My best mate is a Marine Commando and he got back from a 6-7 month tour of Afghan last year, when I met up with him for a few beers after his return I asked him what it had been like, his reply;
"S&*t mate, the worst I've ever seen, lost some good friends and soldiers, was massively impressed with the Harriers though, they saved our asses loads."
I think I'll take the word of a front line Soldier over the clowns at the EDP any day of the week.