'As other posters have said, it may not be the same as it was, but those who were already serving when I joined up in 1984 had the same complaint. The opportunities are there for those who want them. I did most things I could get away with on the sport and AT front, others did nothing, and then whinged about not doing them. I travelled to places I had never thought of going (good places!) and saw so many things my non-serving mates could only dream of.'
This sums it up well.
There are young graduates where I am now in their first jobs - there are guys that have been there 40 years. I pity them sometimes if this is what they aspire to. None of them have had the experiences, solid 3 meals, roof over their head, med and dental, lows and highs that I enjoyed in 21 years...and all for a good living.
The ex-service guys all speak the same language. 'When-I's' they are not.
It is not the same now , and never will be again.
...but I would wear the 2 colours of uniform that I wore and would do the same again without question. It made me.
G