Maybe the streaker was a Green Beret....

IIRC wimbledon is a perk of sorts, but, you have to use your own leave and sort out own accomodation if you are from units outside sufficient travelling time!!

so would you call it a perk???? i suppose if you 'LOVE' tennis then yes! but i would hazard a guess ('cause i never watch it!) that you would use a fair amount of leave up being there!!

regards

J6T

Never could understand the attraction of stewarding the general public around, seems a bit servile to me.

The guys get paid an allowance (about £60 per day) to work there. But they have to take leave and it only really works out in your favour if you can find somewhere cheap to stay locally.

like i say.... you would have to LOVE:p tennis:zzz: to do it!

A few years back, i stepped off the Tristar, into the relatively fresh, clean air of home, thinking wow i can't believe i'm back and back safely with nothing more than sunburn. I duly changed into some clean civvies, splash of Brut, and made my way for an onward connecting flight at Stansted. Only those who have been there know how comforting and almost surreal the feeling of being 'Back Home' is, nothing could get me down, including the heaving airport and half mile queue to check in.

I smiled at the pretty girl at the check in desk, (A sight for sore eyes, i can tell you ;) ), who promptly told me that my baggage was 4 kilos too heavy and i had to pay at, "the other desk over there"...."What, the one with the huge queue?"...."Yeah, thassit". Nice one, slapped back to reality...Firmly, Welcome home, (Maybe the Brut was a bad idea).

Conversely, i travelled to the US recently, got 50% off a swanky Miami hotel room, 10% and 20% off at various sport shops and even got up the Empire State Building for free.

I'm proud to be British, but God bless America!! ;)

sorry to hear of your 'mistreatment' by a member of the british public!! it all sort of echoes what's been posted in the last few pages!

it's basically laughable that...EVEN wearing brut, you are still treated so poorly on return to 'blighty'.. do you think that a 'clean pressed uniform' would of made any difference though? i used to work at a major uk airport and know for a fact that (in those days anyway!) the check in staff got a slice of any excess baggage they 'did' someone for, so unless you came across some young filly that was a real 'man in uniform' freak, i still would of thought you would be a few quid lighter....


you mention our american friends, and i totally agree that they really know how to look after not only their own, but us too!


i went to LA from Las Vegas once and we got treated to '2 flights for the price of one!' now ok i realise that it was maybe still more expensive than some of our own 'budget airlines' but this was well before their conception..


we even used to get ' anything for a dollar in mcdonalds'.... plate fulls i tell you!!!!


oh well, as someone else has said, the guys and girls in uniform these days have absolutely no chance from anything even remotely like what they would get from our US friends...

regards

J6T

Wondered who the one person was that's proud to be British . . . . ..

I think our country sucks. And yes, I am leaving it too. There just seems to be no pride left. Everyone out to stiff each other, customer service that sucks beyond belief and taxed through the nose.

Plus pikeys with England flags and no air con :p . . .. . . .

Treated poorly, mistreated? Maybe the Girl was just doing her job. Was she rude to you in anyway bigmac? All UK/US airlines have an excess baggage charge.

there is my friend!! i think the people with pride are currently in the 'sandier' places (or justback/waiting to go!) of the world.....
the people with the flags, are at BEST simply very misguided in what they understand the word patriotic means....
i would hazard a guess that you wont be treated 'fantastically' well wherever you emigrate to... the world as a whole is as you so well put it;
Everyone out to stiff each other, customer service that sucks beyond belief
you do sound very bitter in the way you seem to have been treated, and i hope you find your dream world....
regards
J6T

yes maybe she was 'just' doing her job? i myself have travelled with excess baggage and when explained why it was 'excess' it was happily waived through....:ok:
like i say i worked on the ramp at a uk airport, and the staff there were only interested in one thing..... bumping their wages up better than the next person... some of them were down right shameless in their admission on how ruthless they were....:eek:
my point is that yeah she maybe was only doing her job, but it could be argued that our friend bigmac had been doing his bit to allow her the freedoms that she is used to, and was probably only expecting to be cut a bit of slack on his return.... christ, the guy says it was only 4KG......:ugh:

I doubt somehow she would get a bonus for sending some to pay for excess baggage. You intimated that he was somehow poorly mistreated. How did you come to this conclusion.
So what was your excuse to get away with paying excess baggage?

my 'EXCUSE' was that i had been away somewhere not very nice for a fair amount of time, and in my opinion the excess was military kit.... the person i spoke to was fine with that and off i went....
and at manchester in the late nineties the handling agents/airlines were paying to the check in staff a percentage of any excess bag charges....
basically i think the general idea of this tread is the way OUR boys and girls who have served abroad on operation ???????, basically seem to get little or no recognition from the british public

Not looking for a dream world jono, it's just that most places are better than Britain.

