Originally Posted by DeadVim (Post 11233433)

We are collectively very lucky to be given the opportunity to choose where to live.

And many have been maimed and killed to help give us this privilege.

Lest We Forget.

Originally Posted by DeadVim (Post 11233433)

We are collectively very lucky to be given the opportunity to choose where to live.

And many have been maimed and killed to help give us this privilege.

Lest We Forget.

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 11233521)

Watched a bit of the parade in Perth this morning on TV - Aussie soldiers/sailors/airmen can't march for shit. Saying that, those Royal Navy dudes from HMS Tireless weren't much better

What the f**k did they learn in basics?

Originally Posted by Bernieboy (Post 11233637)

And what have we learned,fook all,we still send our children off to die:thumbdown:

Originally Posted by northernbird (Post 11233715)

Unfortunately Bernie this will never change :(

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 11233521)

Watched a bit of the parade in Perth this morning on TV - Aussie soldiers/sailors/airmen can't march for shit. Saying that, those Royal Navy dudes from HMS Tireless weren't much better

What the f**k did they learn in basics?

Originally Posted by The Bloke (Post 11238932)

Think they might need a bl@@dy good RSM!

Originally Posted by BadgeIsBack (Post 11239151)

I will say this:
at my local RSL there were more medals and silverware in evidence than I ever saw during the Cold War. Our boys from both sides of the equator have been busy this last 10 years. Respect.

Originally Posted by Bernieboy (Post 11239707)

Medals don't mean shit unless awarded for bravery,they just mean ya was there,nothing else.

Originally Posted by paulry (Post 11239928)

:nod:

Originally Posted by BadgeIsBack (Post 11240622)

I was misquoted. Bernie being there is better than never having been there: or, never having donned a uniform of service.

Originally Posted by BadgeIsBernie (Post 11240626)

Really:blink:

Originally Posted by paulry (Post 11240651)

:confused:

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 11233521)

Watched a bit of the parade in Perth this morning on TV - Aussie soldiers/sailors/airmen can't march for shit. Saying that, those Royal Navy dudes from HMS Tireless weren't much better

What the f**k did they learn in basics?

Originally Posted by spouse of scouse (Post 11241104)

ffs, they're members of the armed forces, not a choreographed pantomime for your entertainment.

The things some people criticize :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by Bernieboy (Post 11241113)

Have you served then ??

Originally Posted by spouse of scouse (Post 11241134)

I don't get your point?

Originally Posted by spouse of scouse (Post 11241104)

ffs, they're members of the armed forces, not a choreographed pantomime for your entertainment.

The things some people criticize :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by spouse of scouse (Post 11241739)

Bernie - Yes, I did know what your first comment meant - I was interested in how you would explain it. Not interested anymore.

Amazulu - nothing you've said is new to me.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know, commenting on the armed forces generally, or ANZAC day specifically, isn't reserved for people who've personally served in the army/navy/airforce.
ANZAC Day means a great deal to me, both as an Australian and in terms of my own family. You have the same right as everyone else to criticize, and you did. I have the same right as everyone else to respond, and I did. Anything more is just a stupid forum argument, and you can have that all to yourselves.

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 11241674)

eh? :confused:

Do you know anything about military discipline and culture?

If you did you would know that good marching is a fundamental skill/task/function of a well training military unit. It shows good discipline, skill, pride, professionalism and training

On ANZAC day in Perth the marching from much of the Australian military was appalling - out of step and time, not lined up, some of them had big grins on their faces and some were even chewing gum

We pay a lot of money for these guys and should expect the best - and they should expect the best from themselves

You either get this or you don't

Originally Posted by spouse of scouse (Post 11242058)

I hate doing this, because I'm a stubborn old bitch. But I want to say I'm sorry for my comments. My uncle, who served in Vietnam, died the day before ANZAC Day. He wasn't that much older than me and we were really close. He came home so changed, so damaged. He wouldn't have a bar of the RSL or any commemoration services, he wanted to do the impossible, to forget.

Anyway, sorry for going off half-cocked.

Originally Posted by Bernieboy (Post 11242109)

No offence taken,just keep the safety on next time eh:D

Originally Posted by Amazulu (Post 11241674)

eh? :confused:

Do you know anything about military discipline and culture?

If you did you would know that good marching is a fundamental skill/task/function of a well training military unit. It shows good discipline, skill, pride, professionalism and training

On ANZAC day in Perth the marching from much of the Australian military was appalling - out of step and time, not lined up, some of them had big grins on their faces and some were even chewing gum

We pay a lot of money for these guys and should expect the best - and they should expect the best from themselves

You either get this or you don't

Originally Posted by paulry (Post 11246270)

To me, soldiers that don't drill well and chew gum on the parade ground is a sign of weak leadership.

Originally Posted by paulry (Post 11246270)

You know, commenting on the armed forces generally, or ANZAC day specifically, isn't reserved for people who've personally served in the army/navy/airforce.
ANZAC Day means a great deal to me, both as an Australian and in terms of my own family. You have the same right as everyone else to criticize, and you did. I have the same right as everyone else to respond, and I did. Anything more is just a stupid forum argument, and you can have that all to yourselves.

Originally Posted by paulry (Post 11246270)

To me, soldiers that don't drill well and chew gum on the parade ground is a sign of weak leadership.

Originally Posted by BadgeIsBack (Post 11246344)

Is it really a sign of the times? I optimistically say there is no way British troops would have done that in the past but I know for a fact that times have changed. They do - and unfortunately armed forces are not the exception to the rule of change.

As for drill for drill sakes...that is something else- some units spend a month (etc) on extra demanding selection or physical training - other units spend the same time on extra drill. The Guards come to mind...and some people say they are just woodentops as a result.

To me soldiers who can't complete fitness tests or shoot straight is a reflection of the unit and what their role is. But drill is one of the basics.