No. This is the military. You are dealing in absolutes. If you lose control of the men, allow this sort of action to go unpunished, if the direct chain of command stops working, you stop having an army, and start having a load of guys with guns.

Northwind is completely right... the vast majority of the guys out there do their job very well (and I am happy (and a bit proud) to be mates with a few of them) but, the fact that some guys cannot do the job, cannot be a good soldier... doesnt mean you can turn a blind eye to those few guys, and dirty all the men by implication.

In fairness, after what they have been through, they deserve better.

Given I've served my time, done my bit for the Falklands, 4 tours of NI and such (OK over 20 years back now), and knowing the Army has dramatically changed since, the thing that strikes me most, isn't that this happened, but that it didn't happen more, these guys (& girl) were outstanding during the fighting (the job they are trained to do) but aren't policemen.

I've no doubt that pressure will be brought to bear to make examples out of the individuals involved, but can't help feeling they are doing a job beyond their training (lets not forget a good number of these guys wouldn't have much responsibility in civy street).

If the Army is to be used in this way (as it appears they are) perhaps greater training should be aimed at this (although it maybe already, for all I know).

Cheers Mark.

It was Jelster who originally made the reference to doing it the Israeli way, i said what you said, to stoop that low is ridiculous.

Yes, 'tis true, and I meant it in a sarcastic way. But then the Israli's stand behind their forces 100%, they don't have much other option in their society, but that's another discussion....:-$

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Aargh, I did it again... WHenever I see Jelster's avatatr I think it's Itchin2Go for some reason :oops: