Vage shames us for not thinking about the squaddies on the ground. Thought I would post this from arrse, for the "squaddie" perspective. BTW they don't always like being referred to as squaddies, depends a lot on who is saying it.
Apologies for the fruity language.
"My points:
1. They should NOT have to fly ancient aircraft (VC10 - Nimrod - TriStar)
2. They should NOT have to fly aircraft that are POSSIBLY UNSAFE.
Can anyone imagine our revolting government supporting an airline proposing to go on flying 'dodgy' aircraft?
Penalties for the guys on the ground, but would a majority of our soldiers tell the RAF to go on flying the sodding old Nimrod? In jest, of course they would; but in reality most of the 'Tommies' I know would 'see to' the men ordering the sagging old beast to fly on.
Thanks Bliar, you cnut; thanks also to you 'Bottler' - will you take your next 'long-haul' journies in Nimrods? No, I thought not, you disgusting sh1t !"