Reserve Forces

http://www.bfbs.com/news/northern-ireland/army-leavers-asked-join-reservists-62827.html

I came across this link folks.It is a BFBS story and it is about the army asking those who they are making redundant to join up in the new Reserve Forces.Talk about cheek.Yes the British Army is going part time folks.Back to bows and arrows.

The government are looking to the Euro model conscript/part time/TA army, it's been on the cards for years. It's cheaper than a profesional army.

The modern professional has been reliable for decades Wilf. What is happening to the armed forces is just plainly about money not being available for the upkeep of equipment and arms.It is costly to replace equipment every five years or so and the bean counters in government are always looking for ways to cut the budget.Only today 2/3/13 the defence secretary is asking the chancellor to cut the welfare budget even more and not to cut the defence budget as they have done.Sometime it will come back to haunt them if the forces are needed to defend the country from terrorism as no doubt the terror organisations are watching the UK defence cuts closely and looking for weaknesses in our ability to carryout or own defence of the UK.

Back in the day when the Gunners had more than a handful of Regiments.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svv6ZnnfOBo

Did you know Shelldrake that the RA lost the most men in Northern Ireland of all units.May they ALL Rest In Peace.

I did that, Tam. the last man to be killed on Op Banner was also a Gunner - Lbdr Restorick. RIP

Shelldrake wrote:

Back in the day when the Gunners had more than a handful of Regiments.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svv6ZnnfOBo

Was that really '84 ? It had a seventies feel about it.

Anybody spot that officer doing the "Hip hip" bit ? I wonder who told him to put the hat back on his head after EACH cheer ?

(Looked a bit like a BC we once had called Brumham).

I have just read two good books by Ken Wharton on NI and he gives a good account of Op Banner and The Bloodiest Year 1972.He also covers those people who died in unexplained circumstances also a result of RTA's. The governments of the day certainly covered up a lot.

Certainly was '84, we rehearsed for about 10 years! The MGRA used to go berserk when any vehicle failed to start on the rehearsals, on the big day, only one veh wouldn't start - his 423! Laugh - I nearly passed the fags round.

I notice that the MoD are having a big TV advertisement for chaps and chappesses to join the TA. If the Gobbmunt is relaying on thousands of Civvies and Ex-Forces Geezers and Gals to sign up, I'm sure the the Gobbmunt and MoD are going to be disapointed.

Of course many Ex-Forces Geezers and Gals who are being made redundant might very well sign up/on to the Reserve Forces as a way of stayng with thier units/Corps. Perhaps the Gobbmunt is hoping for more unemployed people to take up the Queens Shilling for the TA. Trouble is, how many TA Soldier etc will want to be sent out to hot, sweaty fly blown places to get their arms and legs blown off by Johnny Foreigner Beardies planting EIDs. If there are refusals - how many Courts Marshalls will be convened by MoD to keep the Cannon Fodder to toe the line through threats of disciplinary actions or postings to the Army Nick at Colchester. (I do have some unfond memories of escorting awol squaddies to this palce back in 1976 and 1977).

Will too much reliance on TA & Reserve Forces be a good thing, or a bad thing if Call-Me-Dave and MoD decide to go further Military Advernturing in hot, fly blown places due to collective Guilt Trips for Days of Empire, the British Raj and Imperialisms of the past?



("Socialisms is like catching Political STIs - everyone shares in the common misery")