Having experienced the United States and their attitude to their Armed Forces and the way their Armed Forces Personnel deport themselves round the streets, I am glad that attitudes in this country are swinging the same way [thanks be to the media].
However, I feel that our servicemen should be punctillious in observing the dress rules - hats to be worn, uniforms clean and pressed, etc. That way the public will see that we take pride in our appearance and therefore in our Service.
I am afraid that a shabby uniform with a beret tucked into the epaulette and a fag dangling out of the corner of the mouth just doesn't cut it...