Ross Kemp in Afghanistan

[Spam_UK]

Just for those people who haven't seen all the advertisments.

Ross Kemp in Afghanistan starts Mon at 9pm on Sky 1. Has had some really good reviews and may be worth watching.

Spam

[Razor61]

Watched his interview on Richard & Judy yesterday. Looks very interesting with AK rounds whizzing literally within a foot or two from him. He also exposes the way our soldiers are treated in regards to compensation and the 'points' system to which they are under first hand with injured soldiers.

[Runaway Gun]

Word from the guys is that he was very well behaved whilst out there, and that he was a great listener. Great to see some interest from the UK media and public.

[SpamFritters]

:ugh::ugh:We need more programs like this and Commando Frontline to bring us british public closer to the reality of what is really happening out there!
I have two family members who are both RAF Docs and who have been out in Afghan / Iraq and have seen and done some truly horrendous stuff out there.... but the british public have no understanding of it...

it must be hard for the guys who ahve spent months out there to come back to this country where they are all slagging off the way that they ahve spent months in!

Anyway.
I don't have SkyOne which is a big shame!

[mutleyfour]

Another that was extremely well done in my view was the one that followed a Chinook pilot in Afghanistan, I think it was called a day in the life of or similar.

[humpndump]

"Another that was extremely well done in my view was the one that followed a Chinook pilot in Afghanistan"

BBC, One Life series 'Above Enemy Lines' :ok:

[10enggone]

If you have Sky + you can watch it now on the anytime facility.

Watched it last night and it is a good insight, especially the steep learning curve from training to fighting an enemy who is shooting back.

Well done and honest insight from Ross Kemp even the frank admission of scaring himself wet, as would a lot of people!

[Saintsman]

Heard the trailer for it on the radio.

"I spent time with the Army fighting in Afganistan", (or something like that) "Its thanks to them I'm still alive".

It seems that the Army has a lot to answer for....

[Load Toad]

I watched the first one last night. I don't know much about Mr. Kemp (long time since I lived in UK, not seen much else he's done at all) but from a civilians perspective it seemed that he had empathy, was sensitive to the military and their family and was respectful of and admired the service people he was with.
For me the thing civilians don't understand is the scope and complexity and shear size of what is going on over in that sandy place and the reality of it is often lost on us as the normal (spit) media only reports sensationalist sound bites.

[niknak]

For me the thing civilians don't understand is the scope, size and complexity over in that sandy place.

Just in case you hadn't noticed, and it may come as a terrible shock to you, but the vast majority of us are very well aware of the difficulties the armed services face in any conflict, but we are also very well aware that everyonein any of the services is employed to go where they are told and do what they are instructed to do, if they don't like it, they should leave and do something else.

What comes across in many different posts on this forum, is that there are some posters who genuinely believe that thay are entitled to some sort of cult status because they are or have been, in the services.
Sorry to disappoint you, but you're no better than anyone before you and you're certainly in position to judge the public opinion.:ugh:

[Tigs2]

Niknak

What comes across in many different posts on this forum, is that there are some posters who genuinely believe that thay are entitled to some sort of cult status because they are or have been, in the services.


If that is your point the why dont you do us all a favour and ban yourself from the military forum? Stay out...do us all here a favour.

if they don't like it, they should leave and do something else

Not that easy, many are really really trying to leave, but before they do they are kept in for another 18 months with the promise of more holidays in the sand pit.

[Load Toad]

Thanks niknak - I needed reminding I wasn't entitled to have an opinion on these matters and that I should not under any circumstances have any sympathy for the position that the services and their families are in - I won't try to improve my understanding of the situation and shall live in happy ignorance from now on. Got a copy of the Daily Mail I can read?

[Rakshasa]

My Niknak, you must've used a crew ladder to climb on that high horse. :rolleyes:

[GPMG]

What people like NikNak fail to understand is that those that have served their country or are serving their country are special. However you would only understand that if you had first hand experience.

And just to put you in the know Nik Nak, a lot of the public don't understand and quite a few don't care, just how difficult it is and how under resourced the military presence is.

Fortunatley there are people like Ross Kemp and his team and Chris terrill who are prepared to put their lives on the line just so ignorant fools like you can have some education crowbarred into your selfish little lives in between Corry and X-factor.

[effortless]

What people like NikNak fail to understand is that those that have served their country or are serving their country are special. However you would only understand that if you had first hand experience.

No, I have served, so I can stick my head over the parapet. We are not special, some of us who served did something special, not me, and lots of you are doing something special. Not quite the same.

[mlc]

Niknak.aka Swiss Des

[Gainesy]

I think niknak just got washed ashore with all the other planks.

[kevmusic]

I would like to reassure you good people that nik nak's comments are not representative of all of us here in civvyland.

[moggiee]

Mr Kemp has gone up in my estimation, I have to say.

His experience means that he'll now be better able to cope when his wife decides to beat the cr@p out of him!

[mac_scott]

Topslide6,

Agree with you in spades.

I don't agree with how we ended up in Iraq and Afganistan but I have nothing but respect and admiration for the way the job is being done by our forces and the dedication and bravery of all concerned.

The way you guys are being treated back here is a joke, the lack of proper equipment to do the job is mad and the points system for injury is a national scandal......

Not everyone back here thinks like niknak......

Stay safe.

[Ijempson]

I am a civilian whos father flew Argosys in 114 sqdn way back in the 60s . The life of any service person cannot ever be truly appreciated by anybody who has never served their country or been in a war zone . Most people who i know regard all soldiers , sailors, airmen and women in the highest echelons of praise , for the job they do is really the hardest job in the world . You all deserve so much more from this government in support the way you have been betrayed by them beggars belief, TV programmes are designed to make us think , im sure there wil be a lot of people thinking after watching ross kemp tonight . I know i will , i will be thinking as i do now , of those many people who are fighting on my behalf for my freedoms and making the ultimate sacrifice just as many other brave men and women did before them . God bless you all and get home safe and sound whenever or wherever you are , the labour administration may not appreciate you , i on the otherhand always will.
Ian Jempson

[mutleyfour]

I am a Serving Soldier and would like to point out my personal feelings to people like Nik Nak:

I don't wish for you to be grateful for what I do
I don't wish to have your praise
I don't wish for you to be beholden to me for anything
I don't wish for you to worry about me
I don't wish for you to even spare me a thought

I do wish for you to realise that this is my career, my choice to be in the military but not my choice to serve wherever I am asked to serve. Neither is it my fault or the fault of my peers and contemparies to be wherever we might be. I simply fulfil the wishes of the Government and hope to God that my family are cared for properly in my absence as after all I am simply doing as I am asked.

I am hugely proud to be a soldier and to do the job that I do, I am also hugely proud of the commitment made daily by our Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen and no matter what your feelings toward us, we will always have each other.

[Phil_R]

Not that I wish to apologise for my fellow civilian, but I think that most people do approach this more or less the way mutleyfour hopes they will, and appreciate that niknak's thesis is at least a little unrealistic.

For the record, I don't blame members of the armed forces for the piss-poor decisions of government, and I don't think most people do. That said, it's crystal clear what the deal is when you join up, which is one reason I didn't.

Even in the much-more-nationalistic US, there are "Support the troops, not the war" banners.

P

[Phil_R]

Mainly I didn't join up because I didn't fancy being beasted around a parade ground by a short man with a moustache and a swagger stick, to be honest, but - no, in that context, I didn't join up because I didn't want to be forced to fight a war I couldn't get behind morally.

P

[GPMG]

For god's sake man,being 'beasted around a parade ground by a short man with a moustache and a swagger stick' is one of the perks of the job.

Oh, that and running around Dartmoor with a mars bar hidden up your bum.

[Phil_R]

I shall refrain from further public comment on the basis that I am, to some extent, in your house.

[Horror box]

What comes across in many different posts on this forum, is that there are some posters who genuinely believe that thay are entitled to some sort of cult status because they are or have been, in the services.
Sorry to disappoint you, but you're no better than anyone before you and you're certainly in position to judge the public opinion.

Niknak,
a truly awful post, highlighting a number of your own insecurities and inadequacies. I would like to first state that these people are special, mainly because they are fighting in your name, for the government you (as a nation) voted for, and therefore supported its mandate. These people are fighting whether thay agree or disagree (and many will disagree), for what is perceived as a cause of greater good, and risking their lives daily, for the country the likes of you hold so dear. Many very good men and women have lost their lives doing this, leaving families - wives, children, mothers, fathers and friends behind wondering what it was for, and was it worth it, dying in the name of their country, in a foreign land. Some will stay for life as a career, some will change careers, and you are right it is a choice, but that does not mean that they are not entitled to the gratitude of their countryfolk. You very clearly do not undersdtand one of the binding principles of military life - that is that it is not just a job, it is a way of life, a form of service, and those who do it, do not do so for financial gain.

No person here expects cult status, but what they have every right to expect is the support from the public. The armed forces do not make policy decisions, they carry out the orders handed to them by a democratically elected government in your name. You may not agree with the government policy, but that does not mean you cannot support our men and women in the armed forces. The way the military in general has been treated by the government and the general public in the last five years has been nothing short of shameful, yet they continue to do the job, risking their lives daily, watching friends and colleagues being maimed and killed in horrendous situations. Dedication of that level is most definitley not found in every walk of life, so that, in my book, makes them very special, and entitled to far more gratitude and praise than like you may ever realise.

[Tigs2]

Phil

Do not try and cover for, or apologise for, NikNak (it is not required) , he has been like this on this forum for a long time. He understands our arguments and our opinions, and he continues to take the pi**. The term oxygen thief springs to mind!

[Double Zero]

I am and always have been a civvie, though working with various arms of the UK military.

My father volunteered for WW2 and continued working with military aircraft development -Seafire to the Harrier 2 - until he retired ( still with us, fitter than me,touchwood ).

His casual little stories he lets slip very infrequently are enough to make a berk like me, brought up in a dearly bought peace time, realise there is a whole different world out there besides " wasn't the motorway a sod tonight"...


Posts like NIkNak's make me cringe - please believe me guys & girls, the British public thinks a hell of a lot of what you are doing.

I for one would be happy to join in home-coming welcomings, as in the US, but I never get to hear about them in advance - maybe it's me but I doubt it.

