,*condition,*tailor;


IMO the term groomed fits better than trained in this case.

[marinello59]

I'm not sure what the Hibs net definition of groomed is, but here's one out of the dictionary:

Grooming-prepare or train (someone) for a particular purpose or activity.

"star pupils who are*groomed for*higher things"

synonyms:prepare,*prime,*make ready,*ready,*condition,*tailor;


IMO the term groomed fits better than trained in this case.

Possibly.:greengrin

[Hibrandenburg]

Possibly.:greengrin

That'll do for me :greengrin

[Pete]

I hear that there are groups of pupils who are organising protests against this...from places like Boroughmuir and St. Andrews no less.

Noble as these actions might be, they might want to venture into parts of Fife like Ballingry, Lochgelly or Cowdenbeath. These places don’t really need recruitment initiatives because so many people have seen the armed forces as a legitimate way to do something with their lives.
Mining: gone, shipyards: gone, industry: gone..These places have been left totally isolated and rendered almost pointless by Thatchers deindustrialisation and the rampant spread of neoliberalism.

I’m all for it. It’s better than spending your youth working in some gig economy job in Edinburgh while giving half your wages over to some private landlord. At least they’ll have a pension at the end of it all.

[pontius pilate]

I'm a veteran of HM Forces and now work in a high school last Friday for rememberance they had an assembly and to put it bluntly I got embarrassed when my name was mentioned for returning from conflict. Since then I have had numerous pupils ask me what life in the Forces is like I was infantry I tell them the truth. Great career great friends but be prepared for going to places you don't want to go. Be prepared for the public backlash. Be prepared for being a scapegoat for our governments foriegn policy. Be prepared to visit some amazing places you wouldn't normally ever think of visiting. Be prepared to learn. I think as long as we are truthful let the kids make up those minds when they turn 18.

[judas]

Stop talking pish, they’re not groomed for anything. They’re trained in many aspects, first aid, driving, education I.e level 2 Math n English, physical training, shooting, discipline, telecommunications etc etc

All of the above plus training to kill. That's just one aspect though and it comes in handy in places like Iraq.