Actually Helengrad has relented and the chaps are allowed to take their nasty bang sticks with them this time, so long as they promise not to shoot off any dangerous and expensive ammo.
Maharey, or Mallard, or one of the other effeminate simpletons who pass for Cabinet Ministers here - can't be bothered remembering which - actually suggested, on TV, while addressing the troops prior to departure, that if faced with an armed or dangerous threat, they should respond by running away.
Truly mindboggling.