Er, actually we do. Then we can send them off to Afghanistan or Iraq for American target practice. Best thing for them and for this country.

Now that does make sense :D

Geezer

Like your thinking Brendan :D:D:D

Fatherpierre, your post about education by parents and schools is completely reasonable, except that in the majority of cases, it just does not seem to happen any more.

Geezer,

I know many people who did National Service in the armed forces and who all said that when they had finished it they had profited by it in all those ways I mentioned. The business of being shouted at and made to do drill and be inspected etc was what recruits had to put up with for their basic training. It was calculated to teach discipline and respect for authority as well as how to march on parade. Even this was an exercise in learning teamwork. They could not see it at the time but it all became clear later. When they had learned a trade, the shouting stopped.

There were many advantages too, such as all the sport they wanted, of all kinds and the chance to see some of the world. There was also very good trade training as well. You had the opportunity to request what trade you wanted to do if it was available. It may have delayed your eventual start in your chosen career, but the final results went a long way to make up for it. It was the best possible education in the "University of Life"

Les

Ok, I wasn't refuting your info, I just have a different experience. What you say is logical too, but it would seem that not all have those memories.

I still stand by what I say about the impracticalities of a large modern army though

Geezer

Yes Geezer of course there will be those who did not enjoy it, usually an attitude problem though and life never gets better under those circumstances.

Don't know about how large and modern our army really is these days, very dependant on the TA's to keep going I think!

Les