It's been said many times on here before, but most do this job not for their country anymore but for those around them that they work with.

The British public do give our troops recognition. Its the Government who dont give a stuff

Movadink
His other excuse was that he probably weighed 20kg less than the large lardy civvy bloke that was stood next to him at checkin.

hello again tigs......
cheers for the back up.... i cant believe how difficult it is to convince people that OUR armed forces deserve a bit of respect here and there
J6T

"Cheers for the back up tigs........"hahahahhaha. Its like being in the playground. I am sure she did respect him as a paying customer. Perhaps he could have asked for a Military discount for the excess. Many American organisations give military discounts if you ask.

I agree on the Govt bit, but don't necessarily agree on the public. Maybe the US is seen as OTT by some, but I've had random members of the public come up to me in a hotel lobby whilst in uniform saying " Just wanted to thank you for your service and let you know we are thinking of you"

I would say that's happened half a dozen or so times, which given the number of times I've been to the States over the last few years is a high hit rate of public affection.

Care to take a guess of the times that happens in the UK ? Square root of springs to mind.

Maybe someone else will post with positive experiences in this country.

Many will say "But we don't do that in the UK. It simply isn't British"

Fine. So how do we support our troops then ? If we don't speak to them and thank them in public, and we don't as a nation give them a financial "thank you" at retailers, if we don't give those serving abroad more minutes to call home than THOSE IN PRISON get, and we don't let our boys walk through UK airports in uniform then what do we do ?

The military is something that is forgotten about till needed, forgotten about when the job is done and forgotten about when things don't quite go as planned. And that's fine. We do the job we get paid for and we get on with it.
And we get embarressed when we see how other nations look after their boys.

Oh dear ffp. Are you feeling a little down because the public will not say thankyou for your efforts? Many retailers in the UK offer the armed forces discounts.
The telephone issue has nothing to do with the general public, its the government again.
Why would you want to walk about an airport in uniform after spending the last few months wearing it.
Do you walk upto Policemen, firefighters and Nurses and thank them for what they do? Somehow I doubt it.

So in short no, I don't get a little down because the public will not say thank you. Just pointing out your thrown away line about the public caring is arse.

As to discounts, are you referring to the ones that are in the discount brochure ? The ones that, certainly for people like BA, are more expensive than if you went on their website as Joe Public ?

The last time in was in hospital I did make a point of thanking the nurses. Last time I saw firefighters they were picketing the station from which my boys were trying to do their job.

But regardless, they do deserve thanking. Thought this thread was about the military though .. . .

Or shall we talk about the lack of support for the cheesemakers while we are at it ?

While we're at it . . .


Why would you and the rest of your sqn want to go to the toilets and change because of some jobsworth when all you want to do is get home ASAP after being away for so long ?

Ever increasing cuts has hampered this.

For example for 2/3 weeks every summer you had the Royal Tournament at Earls Court which was a prime opportunity for a good bit of mil/public bonding.

No more because of cuts.

How many RAF At Home days are there now?
Just Waddington and Leuchars??.....:sad:

The thread is about whose idea it was to not allow memebrs of the armed forces to wear uniform in airports. That doens't mean the public dont care about the armed forces, try looking at the MFATW website and there you will see much support for our soldiers.
We all know the discount book is not very good. The BA discount for the armed forces is based on the full airfare price and as such would make it more expensive than if you got it from a discount website. Maybe when you get to canada you will be treated better.

Are they routinely mortared in the course of a working day?