Meanwhile ignore that prat, WE UK are very proud of you - stay safe !

[johnny99]

Tigs,

"The term oxygen thief springs to mind!"

Steady on there - in a fuel fire such an individual would be useful. Please do not infer such similarities with casual abandon.

[30mRad]

Mutleyfour,

It's statements like yours that bring a lump to my throat. :D

The selfless commitment our troops, from all 3 services, show and expect nothing in return. The nation needs to realise that is what we do.:ugh:

30mRad

[tutgby]

mutleyfour,

that is most probably the best single post i've seen on pprune so far...

i can only hope that others feel the same way.

tutgby

[merlinxx]

Niknak just found out his gums bleed every 28 days! as he talks like one!

[FayeDeck]

Nik Nak, I note 2 things;

1. You seem to have disappeared - no bad thing.

2. You are a total knob.

[Tigs2]

Mutleyfour

I am hugely proud to be a soldier and to do the job that I do, I am also hugely proud of the commitment made daily by our Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen and no matter what your feelings toward us, we will always have each other.

I feel sorry for Nik Nak, because your last bit sums it up. We have experienced something that he never will, and it will never leave us, it is called camaraderie. you don't get much better mates than those you are willing to go to war with.

Good post, stay safe:ok:

[Gainesy]

First episode is in packets on Youtube.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=c5uVUmXaFCM

[BEagle]

An excellent programme. Well done, Ross Kemp!

But, more importantly, this will bring home to the Great Unwashed quite what the chaps and chapesses out in the sandpit are going through...

And the sacrifices they all make.

Compare that 17-year young soldier to the slouching wasters you see infesting our inner cities....:ugh:

And Stavros, great to see you in the LHS of the Timmy! Didn't I tell you after that puddlejumper trip that you'd got what it takes? Good to see I was proved correct, mate!

Nik Nak, I've been trying to see something positive or constructive in your post. Unfortunately I have been unsuccessful....:rolleyes:

[Lou Stulewater]

Well i have served, seen plenty of action and although i don't necessarily agree with niknak he has a point.
A huge swathe of the public particularly the younger genration have no concept of the military nor any interest in what you do. Nor do they or will they care.

Having been heavily involved with the Falklands i have attended the various functions last year. Wont be doing it again. Full of teary middle aged men reminising about how they deal with the aftermath of war while forgetting the fact that they did bugger all but sit around and whinge.The more the remf the more the tears.Alien world to me now as you are to the rest of the nation.

You are fighting an obscure war for a crooked govt. Apart from the usual suspects no one really gives a ****.
Your stories have nothing that the youth recognise or can relate to outside of movies. Maybe this programme will help. Dont hold you're breath.See sentence two.

[mutleyfour]

Lou

I for one am alarmed at the ease in which young men and women today can stab or beat an individual to death regardless of circumstance. The concept of how we used to live has long deteriorated and lack of respect across the board is paramount.

I have great sympathy for the emergency services as a whole, ambulances cannot turn up in some areas without police escort and stab vests. Police can no longer walk the beat in a great deal of inner city sanctuaries and criminals seem to have more rights than the victims they have caused duch misery to.

The country seems to survive on a cocktail of drugs that even the 40's and 50's plus are involved with.

Nobody wants you to show any interest Lou, you may as well join the ranks of the don't cares! Turn a blind eye the next time you see an old lady being verbally abused, dont give up your seat for a more senior less abled person on the bus. Look at the pavement when walking the street for fear of upsetting anyone passing by.

So where am I going with this, well, its simple, the people you have no harmony with are doing something they feel is important and as I have said before are simply fulfilling the needs of you and I as instructed by the Government.

As for the Falklands veterans, I also said before that we have each other and we all of us have differing needs. I would suggest that maybe it was you that sat on your backside and whinged the war through and not those in tears.

[Liam Gallagher]

I have have served, but thankfully never saw action.

Put me down as one of the "usual suspects"; because I will always "give a ****" when British Servicemen/women see action. Whether it be you... him... or her over there.....

[Strictly Jungly]

Quote:
Having been heavily involved with the Falklands i have attended the various functions last year. Wont be doing it again. Full of teary middle aged men reminising about how they deal with the aftermath of war while forgetting the fact that they did bugger all but sit around and whinge.The more the remf the more the tears.Alien world to me now as you are to the rest of the nation.


Lou,
As one who went Down South in 82, I feel your comments are a crock of s**t. I don't wish to know what your contribution was in 82, now would I regale you with what I was up to at the time. Its irrelevant. As for the gathering at Horseguards Parade in June.......yes there were tears, but they were for those that didn't come back...something you wouldn't understand. I guess some did more than sit around and whinge!
Hope all is well in your alien world.......the service surely misses the like of you.
SJ

[Simmbob]

As a non military type and never likely to be at my tender age, this is probably the only type of thread I feel qualified to participate in.

Anyway, I think the vast majority of the U.K. population view the 'Forces' with admiration, the problem is most haven't a clue as to what you do.

This program is excellent in educating the great unwashed, myself included.
More of the same please.

Stay safe.

[Mr-AEO]

I have a friend on a front line Jungly squadron in Afghanistan. I was disappointed when he reported back that Ross Kemp was a total embuggerance, however he is entitled to his view. I thought I'd watch the programme and caught it on Sky 2 last night. I must say that I agree with all the positive comments made so far about Ross in both his empathy and understanding of military matters but also how the programme has yet again thrust the issue into the public domain.

As this commitment is due to be for 10 years, is there a risk that news from Afghanistan will become mundane? I believe there is, given the fickle society in which we live. This programme has brought a fresh prospective to the campaign and I applaud it. Lets hope that the TV people holding the purse strings to such documentaries don't lose interest and stop funding them in future.

As for Ross being an embuggerance, well maybe he was, maybe he wasn't, but the key point is still that he is doing a lot of good back here that might not be easy to appreciate/understand when sat in the sandpit.

PS - All I had was Kate Adie in GW1. She spent a night at our camp in the desert and after washing her smalls, hung them out on a line for the boys to see. Good girl:D

[airborne_artist]

All I had was Kate Adie in GW1. She spent a night at our camp in the desert and after washing her smalls, hung them out on a line for the boys to see. Good girl

Never really saw her as telly totty myself, but I guess after a few months sandy-side, even she might start to look good :\

[Mr-AEO]

But this was before we had females on our Sdqn front line! And, we were in Saudi where the local men all held hands and you rarely saw a woman under the age of 60!

I guess that the whole experience was akin to 'Beer Goggles' and the well known theory of how women look better after each pint!:}

[Lou Stulewater]

Mutley,
I dont see how you equate my civic morals or responsibilty to this thread.

I dont think that the forces should be fighting a war for labour. Equally I am ambivelant to their predicament contractually as a profession but not as people. As people I have great respect for the talents in our forces.

The bottom line is that your world and society is more and more removed from the civilian world and an unfortunate side effect of that is apathy and disinterest. Not a dig just a fact. If you take offence at that then you are locked in a world of self justification.

Strictly Jungley.
It is not possible to grieve for someone you dont or didnt know, only empathsie. I saw many men in tears on that parade. Why im not sure. They didnt know the dead, nor did they have traumaic experiences,they were just part of a campaign.
It was all part of middle aged mauldling. Show respect and empathy but not all blubbing away a la Pincess Di hysteria.

It was a good day out but lets keep it in perspective.

[mutleyfour]

Lou

I am not qualified in the world of counselling but I would suggest you might need some, and definitely more than those able to weep might for you seem to be in denial.

Wasnt having a direct dig at you about morals but merely stating that there is still a feeling (seems common in the Armed Forces) that people can make a difference.

Its odd but I usually get a train home and tonight decided for the first time to wear my uniform, why? Who knows? I guess I am becoming tired of pretending to be a civvy, something it is now obvious I am not!

[Lou Stulewater]

Mutley,
To have a different perspective or opinion does not require counselling.

I did not create the situation only pointing it out.

I dont do weepy nor do I like the divide.

You would not have to court the country's respect if the govt showed you some. It would come as national reaction. just like the states.

I used to travel in uniform, more should. It would be the start of reversing the alienisation i mentioned before.

I am able to seperate my emotion , false or otherwise from my personnal gestures to indivduals like holding an eludeid bzz flight until the herc arrived. 2 hrs 55 discretion, programme fecked, tea with hat no buscuits for me. That was my personnal gesture to the poor buggers going on leave because I know what a ****hole is is real time.

I still dont suscribe to organised weeping or gratitude. The reality is far removed and in the majority and has to evolve back.

[PTC REMF]

have a friend on a front line Jungly squadron in Afghanistan. I was disappointed when he reported back that Ross Kemp was a total embuggerance, however he is entitled to his view.

I was in theatre when Ross kemp was there last year , didn't remember seeing any Junglies though?

[Mr-AEO]

I only have his word for it matey. (Has on occasions been known to be a bit of a b$$s%%%r) !

Incidentally, when was the documentary filmed? The Mk4's were in country after summer if I recall correctly.

[Strictly Jungly]

Lou,
Quite frankly I find you and your misguided comments obnoxious! How dare you assume that some were grieving and remembering people that they didn't know. Grieving is very personal. Princess Di Hysteria? You insult people who were there. How the **** do you claim to know what they did or didn't experience?
You are a buffoon! Who as somebody has already stated needs counselling, at the very least, but you would possibly think that is below you.
Do us all a favour..............keep your moronic comments to yourself.


"It was a good day out but lets keep it in perspective. "

You worthless piece of ......................

SJ

[tablet_eraser]

Hmm. What to say...

I'm very proud to be able to wear the uniform of an RAF officer every day I go to work. Although I've been denied the opportunity to serve OOA, despite repeated requests, I believe that every day I do something positive to defend my country. And that gives me a buzz.

I'm proud to be able to serve, even though millions of people don't care about me or why I do what I do. I'm proud that even though my career matters c0ck-all to my desk officer, I still feel that I'm making a difference.

I'm gutted that I've lost friends in the sandpits. I'm heartily disgusted at the way the govt treats HM Armed Forces. And I'm irritated that little is done to educate the public about what we do, day in, day out, without asking for any reward other than knowing that we're doing a good thing. Whatever people think of Ross Kemp, he should be thanked for enduring what our chaps are enduring, because it's showing people back home the hellishness of life in Afghanistan for a British soldier.

Everyone in the Armed Forces - and outside - has opinions about what we do. I'm happy to be able to voice an informed opinion; others might want to reconsider saying anything before they know the facts; some might even consider staying quiet altogether. But no matter what their opinion is, they are all lucky to live in a country where their freedom of speech is defended heartily by the Armed Forces.

And, you know what? That's what I'm proudest of. That every day I go to work to defend our rights; I might not agree with some of the posters here, but I'm proud to be able to serve them selflessly and without question, because that's what I've wanted to do since I was a boy. I wonder whether they have such satisfaction in life.

And what pi$$es me off the most? That the only way I can earn a decent living and have a shot at advancing in life is by leaving the RAF. But whatever happens to me post-PVR, I'll take with me the mindset, respect and discipline that I've learned as a Serving officer of the finest Air Force in the world; and, by God, I'll be a good citizen and ever-thankful for the selflessly hard work, dedication and sacrifice of our Armed Forces.

[Radar66]

As a civilian I watched the programme with avid interest, along with a fellow ppruner (who's in the forces) who was able to answer my 'stupid' questions on various points raised that I didn't understand.

Like many on Civvy Street, I too have friends serving out there, both in and out of the forces, and it was certainly an eye opener to me to see (as it were) with my own eyes their previous stories brought to life through a visual medium.

Like Ross Kemp, I was also shocked at the change in the 18yr old boy after a matter of weeks - brings to mind the adage of 'go out a boy, return a man'.

I've seen a few of Ross Kemp's 'gang' programmes and he continues to go up in my estimation.

Am presently looking forwards to next Monday's episode.

:ok:

[BigEndBob]

http://www.docs4you.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=10046

[mutleyfour]

Bigendbob

Whatever that link is, it just asks for me to register?

[Lima Juliet]

On a lighter note. When is Phil going to join Grant in "The Mitchell Brothers versus the Taliban" :}

LJ

[TheNightOwl]

Is there really much point in getting upset by Nik Nak, et al?

Recognition of the work done by HM Forces wasn't appreciated during my time in the Mob, (Simtech, 1961 - 1983), why do we expect today to be any different?

My last experience was just before leaving Lossie (lived in MQ in Elgin) when a civvie neighbour informed me that the only reason I wore a uniform was ..."because you couldn't hold down a real job in civvie street".

Rather than snot him there and then, I took him to the Jag Sim Centre one evening and showed him what we were about, then strapped him in and sent him aloft, for a VERY short time.
Next step was to get a real pilot in the box for a demo...exit one very chastened civvie with a renewed appreciation of what went into permitting him to sleep soundly at night.

Really, the people who need to know how to appreciate the Forces already do so, why allow the others to upset your equilibrium? You all know how needed you all are, we ex-service all know, who else matters?

Kind regards,

TheNightOwl.

[BigEndBob]

Multyfour..sorry should have hadded a bit..
Register, then it links to a rapidshare download of 1st program.
But see someone has a link to Youtube so probably easier to view, although the docs4you will be better quality.

[Lou Stulewater]

Jungly,
I havent insulted people who were there. I am critical of the teary crap middle aged men indulge in when they have no reason too apart from being nostalgic middle aged men . Unfortunately they are being nostalgic about other peoples achievements. When I see a remf clerk in the RE crying over hs memories of Goose green when he wasnt even there I cringe at the bandwagon bullsh1t Im witnessing. The less warry and soldierlike the person was in 1982 the more nostalgic they are.Crap hats is the vernacular I believe.
I served in NI 3 times , FI and went on to work as a contractor in Africa for three years. I should be bursting into tears everytime Im ordered..bollocks
I know what they went thru because I was right next to them throughout the campaign. I know they were caught up in institutionalised middleaged grief because I was again right next to them on the parade. The second one I was on , the first being in 1982. So you see I do know what Im talking about.
Quite frankly I find your institutionalised attitude quite obnoxious.
Try thinking for yourself intead of a mass organism.

Like me you are probably mil or ex mil but unlike me you are probably not a sucessful airline pilot after a career of hands on guns. So who is the one who needs the counseling. Ive moved on You clearly havent.
PS just read your profile RN. A bit less crying and a bit more marching practice and well be getting somewhere.

[GPMG]

Crikey, first Like Minded and now this simpleton, does this forum have an ignore funtion? These idiots seem to come in waves.

I don't feel that I am at a sufficient career level to read the posts of a 'sucessful airline pilot'. I probably wouldnt understand such a 'great man'.

All I can see are the ramblings of a pompous troll, so i must be missing something here.

[Gainesy]

does this forum have an ignore funtion?

Probably comes under the "Thread Tools" caption.

[lancs]

does this forum have an ignore funtion?Go to user CP towards the top left, on the next page look towards the bottom of the left hand option list for "Buddy / Ignore Lists"...

From the FAQ: What are the buddy and ignore lists? (http://www.pprune.org/forums/faq.php?faq=vb_user_maintain#faq_vb_buddy_explain)

[Strictly Jungly]

Lou,
Forgive me, I didn't realise that I was in the presence of such greatness!
A successful airline pilot indeed.............. you mean a glorified bus driver!
I couldn't give a monkeys what you did then or subsequently. Your comments are, and remain, offensive.

"It was a good day out but lets keep it in perspective. "

How galling, one would hope you wouldn't extend that particular view to all Rememberance Parades.

"Quite frankly I find your institutionalised attitude quite obnoxious.
Try thinking for yourself intead of a mass organism."

When the Airline tires of you, you should become a stand-up comedian......I would give you 2 minutes at the most.

Hopefully we will never meet, I couldnt bear the thought of my life, amongst many others, being in your hands! I mean such a cynical, narrow-minded pi55-pot juggler like yourself in charge of any kind of airframe is more frightening than, well you get the gist.

Enjoy flying with Buddy Holly Airlines.

I seriously pity you.
End of Transmission.
SJ

[Like-minded]

Lou has a point. The real warriors may reminisce, but we do it laughing at remembered mistakes while only the hangers-on reminisce as if they regret never having been in the action in those days. Save the tears, our comrades are in a better place.

Remember most of you work for me miles behind my contrails. You polish my throttle, buff my knobs, hang pods and bombs on my plane and give me a smart boy scout salute as I prepare to blast off into the blue yonder. I am the point man. So what do you know about war?

Who here has returned with green foliage snagged on the wheel well? Who here has plummetted behind a bandit trailing blue afterburner, twisting and rolling like a viper? Who here has nursed a riddled, flapping comrade back to base, quietly crooning Avril Lagne over the intercom to calm your 22-year-old blonde wingman?

War, nothing like it, but it's not the main part of soldiering.

[GPMG]

LM............F**k Off.
You pre pubescent rubbish isn't worthy of a Xbox forum yet alone here. I had hoped that you had died of embarrasement after your comments regarding Canadian KIA's.

Hopefully the admin can clear you of your debt to this forum.

[Like-minded]

What are you doing at Sandhurst, milking the ponies? Are you better than the udders here?

[Fg Off Max Stout]

Particularly at this point in time, most servicemen will have had a friend or colleague and possibly several acquaintances who have been killed on ops and many will have been involved in the repatriation process. Any emotion felt by those left behind and ridiculed by the trolls of this thread, is most likely genuine and it is downright offensive and ignorant to suggest that it is some sort of 'Diana effect'.

How dare you tell me how I should react when I hear of another fatal aircraft crash involving someone I know. How dare you tell me what emotions I should feel when I see another Union Jack draped coffin being carried across the tarmac.

If you do not get a lump in your throat when you hear the last post, or watch yet another repatriation ceremony then in my opinion, you lack the humanity and comprehension of sacrifice that all people should possess and should be second nature for all service personnel.



LM, get back to Microsoft Flight Sim, there's a good lad. If you are legally an adult, you are an obnoxious idiot. You are just the type of person that SH crewmen like to make mugs of tea for.
Remember most of you work for me miles behind my contrails. You polish my throttle, buff my knobs, hang pods and bombs on my plane and give me a smart boy scout salute as I prepare to blast off into the blue yonder. I am the point man. So what do you know about war?
Try going into the engineers' crewroom and saying that - see how you get on. That's if mummy let's you out of the house alone, and it doesn't conflict with the terms of your ASBO.



Lou, If you have ever actually served I shall be amazed. If you are that dispassionate you are not fit to command anyone. 'Another body bag - never mind, eh? All part of his contractual obligations. Next'. If you had served in any meaningful way I think you'd know better. Still, don't let that stop you spinning dits to your 'highly successful' airline colleagues.

[StopStart]

Brilliant! Some proper fruitcakery going on in here today :D

Generally speaking I'd be hard pushed to give less of a toss, really, about what Joe Public thinks about me and what I do. I would like to think they would recognise the sacrifice of those that come back in boxes or horribly injured and I would like to think that perhaps society would look after these people and their families and not treat them like crap.

That said, as I long as I keep coming back in one piece I expect nothing from Joe P and, to paraphrase Frank N Furter, I recieve it in abundance. Not bothered. I get paid a healthy wage, get to fly about and generally do cool sh*t. I joined the military 18 years ago fully aware of how it all worked. People may not particularly care that we in the Military don't get looked after terribly well just in the same way that I don't particularly care that Policemen want more pay or that X hundred people have been made redundant by XYZ Airline. Sign of the times I guess.

What does grip my sh*t however is being lied to and mistreated/misused by the Government that sends us off on our jolly little forays. Give us the kit to do the job or don't ask to do the job. Simple enough really.

LM - fishing exped. Nice - catch anything? Netfull by the look of it

Lou - Not sure what you're on, funny though. Can sympathise with you to a certain extent about the "Liverpool effect" (grieving and weeping for people they've never met or seen - to wit, the day of Liverpudlian mourning over Ken Bigley) but I think you're being a little harsh judging people whom you don't actually know. As for your having defeated the Argie Army single handedly and then having become Britain's number one airline pilot, racing car driver and astronaut - puuuurrrlease..... :hmm: Let it go man....

[Lou Stulewater]

Stop start,
I only mentioned the war and the airline. Who told you about my racing career or occaisional forays to orbit.

Your liverpool analogy and reference to the govt has hit the nail on the head.
Still some people are so "grieved up" they cant reason
Now i will move on thanks for the counseling guys.
Its been fun.
To the good guys be safe.
Jungly..."end of transmission" wtf is that. Have you got baggy green skin and black shiney feet as well? Muppet:E
The civilian world will try to muddle thru until you stop crying and get out to put us right.

[anotherthing]

I'd be interested to hear from one of the Mods re Like (or is that Simple) Minded and Lou Backwater - could you look up the IP address and see if it is one and the same person?

If not, then two villages are currently missing their idiot. Internet cafes should be banned in small towns.

Lou - you must have had an interesting and awe inspiring military career if your message to a member of the RN is:

A bit less crying and a bit more marching practice and well be getting somewhere.. Did you ever manage to get off the parade ground?

As for a successful career as an airline pilot, all I can do is re-iterate Strictly Jungly's comment
.....you mean a glorified bus driver!


I'm ex-forces (RN as it happens), never thought I was special when I was in, and I don't think that members of the AF today think that they are special. However they do deserve our respect.

If you served (which I seriously doubt), you must be blind not to see that our forces today are seriously overstretched in comparison to days of old, fighting a type of war in several theatres that you should have a little bit of appreciation for, as you claim to have served in NI 3 times (as a drill instructor perhaps?), although NI is probably nothing compared to fighting terrorists who are happy to commit suicide in their quest.

I defy any real member or ex member of the Forces who does not feel some emotion when they witness parades etc. It's not about tears, but there is some emotion... unless you are such a hardened steely killing machine that it washes over you.

It has nothing to do with "Princess Diana hysteria" (I personally think that in that instance it is a hysteria), it's about an appreciation of a shared experience, whether that be having served and taken part in a conflict, or merely (!) having been proud to have served in the Armed Forces.

Anyhoo, it's probably a waste of time typing this as it's 1850, must be bedtime for you... we'll let you get back to your computer games as from your posts you indicate that you have progressed from Medal of Honour (retired with honours) and now play MS Flight Sim.

Happy landings old chap, keep an eye on those Ts and Ps as your auto pilot does the work ;)

[gar170]

sorry to butt in on all the ego trips but i thought that "Ross Kemp in Afghan" was pretty good.
Best comment i heard was "lane 12 5 no actually 18 pass, SAS my Arse".

[chappie]

right i have read enough.

what can i say??? plenty...but will refrain...ish!:}

oooh get you lou...a successful airline pilot eh?! what do you want? a pat on the back? who says you're successful..you? well, if that is the case i would say i personally would be sh*****g myself if i was on your plane as you seem to think that you are right in your "opinions" and my god you are sooo wrong, so if you think you are a successful pilot then get out quick is all i would say to your passengers! you are clearly wrong on your interpretations of what you see, so it's fair to say successful is not a word that i would apply to you. i do have plenty :mad: :mad:.

i do not want to stoop to your level. what on earth has your civvie street job got to do with your right to be so dis respectful to those who serve and those who grieve? i am a nurse in a neuro itu, but that makes me no better than the person who empties my bins, i do not allow that to be the reason why i am right in my opinions. that does not dis regard others opinions. i do not look at others who serve in the same environment that i do and decide that i have experienced the same as them and their reactions are wrong.
an interesting concept you may wish to consider. everyone is an individual. everyone feels differently, reacts differently and thank god for that. we may all experience the same thing but we will all take something different from that experience, so while i am trying to widen that narrow mind of yours i have another suggestion for you. get yourself to the opticians as your short sightedness is certainly very disabling it's fair to say!:E

[chappie]

another thing, not that you'd give a sh**, on wenesday it will be the anniversary of my brothers death. he was killed when the herc was brought down in iraq . i had to find out from the news, stop my daughters birthday celebrations, call my mum and dad and tell them and then wait for the knock on the door after watching the new for 10 hours while trying to glean something that would tell me it wasn't him. i had to ring the station to try and get info i had to stand in the room that he would have stood in as his last moments in this country as i waited for the plane that would hold his body came into land. i have had to carry myself through this terrible time in my life with as much dignity as i can muster though all i want to do is cry. i have looked at the faces of those who served that day at the repatriation ceremony, the people who lined the streets as we left, the faces at the funeral, the memorial services. they have felt it to, they have a right to their feelings, are they wrong in their feelings? not that you are clearly able to feel that is very apparent. but for god's sake man have some respect. all because you might react or feel differently does not mean that we are wrong to act and feel the way that we do. am i wrong in how i grieve? go on answer that? then you can come to my house spend a day in my shoes and see what i go through and what i am dreading. i want to be able to think of that day as my daughters birthday not the day that i lost my brother. i guess i am not being dignified now, and no doubt you'll interpret this as me jumping up and down going ooh look at me, but i am not, i am simply trying to get you to reconsider the effect of your acidic comments.

[mikeyk01]

I hope nik nak remembers his commnets if he ever finds his way of life, freedom or rights threatened cos to many people decided to leave the forces cos of coments like that from muppets.

[RAFEmployee]

Why isit that when people post something interesting, others decide to turn threads into utter tripe?

[Tigs2]

Chappie
thoughts with you and the rest for Wednesday.

Lou
as it appears you have crawled back in to your hole, do us all a favour eh, stay there!

[minigundiplomat]

Brilliant 2nd episode.

2 rpg's turned into 5, then by the time he met up with the rest of the COY, it was 7! Love to go fishing with him. Otherwise, a good piece of journalism.

[Tigs2]

sadly i have got Virgin and cannot get Sky, however i have the Skyman coming tomorrow to rectify the situation. i am just waiting for one of those bona blokes to upload it to youtube, and next week i am in business.

[Bob Viking]

I was going to post something sooner, but feared this was the wrong thread (what with the ridiculous comments seen earlier). I also didn't want to start my own thread this time for fear of being called a sycophant!

I just want to go on record right here and now by saying that our troops are frickin' awesome. Say what you like about the government that sent them there in the first place, but I know who I'd want looking out for me when the sh1t hit the fan! What an amazing bunch of guys. Ross Kemp didn't do too badly either. For a civvie!

While we're on the subject, I must also tip my hat to the helo and multi guys involved in such matters. Despite what you may glean from the banter on this site, I can assure you that us fast jet jockeys (this one at least) are only too aware of the dangers you face on a daily basis and I have to say that I'm impressed with the way you handle yourselves.

So, in summary, a big pat on the back to all involved. Not least to Mr Kemp for bringing the conflict into the public domain with some of the best 'action' footage available outside of youtube!
Let's hope this thread doesn't start back down the slippery slope again!
BV:ok:

[thunderbird7]

For all those of you posting on 'Ross Kemp in Afghanistan', how very dare you for creeping this thread back to its title. Its much more interesting reading the ego trip ping pong going on above! :rolleyes::}:rolleyes:

[Tigs2]

Just watched episode 2 on youtube. Fantastic stuff. I think Mr Kemp will end up with one of those TV award thingies for this. He has kahunnas thats for sure (as i might add does the guy behind the camera)

[Chugalug2]

Totally agree with you Tigs. I've never seen such 'live' action on TV, including the filmed stuff from Vietnam. Respect to RK and crew, and of course to the long suffering guys who were his hosts. They may have felt him to be a pain at times, under those conditions any passengers are liabilities, but they hid their feelings pretty well, and how else can 'disgusted of Tunbridge Wells' see what is being done in his name? If he doesn't agree with it he must surely respect the PBI who have to face such a determined foe whether they wish to or not. Pity it is not going out on a terrestrial channel. Every one who sends in a Tax Return should get a copy in exchange!

[Culio]

I found the documentary to be excellent and extremely down to earth. It showed it how it is, and it delivers the emotion brilliantly.

[Pops556]

I find the televised commentary more revealing than the scripted stuff between shots. He's a bit stale when overdubbing as compared to when he does his stuff to camera. That's adrenaline for you! It's noteworthy that he went out there with his father's old regiment; like a pad-brat's version of 'who do you think you are'.

On the issue of educating the public. Perhaps a first, faltering step might be to run repeats of the BFBS Reports slots immediately following the national news?

[Twon]

I think some have been a little harsh towards Lou; he does have a point that today's society does tend to respond to any element of human crisis with a mass outburst of grieving/hysteria and the like.

However, what Lou possibly fails to realise (and has already been mentioned at least once) is that REMFs like myself are invariably invovled in the repatriation ceremonies. The effect this often has on servicemen, given our camaraderie, is that we relate the event to our own lives and families as well as imagine the grief of the deceased's family. I would argue that our unique understanding of the hardship of an OOA, coupled with the inherent risks, prompts tears on the part of many servicemen.

I will freely admit only vaguely knowing one person to die on operations but I will always have a manly tear in my eye on remembrance day as I reflect on those who have lost their lives. However, my tears are usually for those left behind as I can only try to imagine what my wife would feel if my name was added to the every-growing list.

Slightly more on topic, I have seen the first 2 episodes and found that my knowledge has definately increased. Well done to Mr Kemp.

[P-T-Gamekeeper]

Sat down and watched the first 2 episodes with the missus, and we both agreed the crew did a great job of bringing the reality of Helmland to Joe Public.

I think the fact that he was with his dads old regiment gave him some resonance with the young lads, and they trusted him.

P.S. As an ex truckie Glorified bus driver, and current overpaid civvie glorified bus driver, I hope Lou S doesnt work for my outfit, as he seems a complete tool.

NikNak just reminded me why I havent posted on Pprune for 2 years
:ugh:

Regards to all who know me in Wilts.

P.P.S Come on in, the water's lovely:ok:

[StopStart]

Bet you've peed in it tho.....

:)

[Seldomfitforpurpose]

"Bet you've peed in it tho....."

Only if his bag has split...........bet he still drinks like a girl as well :E

[Talking Radalt]

Quote:
have a friend on a front line Jungly squadron in Afghanistan. I was disappointed when he reported back that Ross Kemp was a total embuggerance, however he is entitled to his view.

I was in theatre when Ross kemp was there last year , didn't remember seeing any Junglies though?
Think they (finally) arrived during his time out there and were themselves a bit of an embuggerance to begin with too, but I, like your friend, am entitled to my view. :p
Never really liked RK due in no small part to the utter waste of tv airtime called "Eastenders". His trip East has changed my view though. Fair play to the bloke for putting his money where his gob is and getting his size 9s on the ground.:ok:

Oh and NikNak.........fcuk off........tw@t.

[Samuel]

What an interesting thread, with the usual incisive posters, Tigs etc, you all know who you are.

Then there's NikNak, who presumes to post on a topic he clearly knows nothing at all about and therefore cannot possibly understand the mutual sense of pride and selflessness that exist in the military; all arms. He doesn't understand the enormously high standards and the determination not to let anyone down, and to carry on doing it despite lack-lustre support of the politicians who sent you to do their bidding. You nevertheless accept that because it's what you do, and you're far more of a professional than people such as he could ever be. That very selflessness, pride, mutual respect, are not easily understood concepts to people who have never experienced them, and will never experience them.

That's his loss.

[Phil_R]

Ross Kemp was a total embuggerance


In defence of my TV industry colleagues, all I can say is that shooting fly-on-the-wall documentaries is inevitably subject to the broader terms of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle - you can't observe something without affecting it. Most crews, especially in these sorts of circumstances, will be extremely aware that they are fundamentally an embuggerance and will bend over backwards to minimise it as much as they can.

Obviously I've no idea what specific issues anyone may have had with the team on this one but there is inevitably a certain amount of inconvenience involved - if you want it seen, you just have to put up with it.

[minigundiplomat]

have a friend on a front line Jungly squadron in Afghanistan. I was disappointed when he reported back that Ross Kemp was a total embuggerance, however he is entitled to his view.

I was in theatre when Ross kemp was there last year , didn't remember seeing any Junglies though? Think they (finally) arrived during his time out there


No, your friend is bullsh!tting. I left theatre just before the RIP, and there was still no sign of the Junglies.
I can't see how RK could be an embuggerance to a RN crew with their non-existant helicopter.

Hi Phil

MGD

[sapper378]

just had to comment after reading so many fine words and sentiments.
It is a fair time since I was in harms way, and the general public didn't care to much then either.
Well done Mr kemp for being there and listening.
Nik Nak...... We are special because we choose to keep you safe.
I have been both, serviceman and civilian. I now refer to myself as a retired serviceman, I will never be a civilian!!! To55er.

[fawkes]

Phil R - Spot on. In an earlier fracas we always knew that seeing Kate Adie was a sure sign that the doodah was about to hit the fan. What we didn't have was the empirical evidence or the control sample to prove that she was actually the cause...

As to emotion, it was Donne who wrote "no man is an island: every man's death diminishes me". I can assue you that the wider "family" of defence including "REMFs"* civil serpents and contractors from the defence industry dwell a pause at the news of the loss of a British Serviceman or woman.

Anyone who doesn't is frankly not fit the breathe the free air that is bought at such high a cost.

Full marks to alcon.

UK Armed forces: ordinary people doing extraordinary things against exceptional odds.

(*- "REMF" is like "N*gg*r": the simple use of the word indicates a mindlessness which is probably beyond cure. For a proper understanding of the relationship between front line and support, cf F1. Lewis Hamilton impresses the socks off me not by driving quickly, or being successful at a young age, but by acknowledging that his sport is a team effort. A bit like warfare...)

Edited for rubbish typign

[everynowandthen]

I met Mr Kemp a couple of weekends ago. Was standing outside a restaurant having a fag & he scrounged a light,so we got chatting. I was certainly a bit minging & think he may have been too. Just like to say he was a thoroughly likeable, normal bloke & I had no hesitation in thanking him for bringing a viewpoint of what's going on over there into our living rooms. Hopefully this will make people far more aware & therefore thankful for what everyone in Afghanistan (& therefore by default Iraq) is going through. I'd also like to take my hat off to him for actually doing the job. His training & preparation, both physical & mental,was minimal by the standards of the people he was with. He was out there by choice so what he did must have taken a fair amount of cojones.
Maybe we should bring back Pathe news!

[Spam_UK]

Just watched the latest episode, and hats off to Ross Kemp.

Really moving series. :D:D:D:D

[splitbrain]

Yep. They should stick every MP in front of a TV and force them to watch this.

[Chugalug2]

They should stick every MP in front of a TV and force them to watch this.

IMHO they should stick every MP in front of the camera out there, a la Mr Kemp, and then they might be a little more reluctant to vote through NuLabour's wars and a little bit more ready to properly provide the wherewithal to fight them. Nice bon-mot in West Wing the other day; "The Republicans would like to have a big army but not send it anywhere, the Democrats want an army as small as possible but to send it everywhere!" On that basis I suspect the next General Election will offer the choice of ending up with a government that is Democrat or .... Democrat!
Bravo RK, another impressive piece. I suspect the toughest part was the scene with the dead soldier's mum, Taliban and Sandy Places not withstanding!

[Never Alert]

Just watched the latest episode and thought it was excellent. Certainly making me pay attention on IRT at the moment! :ooh:

Having read the Sky blurb for the next episode, I suspect it is going to blow the previous episodes out of the water.

Well Done Mr Kemp, a bloody top effort to bring the war home.:D

Browne & Brown can't massage this one away; everyone I know is watching it & Sky are, quite rightly, ramming it down the throats of their viewers during commercial breaks all week.

[mutleyfour]

Yes, the boy done good!

[Tigs2]

I have just read the synopsis for episodes 4 and 5. It looks like they will be tough, compelling viewing

[Dan D'air]

Sorry to be posting about this so late but niknak...... you are a complete to$$er. There is a huge difference between being a civvy and being in the mob, apart from the obvious restrictions on family and personal life, there aren't many other jobs where you can be killed just by going to work. Perhaps you might remember that whilst you are sat at home with other people fighting to keep you and yours safe in the blissful ignorance you have displayed so well.

Rant over, but God I'm annoyed.

[Winco]

Ah NikNak, that well known and worthless piece of %$^* who believes that people who risk their lives saving others are 'fools' . Now why don't you go back to your sad little life and sod off! I have yet to read a posting of yours that is anything other than total rubbish and nonesence, do try and grow up man.

'What comes across in many different posts on this forum, is that there are some posters who genuinely believe that thay are entitled to some sort of cult status because they are or have been, in the services.'

No, it's not a 'cult' thing at all, its called having a pride in the fact that we have been prepared to offer our services to the safety and protection of this nation and others. I am proud of having done that, as I'm sure most are. Unfortunately, it is probably something that you and many other civilians cannot understand. Perhaps had you done a stint in any of the services you might have been able to understand it.

'Sorry to disappoint you, but you're no better than anyone before you and you're certainly in position to judge the public opinion'

Wrong actually - most of us are a great deal better thank you! A point clearly proven by your outspoken, misguided and pathetic posts on PPrune. So NikNak, you take yourself off there's a good chap, find a nice big rock to slide under and quietly rot and leave these big boys forums to the big boys (and girls) of our armed forces.

The Winco

[rog747]

hi guys

im not in the mil but 1 was civil air!

i note that niknak never posted again
what a ghastly post he made

i really wanna watch the ross kemp series was it bbc or itv
can you download it ?>
i dont have sky

sorry to ask obvious questions but i have horrendous flu at the mo and my searching capabilites leave me boss eyed LOL!

cheers chaps
'wake up england'
our forces give 110% and in these dangerous times they are the most valueable asset we possess
we are gonna need them big time in the not too distant future methinks
sad to say but its all goin tits up in the world

[RAPA Pilot]

Lou, hope I never fly with you. CRM would be a nightmare you arrogent ****. Actually I dont think you are a pilot or have ever been to war. I hope you never meet me in a dark alley. Niknak is to be ignored.

I never really thought much of Ross Kemp.......I do now. Absoutely superb piece of Television. I was very lucky that I never went to war in my service life but my heart goes out to those lads. They are not fighting for Queen and Country, or the government but for each other. As a parent myself, I could not imagine the pain of losing your Son so far away from home in a war that has been forgotten by the British public and our Government.

I have a suggestion. Send all the low life drunks and druggies off to war and prehaps they will come back with some respect for human life.

[JimBobOReilly]

Hey you guys gotta check out this trailer for a parody for ross kemp on gangs,
its the shiznit:D:ok:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d66dok8UF1Y

[Wader2]

The bottom line is that your world and society is more and more removed from the civilian world and an unfortunate side effect of that is apathy and disinterest. Not a dig just a fact. If you take offence at that then you are locked in a world of self justification.

I would contend that this is a totally stupid comment. Britain today is not the Junkers' Germany of Bismarck.

We do not have an officer class nor a natural pool of licencious soldiery waiting for the Queen's shilling and the call to arms.

We have a citizenry that wishes to serve its country as a career. They are civilians. They volunteer. Many are rejected. Some are selected but they were still civilians first and will become civilians later, if they survive.

There is no 'your world' and a separate society although in some cities that may no longer be true. Many of the youth of today has the moral backbone to accept military discipline and let the military make men of them.

RK demonstrates just what right of passage they have to undertake.

[Roland Pulfrew]

D@mn

Most frustrating reading the comments on this topic. I don't have Sky!!! I hope that Sky sell it to one of the mainstream terrestrial channels or show it on one of the Freeview channels soon. Anyone know if it's going to be released on DVD?

And as for niknak, in the words of the great Flashheart - "What a kn0b!"

[BigEndBob]

Problem is the RK program will have no effect on the general public.
We all can imagine what conditions are like.
As for protecting us civilians by whats going on in Afghanistan, i'm more likely to get blown up by my Muslim neighbour cooking up something in his kitchen here in England.

[EyesFront]

I've been watching and been very impressed by the series. I've never seen Ross Kemp before so I'm not sure how he's qualified to present the programme but he's articulate and seems very genuine. My only teeeny-weeny concern as I watched last night was that the slick, pacy title sequence comes across as the start of an action movie, so viewers need to be reminded that they are watching real life, with real people in real danger. Ross Kemp does this very well, but at the end of the day he's a professional actor and/or celebrity, and I do wonder if some people (without close connections to the services) just watch it as another action movie. With the recent Commando series, you were always aware that they were filming real life - and they managed it without having to put a celebrity in front of the camera.

[diginagain]

Eyesfront - apart from his somewhat dodgy character acting in a popular soap, and a fictional special forces 'drama', RK has gained a reputation for presenting a realistic series of documentary programs on gangs (as in armed thugs) from the less salubrious parts of the World.

Good training for his current output, perhaps?

[moosemaster]

As yet another ex-Mil rather than "civvy", (although only recently ex), I was pleasantly surprised by RKs frank and honest assessment of his experiences.

I would never wish it on anyone, but I was glad to see that he was indeed crapp1ng himself while the proverbial was hitting the fan, and was not trying to make himself out as some Rambo type figure. This sort of TV can only be a good thing for the AF in which I am proud to have served.

I have not yet had chance to watch Ep3 as I am no longer resident in blighty, so have to rely on torrent sites for my UK TV 'fix'. I will hopefully download and watch it tonight. I stand by to be impressed further.


To chappie;

Although not in UK, rest assured that myself and my ex-Lye colleagues did remember your brother and his colleagues with a drink or two. I sincerely hope that you may, one day get your wish and celebrate your daughters birthday the way you want to.

Out of sight, but never forgotten.

[G-SPOTs Lost]

Humbling is all I can say. Makes mere civi's like me very frustrated to see great men like this - I wish I could do more - ideas anybody?

Other than stick £200 behind the bar of my local squaddy boozer

Young lad there earning £250 a week and getting shot at whilst his peers are claiming the same in benefits spraying graffiti and wearing hoodies

Its a crying shame that this isn't on BBC1 where more people would be watching it, cynically I suspect that many politicians are happier that its on Sky1.

Would just like to say that I wish all the lads over there the very best and for gods sake stay safe and for all those people who read this who are involved (or have been) in the provision of CAS for these lads - thanks very much.

[Talking Radalt]

As for protecting us civilians by whats going on in Afghanistan, i'm more likely to get blown up by my Muslim neighbour cooking up something in is kitchen here in England.
Kid yourself all you like, one is inevitably linked to the other all be it by a very long chain, as TB radio chatter* in Helmand will testify.

*In plain English with a Bradford or West Brum accent.:rolleyes:

[Cmn2644]

Well done Kemp :D - awesome show and the bar in the mess has never been so full on a Monday evening with people who have come to watch !! I know we all take the piss but he is out there unarmed and risking his life to make people in Britain more aware of what is happening out there.

For those who dont have SkyOne or have missed it, all three episodes are on YouTube !!

[Fortyodd2]

Thanks to Ross Kemp and Sky for putting it on screen and to Oddball71 for putting it on YouTube for those of us without Sky to see it. :D

[ComJam]

Wow, i've always thought NikNak was an ar$e, now i know he is!

As for RK on Sky, hats off to the guy, absolutely fantastic and un-missable TV. Seeing the guys watching the repatriation ceremony for a mate was one of the most moving things i've ever seen on TV.

Shame it isn't available on terrestrial telly as well.

[mutleyfour]

I attended the Repatriation ceremony in KAF of the 3 men killed in the CVRT incident in summer 1996 and it was very moving. A truly sad day and whilst I confess that I knew neither of them I was truly choked and struggle to understand how that sort of event would fail to move any normal human being.

I agree that showing the series on Sky only is a let down and would hope that either the BBC or ITV could show the series upon completion of its run on Sky.

[Vortex what...ouch!]

niknak and the other t1t, whatever his name is are just jealous as they're not half the men shown in this program and never will be. D1ckless walts trying to portray themselves as tough men and bask in the reflected glory of others. We all know the type, may well have served but never came into contact with anything more dangerous than a cookhouse fork. Talks a good war. :rolleyes:

As has been mentioned these fine programes are available on youtube but you do miss out on the fact they were shot in HD. So if you want to see them in high quality you can find them at mininova. For those who have no idea what I'm talking about google bit torrent.:D

[PPRuNe Pop]

Stop! STOP!!!! I can't stand it. :ugh:

I can't get it but it sounds great. I like Ross Kemp, who is doing more for the guys in harm's way than the government do. They should be ashamed.

:{:{

[November4]

Haven't got Sky but helpful people on YouTube enable me to watch it....links

Episode 1 Pt 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTrk6dM0IRA)

Pt 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MZR7J0aXAA)

Pt 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1lIqqNB5Es)

Pt 4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQlipaTy5Yo)

Pt 5 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLbPf-7ZJLM)

Pt 6 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynUI96uH_vQ)

Pt 7 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUDnhoM4QnE)

Episode 2 Pt 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2dzLvU59d0)

Pt 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dleMaQASBak)

Pt 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFs22FHIEk4)

Pt 4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aMZVPDuBnI)

Pt 5 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is79lnttojo)

Pt 6 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgQMkvZdZRs)

Episode 3 Pt 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptO_J4NEfOI)

Pt 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1J8jEepNnU)

Pt 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHBTcwGVO5M)

Pt 4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHZ393VlWfs)

Pt 5 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqSwG-hPHmg)

Pt 6 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08T67NV6_gY)

Pt 7 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7gnVo9duCM)

[Polikarpov]

Torrent files for XViD format (may require WinRAR extractor)

Part 1 (http://www.newtorrents.info/torrent/35031/Ross.Kemp.in.Afghanistan.Part.1.WS.PDTV.XviD-SFM.html)
Part 2 (http://www.newtorrents.info/torrent/35706/Ross.Kemp.in.Afghanistan.Part.2.HDTV.XviD-SFM.html)
Part 3 (http://www.newtorrents.info/torrent/36026/Ross.Kemp.in.Afghanistan.Part.3.HDTV.XviD-SFM.html)

Sorry if links break house rules, will remove if so.

[Shaft109]

RIP Pvt Grey. I noticed that his casevac was on "Above Enemy Lines" by the Chinhook crew.

[spanners123]

I noticed that too.


RIP Pvt Grey

[November4]

Pedant mode on....

Pvt is American
Pte is British

Pedent mode off.....

Sentiments Echoed- RIP All


Edited for spelling as pointed out below - can't spell but know ranks...

[mutleyfour]

Pedant mode on

Sentiments echod - RIP All

Echod is spelt Echoed

Pedant mode off

:}

[Bob Viking]

Pedant mode on:

I don't believe there was any need for a capital e at the start of echoed!

Pedant mode off.

God, Im funny. I could do this all day!

BV :}

[mutleyfour]

This could rapidly deteriorate into a pedantic thread.

:}

[artyhug]

Pedant mode on.

Funny you may be, unfortunately you are no master of written english

Im should have an apostrophe I'm as it represents I am.....

Pedant mode off

:cool:

[Bob Viking]

Busted.
I can't believe I failed to spot my own mistake. I was being so careful as well!
I shall hang my head in shame.
BV:(:}

[MightyGem]

Torrent files for XViD format
How does that work? All I get is a 5Kb file. Do I need some other software to download it?

[artyhug]

Try Googling 'Azureus'. Torrent management software which through Peer-to-Peer will use the small file to download the one you want.

I'd explain properly but I don't have a much more of an idea on the whole process. Black magic that gets you the shows you want!

[Tigs2]

Download Azureus (Azureus.com) then go to Isohunt.com From there you can search for and down load any movie/program in the universe including whatever movie came out yesterday as long as you don't mind watching it with someone's head in the way eating popcorn.


G Spots lost

What a nice post! Don't worry the hoodies earning all that money on benefits probably have sky as well.

November4
good effort mate well done!

[Ewan Whosearmy]

<pedant mode>

Neither, it appears, are you!

The ellipsis is written with only three full stops (...) not five, as was the case with your response to BV.

</pedant mode>

:}

[Tigs2]

pedant mode on

Ewan

Arty Hug is actually artyhug

pedant mode off
:}

[mutleyfour]

Oh how I love PPRUNE! :}

[artyhug]

Pedant mode reapplied for a moment

I never claimed to be, I is the recipient of wot the state school sistem does teach us.

Pedant mode firmly off

:rolleyes:

Mind you ellipsis at the end of a sentence should still be followed by a full stop, so we were both wrong....

:cool:

[Ewan Whosearmy]

Damn and damn again!

:)

[Ewan Whosearmy]

artyhug

I am fairly sure the ellipsis makes the full stop redundant :).

Enough pedantic behaviour from me for the day.

[Polikarpov]

How does that work? All I get is a 5Kb file. Do I need some other software to download it?

Yes, you will get a 5kb or thereabouts '.torrent' file. This is a file which essentially points to lots of other files (the combination of which is the programme you seek) and is readable by a bit torrent client, of which there are many (some have been mentioned on this thread already).

On the Mac, I use Transmission (http://www.transmissionbt.com), on Windows I'd use uTorrent (http://www.utorrent.com/download.php). Both are freebies.

Open up the .torrent file with your client of preference, and it'll construct the programme for you. Usually, the end result is a single .avi file which you can play on your computer with most media players (I use VLC (http://www.videolan.org/vlc/), which handles anything you throw at it).

Occasionally the .avi files come packed and you might need a .rar extractor (one here (http://www.unrarx.com/) for the Mac, one here (http://www.win-rar.com/download.html) for Windows) to unpack them, but the end result should be a single .avi file.

These days most DVD players seem to play DivX / XViD .avi files, so burning them to a DVD means you can watch them directly on your TV.

The above may sound like a bit of a hassle, but once you have the software installed and you've done it once or twice it becomes a doddle. For popular programmes, like the Ross Kemp one pleasingly seems to be, you can get incredibly fast downloads (the more people sharing, the faster it gets). The end result is also usually very watchable on a full size telly and much better quality than YouTube.

[Talking Radalt]

This could rapidly deteriorate into a pedantic thread.
Or it could deteriorate rapidly in to a pedantic thread.

[Chugalug2]

Polikarpov, thank you! I am a Sky subscriber, and could have videoed these three parts instead, but prefer to have them saved on my PC. Being among what is generally known as the technically unwashed I have laboured with your helpful posts until by some magic osmosis it suddenly all worked! Once the whole series is 'in the can' I probably won't bother to repeat the process, but these programmes are so good, and so indicative of what it is surely really like out there, that I am glad that I persisted. Whether others do likewise is for them, and if you want this post wiped Pop feel free, but with the thumbs up that Ross Kemp and crew have been accorded on this thread the least I could do is acknowledge Polikarpov's advice. :ok:

[Roland Pulfrew]

Chugs et al

Well I tried Azureus and uTorrent and couldn't get it to work Both said it was going to take something like 4 days to download episode 1!! Any suggestions?

[artyhug]

Persistence is the key, the speed of download depends on how many people sharing the file are online. Clearly that can be dependant on where in the world you are in relation to the time zones of those with the file.

It will often be an overnight job though.

[Chugalug2]

Roland, I think it said something to that effect in my case, but soon settled down to doing it in a few hours only. As long as the programme is running, ie 'dashed' (-) to the taskbar(?) it will continue to download while you do other stuff (like post here :)). Of course, like so much internet stuff it really requires broadband rather than dial up, I think. Even then I needed the RAR extractor download (40 day free trial)to run the video on VLC. Good luck, it is really worth the effort! :D

[Dan D'air]

Nik Nak, you have really pi$$ed me off. 18 years in the Andrew and you have tried to belittle everything I ever believed in and fought for.

I am not upset about the fact that you are such a :mad:ing muppet, what does pi$$ me off is that you live your life in such blissful ignorance that you can sit at home in Blightly blithely ignorant of the fact that men (and women) are dying to keep you safe.

May you live long and prosper in your Ivory (ATCO) Tower.

[November4]

I use Video Downloader (http://www.videodownloadx.com/) to save the files from YouTube. Very simple to use, copy the web address into the Download box, click download button and download. This saves the file as a .flv which is viewed using something a flv viewer eg GOMplayer.

Alternatively you have the option to convert to an avi which can be watched on using Windows. Must admit I haven't tried that as I watch them on GOMPlayer

All the links to the YouTube are in post #123

[MightyGem]

Thanks polikarpov,
Yes, you will get a 5kb or thereabouts '.torrent' file. This is a file which essentially points to lots of other files (the combination of which is the programme you seek) and is readable by a bit torrent client, of which there are many (some have been mentioned on this thread already).

On the Mac, I use Transmission,
That worked fine.

[Tigs2]

How Fecking good was that tonight??? Lots of emotion, and lots of payback.
Great reporting.:ok: This must go down as one of the best Mil series ever. Well done, Viking by name and Viking by nature:D:D:D:D

[mutleyfour]

I agree Tigs, it was also good to hear them all very much supportive of the Fast Air and the joys of war.

Good to see the old spirit of getting straight back on the horse with the Vikings and not a single groan amongst them, very professional bunch.

I hope this programme gets the recognition it deserves.

[Ewan Whosearmy]

And great to see the boys on the ground put the British press in their place about the blue-on-blue - what great character, courage and strength.

[GPMG]

Very impressed with what Ross kemp is conveying back to our screens.
Excellent battle footage, as I texted to my brother last night at the end of the programme, I wish I was still in.

That Javelin looks like a terrific bit of kit, how long have we had that?

[Thud_and_Blunder]

Would someone be kind enough to put up a link to a BitTorrent thread for this latest episode for us non-Dirty-Digger-funding oiks? TIA.

[Tigs2]

Thud

Oddball has been putting this on youtube. The first link is here you need to troll through for the others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7D8Pih1CHQ

[Chugalug2]

Just to add my twopenneth, bloody marvellous! Mr Kemp has become the best friend that the Armed Forces have now in my opinion. His empathy with the guys, personal modesty (and a lovey at that!!) and courage (and that goes for his sound and camera men) make him an absolute natural. None of Bell's holier than thou or Aidie's chippiness either. He is obviously proud of his Dad and his Regiment, and proud to share danger with them. I hope that he intends to do more of this in future, though Mrs Kemp(?) might have other ideas! The guys of course were as impressive as ever, their matter of fact manner in such hostile situations humbling. Respect!

[harrogate]

I hope that he intends to do more of this in future, though Mrs Kemp(?) might have other ideas!

Starter for ten...

Ross Kemp's wife = Rebekah Wade. Aka Editor of The Sun.

Look at hubby and learn, biyatch.

[November4]

Following on from post # 123 Episode 4 on YouTube thanks to MAVERICKxGB for those of us non-Sky people

Episode 4 Pt 1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a1vgyxbmn4)

Pt 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODIWBDNEMZI)

Pt 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otPaUUSuT1Q)

Pt 4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb_zGu4msfw)

Pt 5 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdDjjPL7Fek)

Pt 6 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgLQx3fh2-E)

Pt 7 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0hZh5O7wJk)

[Thud_and_Blunder]

Thanks Tigs - I did start watching the YouTube versions but was completely swayed by the full HD malarkey in the BitTorrent downloads. Fantastic quality (video as well as content).

[artyhug]

http://thepiratebay.org/tor/4023565/Ross.Kemp.in.Afghanistan.Part.4.HDTV.XviD-SFM

[Thud_and_Blunder]

Artyhug, brilliant, thank you. I'm now in the queue for my 360-plus megabananas, which with this connection should see me complete by the time Sky sell the series to terrestrial. Much appreciated.

[Polikarpov]

They're getting good these torrenters, no.4 also available in 720p Hi-Def (http://www.newtorrents.info/torrent/36503/Ross.Kemp.in.Afghanistan.Part.4.720p.HDTV.x264-SFM.html). Nice to see it getting so much attention! (warning: 720p = 1.1Gb)

[RobinXe]

Is this music or a film?

[artyhug]

Well now AIDU you could be right, however....

Not living in the UK I pretty much ignore most laws, plus of course hijacking a neighbours wireless network allows me to do what I want with impunity....:E

[harrogate]

Naughty naughty Artyhug. I bet you will be on the list to recieve an email

Please Google Dictionary :ugh:

[Tigs2]

yes it is sorry to say!!!

[Double Zero]

I have great respect for Ross Kemp - AND HIS CREW - they put themsleves in harms' way while most reporters reckon a sharp pencil a bit dodgy...

One slight thing, which I am sure was an editing cock-up, the footage of F-15E's was declared as " F-16's in for strafing attacks " - as I say I'm sure this was just editing,.

I think Mr. Kemp has plenty of technical knowledge - and he's honest enough to say that while having acted the SAS bit, in reality he was sh**t scared !

I would think an award is on it's way - to be shared with the Vikings.

[Tigs2]

I noticed the F-15/F-16 bit, but 95 % of the population would never have picked it up.

[mutleyfour]

I didnt notice but then I was watching for the fall of shot! :)

[Khaosai]

Hi,

mentioned this thread to my mate who is getting close to 22 years in the British marines. He and his buddies are glad that Mr Kemp is getting the message across.

He also extends an offer to niknak to join us all for a few beers in Plymouth, beginning of Aug this year, to mark his time spent serving his country. I expect a fairly quiet affair !!.

Rgds.

[roll_over]

You can get Ross Kemp in HD off rapidshare, usually much better than a torrent as you can max out your internet connection.

I wish the BBC 6 o'clock news would set aside 10 mins once a week to some headcam clips, would make even more people aware of what is going on!

[Auctionman]

Great Series

[Al R]

Good tv.

These links are for the first 3 episodes if anyone's interested. The final one shows Private Chris Gray's death in contact, which was also broadcast from a different perspective in the Chinook prog a few months back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5uVUmXaFCM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5uVUmXaFCM)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HYkoXoOtTE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HYkoXoOtTE)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzIj0YE5qqA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzIj0YE5qqA)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqi-j4NckSw (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqi-j4NckSw)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64gR6s5LzCc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64gR6s5LzCc)

2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=500d7eiPD4M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifz_bhZt8Iw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byiGFusz8SY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ghq8Ld1FM4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ghq8Ld1FM4)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4NlB0pwxmE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4NlB0pwxmE)

3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8LdM6e_LPo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8LdM6e_LPo)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiM8pFG4d5E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiM8pFG4d5E)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmz3XLumfPU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmz3XLumfPU)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZpfCZFjFI8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZpfCZFjFI8)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kS7fzYsESI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kS7fzYsESI)

[November4]

Check #159 for Part 4 YouTube links (#123 for Parts 1 - 3)

[splitbrain]

On the soldiers of 1 Royal Anglian (and every other I would presume) Ross kemp stated...

"They aren't paid enough or appreciated enough"

Found myself spontaneously applauding the TV in my own front room...:D

[Spam_UK]

:D:D:D:D:D:D

Thought that was a brilliant series, very well presented, and incredibly moving. Ross Kemp did a fantastic job, reporting on a difficult subject, and getting the message across as strongly as he did, and of course praise to the guys on the ground doing a great job, day in, day out.

This should be broadcast on normal tv, and to the house of commons!!

Once again, well done to all (especially the poor bloke running with the camera)

Spam

[Pure Pursuit]

The final episode has just blown me away, absolute respect to each and every soldier on the ground out there.

Ross, a fantastic job out there, the public have seen it up close and personal. I just hope that the BBC get hold of the series sooner rather than later. :D

It may sound corny however, I'm due out in theatre soon & the Ross Kemp series has provided me with a great insight into what the Army are doing out there, more than enough motivation to make sure I do my best with my small part.

[Tiger_mate]

The really sad thing is that the series is preaching to the converted. Most viewers would have had respect for the guys n galls in field conditions anyway. The shocker was that it is almost WWI combat with bayonets and trenches rather then hi-tech. Award winning documentary and a shame that the MOD could not present Ross and his support crew with the appropriate medal for IMHO they deserve it.

It should be shown on terrestrial TV on a night when the other 4 stations has a power cut. Compulsive viewing.

"What do you remember about the (blue on blue) incident"

"I fell asleep in Afghanistan and woke up in Birmingham; and it looked the same"

Priceless.......

[Chugalug2]

Outstanding final episode to an outstanding series, dedicated to ALL members of the Armed Forces, "Ordinary people doing an extraordinary job", to which one can only say, Here Here!
They cannot afford self delusion, young as they are. "This is Northern Ireland again, tour after tour. We lost nine on this one, so after six you have to be lucky to come home without a scratch". Kemp calls for far more helicopters, especially for Casevac, more pay especially for the lower ranks, and condemns the need for the guys to buy insurance not provided for them by the MOD, to which one can only say, Here Here!
Well done Vikings you make us proud, and well done Ross and team for putting yourselves in harms way to such a degree. Thank you one and all, well done!
PS. Ross speaks about the series at:
http://www.skyone.co.uk/rosskemp/

[Wee Jock]

I haven't read all the previous posts but my friend's 22 year old son was killed in Afghanistan Feb 2007. Marine Ben Reddy RIP - a young life ended too soon.

[GPMG]

Excellent series, Ross and his team have managed something that many have not been able to do. They have given an accurate insight into what is going on in Afganistan.

I would hope that Ross Kemp and his team will be welcome in Mess's around the UK for many years to come.

[KiloB]

A tremendous final programme which said things which needed saying and showed things which needed seeing. To the Anglians, Ross & Crew - Respect.

It is about 30 years since I was involved in a similar Campaign and times change, but two things truck me very strongly about the events seen during the Series.

1 The accuracy of the 'fast air' bombing. We could only dream, but technology has moved on.

2 The total lack of any helicopter tactical support. (Trooping & Casavac doesn't count). Most of the last Programme concerned a preplanned action against an enemy in a known position. I would have expected Apache 'Top Cover' and the use of 'choppers' to place 'Stop Groups' etc, but nothing like this was seen.

Ross did make comment in his summary that more helicopters were needed, but you were left with the impression that he was talking faster Casavac times and easier inter-base movement. In terms of resources this is a long way off the coordinated 'Air Cavalry' concept you would expect of a modern army fighting this type of campaign.

Perhaps the threat environment is judged too risky for this concept, but I suspect the truth is that the British Goverment has left the Forces even further off the pace (in terms of resources) than is generally realised!

[AHQHI656SQN]

:D:D:D:D

Nuff Said!

[sapper]

Brilliant viewing and great credit to all.:D

Makes my time in the Oman & NI a teddy bears picnic in comparison.

spr

[tonker]

Although a fictional charachter i get the impression after watching the Ross Kemp programme that "Sharpe" and his men would fit straight in, and wonder in amazement that being an infantryman hasn't chaged one jot.

There isn't much fighting in the vale of York, but there is never a shortage of helicopters flying around here!:(

[Roland Pulfrew]

Anyone out there know if Sky are going to release this on DVD? Or if it is going to be shown on one of the terrestrial channels? I can't be bothered to remain online for days trying to download the programmes via uTorrent etc.

I do like the idea of one of the main 5 channels showing it and the other 4 suffering a temporary power black out or all of them showing it at the same time; that would be great:) But then I can't see the BBC supporting the Armed Forces in this manner.:(

[RETDPI]

Same as above -any chance of a DVD coming out?
Now OOC permanently (largely thanks to B.liar and his ilk) and not keen on watching pap, so no Sat: but this sounds different.

[Fire 'n' Forget]

Well done Ross Kemp and the soldiers of the 1st Anglian. :D

I believe that this series should be available to all, so this is a link to all 5 episodes.

http://www.youtube.com/profile_play_list?user=oddball71



Thx to oddball71 (youtube username) for the effort of uploading this.

He has also uploaded- Above Enemy Lines about 27sqn wokka's.

[Thud_and_Blunder]

Returning a favour I owe from the previous week:

http://thepiratebay.org/tor/4035161/Ross.Kemp.in.Afghanistan.Part.5.HDTV.XviD-SFM

...is the torrent link for the 353Mb final episode (I hope - mine hasn't started yet)

[Tigs2]

Roland
You dont have to spend hours with torrents. Just go to you tube and watch every single episode instantly in 8 min clips, by 'oddball' it is great , please do it!!

[lurkio]

RETDPI and anyone wanting the DVD, it is available for pre-order from Amazon. Release date 7th April '08.
I for one will be getting it.

[RETDPI]

Many thanks for the tip lurkio , I'll be ordering.

[Fortyodd2]

Lurkio,
Thanks for the heads up, I will also be ordering.
Many thanks also to Ross Kemp who, it appears, has done more for the Armed Forces in the last 5 weeks than the Government has in the last 10 years - especially in raising the awareness of the general public. It would be good to see this documentary, Mr Kemp and his camera/sound team pick up some prizes at the next TV awards shindig. :D

[Chugalug2]

T&B thanks for the link, Part 5 now downloaded and saved with the others, a BIT of a struggle but a TORRENT of thanks for all the advice and guidance to all who gave it. File sharing is added to all the rest of the mountain of education garnered by me from PPRuNe! An excellent series that I shall view often! Perhaps a question in the House of the SoS as to whether he too has viewed the series is called for, and to commend it to all Members.

[africa man]

As far as the DVD goes, you can also pre-order now on PLAY.COM

[brit bus driver]

Having been away on hols, have just watched the last two episodes of this quite brilliant series. This is doubtlessly echoed elsewhere in this thread but I doff my proverbial cap to Ross Kemp and his team for their insight, sensitivity with the families and sheer bloody balls for getting stuck in. As one shortly to depart the services this series has filled me with a great deal of pride in the job our young soldiers are doing - I just wish there was a way to make it comulsory viewing!

[Chugalug2]

The inestimable Mr Kemp is back for the second series "Return to Afghanistan". For those who missed it there are packeted bundles available to view on youtube, as with the first series. Episode 1 (broadcast on Sky1) can be viewed in packets 1-5. Links to them are at:
YouTube - Ross Kemp Return to Afghanistan (http://uk.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=Ross+Kemp+Return+to+Afghanistan)
If this episode is anything to go by, the second series promises to surpass the first if that is possible. Aviation content? How about the blast wave of a 500lb bomb momentarily stirring his calm? Respect to him, his film crew and above all his hosts!
Edited to add that the repeat is on tonight, Tuesday 02 Feb at 2300 hours on Sky 2 for those, like me, who keep Mr Murdoch in the style to which he is accustomed!

[November4]

Or as a Torrent (http://extratorrent.com/torrent/1716833/Ross+Kemp+Return+To+Afghanistan+Part1+WS+PDTV+XviD-REMAX.html)

[LEE BRITT]

Well said Sir :D

[Chugalug2]

Just watched another awe-inspiring Episode (2/5) tonight, Sunday, at 2200 on Sky1, presumably again to be repeated on Tuesday at 2300 on Sky2. No doubt youtube and torrent will come through for those tied to our National Broadcaster that chooses not to show the sharp end of a struggle as alien to its sensibilities as Carole Thatcher or Jeremy Clarkson. The obvious respect and empathy that Kemp has for these young men, so old beyond their years, is I hope reciprocated. I suspect that it is, I only know that this old BOF is so proud of our Armed Forces. So professional and so decent. Could I say the same about the rest of our society? Not really.

[KeepItTidy]

I just watch this program everytime with awe and amazement not only for Ross Kemp and his team doing there best to show us all whats its like there but to show the lads of the Army and the rest of the forces, what fantastic work they do , its not for the PM or politicians I just feel its for the good of being human and doing the right thing. I feel so proud and humble what they do and In this many years of sad losses in the British military there is shining light on the good they doing even though most of us dont agree. When i do my time out in the desert I always have respected the Grunts on Ground ,but this hammers home the whole team effort we all provide for them guys out there in ****sville getting paid crap wages.

[Chugalug2]

Weekly heads up for those able to watch this series on Sky: Part 3 is on Sky 1 tonight (Sunday 15/2) at 2200. As before youtube and torrent for those unable and/or wishing to download. Not many aircraft other than the ubiquitous Chinooks and occasional Apache to see, but evidence of the presence of others with the exceedingly and necessarily close arrival of their ordnance. Respect as ever to Kemp and his crew, and of course to the Scots (hope I got that bit right!).

[Chugalug2]

Well this series becomes more impressive with each episode IMHO. Just to undermine my previous post, part 3 features the Royal Irish and the Afghan National Army, whom they are mentoring. That disarming description is given to walking out from their forward base to meet and engage with a numerically far superior enemy for hours at a time. As Kemp himself acknowledged as "Pierre ze pilote" did some low passes in a show of force, aviation is the key to this war. The speed and accuracy with which support from artillery and air is provided is awesome. Immense heroism, particularly from the ANA who put their own spin on British technique, but mercifully the patrol returns without loss. More highly recommended than ever! Unfortunately it appears that the youtube posting has been pulled, so if you can possibly watch it tonight on Sky 2 do so!

[gar170]

Been watching this and doctors and nurses at war and i can see why channel 5 removed war zone it's a joke compared to these.
And no i am not taking anything away from the RAF Regiments work they deserve all the respect i am getting to the quality of the programme makers mind you this may have something to do with it.

RAF Reserves - RAF Halton No 7644 Squadron News (http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafreserves/squadrons/rafhaltonno7644squadronnews.cfm?storyid=82AB4BE1-1143-EC82-2E5E36AE416F723B&opener=main)

[Chugalug2]

A sombre final episode with the death of a Royal Marine and the challenge of surviving minus arms and legs for those injured. Ross Kemp makes an impassioned plea at the end for more troops on the ground, especially from other NATO countries and more pay for those that we send there. One guy said that his wife earns more than he does, working in a call centre. I don't know what is the more awesome task, shaming our allies or our own government!

[Ewan Whosearmy]

I have a massive amount of respect for Ross, and I think that the programme is great...

...but I was troubled to note in the last episode that he is actively attempting to influence the troops during combat.

On one occasion, he even told the TACP to cancel an F/A-18 stafing run because the pilot did not have eyes-on the friendly position.

I am not sure that a journalist should be attempting to tell a professional soldier how to do his job!

[Pure Pursuit]

Excellent series that topped the first.

I have no issues with Ross suggesting that the JTAC stopped the F18 from strafing danger close. The JTAC had already said that he had doubts as to whether the pilot had sufficient SA & as a member of the party that was danger close, I think Ross had as much right as anyone to speak up.


Ross Kemp O.B.E please!

[Regie Mental]

gar170 - I don't follow your reasoning, why does the link you posted explain the difference between War Zone and the other two series?

[XV277]

Ross Kemp O.B.E please!

Well, at the least he should never have to buy a beer in a garrison town again!

It would be ggod if the show could be broadcast on terrestial TV to let more people see what really goes on for the lads on the ground.