As an aside from the appalling treatment meted out to the Armed Forces in this country there is a the point that travelling in uniform is good for the forces too. I've travelled several times on trains crowded with misbehaving squaddies (generally drunken young 17 year olds fresh from the ATRs, I accept that the overwhelming majority of squaddies/matelots are perfectly fine). It could be difficult wearing civvies (even as a commissioned officer) to tell them to calm down without backchat or general abuse. Putting everyone in uniform would;

a) Encourage a little pride in the uniform/individual cap badge and help prevent bad behaviour

b) Make any minority who did want to act up very easy to root out for punishment later

c) Identify Offrs/NCOs as a warning not to act up.

Just my two penneth worth.

The military stewards at Wimbledon were mentioned a little earlier.

We also supply stewards from all services to each Lords Test Match (2 a year). It is run on a similar line to the Wimbledon deal, ie take leave and get an allowance for food and accommodation.

I have done it 3 times now, staying at the Victory Services Club. Its a great 4 or 5 days (if you like cricket of course). Its becoming more popular as more people find out about it and therefore more difficult to get in.

Obviously it's done in uniform, working dress (Short sleeved shirt and SD hat for the RAF) and in general is well received by the public although you always get the odd exeption.

Anything that raises the awareness of the armed forces in the public eye has got to be good surely.

Oh and Lords don't allow flags at all:ok:

Forgotten Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen
 

This thread is no longer just about uniform at UK Airports...Its now addressing the complete lack of responsibility this Government takes for sending its men and women into danger. In the last couple of weeks soldiers have been killed every couple of days and yet all I see on my TV today is 7/7. I don't mean to take anything away from the those who lost family and friends last year but why is a life that is given to prevent such further attrocities brushed under the carpet by the bulk of the media as simply a young man doing his job!

Yes we all sign on to do our duty but I certainly expect a little more respect for what I do, more often than not without thought as to the consequences.

Its time.....time to wake up Mr Blair and take responsibility. Attend some funerals, speak to the widows and children left behind. Show the nation you do care. Show the nation that you don't just throw our lives away without due care. Show the nation that your position comes second to whats good and right for your country.

Thanks
 

MightyGem vbmenu_register("postmenu_2692624", true);

:ok:
Thanks for reminding me what the difference is between how we are perceived and the US forces. I know it is only an advert, but it is what we are missing...someone who appreciates what we do.

No...............but read this

"Emergency crews in Notts are facing unprecedented levels of violence. The number of attacks on firefighters has nearly doubled in the past year - with two being hospitalised in the latest incident. And East Midlands Ambulance staff are threatened or attacked almost every day.

In the first eight months of the year there were 215 reported incidents, compared with only 14 in a whole year a decade a go.

Paramedics are now being given stab-proof jackets and CCTV in their vehicles."

"Four out of five NHS nurses say they have been attacked or threatened at work, according to research.

A poll of 500 nurses carried out by YouGov for ITV’s Tonight with Trevor McDonald programme also found that one out of four nurses said they were considering quitting because of their fears over future assaults.

Nine out of 10 said they believed working in the NHS was riskier than other professions with one in four reporting that being threatened “is part of the job”.

Stop moaning about not getting any respect..........

Good begets good.
 

I'm fortunate enough to live in the US, and here's a little story...

I was in a bar the other week, and got chatting to a guy in his 50s in there. He picked up on my accent (nondescript Forces one, but obviously English), and asked where I was from.

"The UK" replies I.
"Do you know the proper title of the UK?" says he.
"The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland" says I.
"Wow, you're the first Brit I've ever met who knew that" says he.
"Well, I was in the Army for 10 years, it's the least I could do" says I.
"So you're a veteran. Have a drink on me, and thanks for all that you've done".

He then proceeds to introduce me to his friends, and though I offered, I didn't buy another drink that night. I felt honoured, even though it was they who were honouring me.

Funny old thing, every time I come back through immigration, I make a point of thanking them for keeping the bad guys out and keeping me safe.

I just wish it was the same in the UK.

I have spent a little time in the US recently and every other person or car sports either a 'Support our Troops', or 'POW/MIA' t-shirt or bumper sticker. I have also witnessed a number of times a civilian stop a uniformed serviceman/woman in the street and shake their hand, saying 'thank you for your service'.

I'm going back to the UK for a while now too, and I fully expect to be spat on when I wear my uniform in public.

Bearing in mind how much the public are influenced by the media, be it CNN or Eastenders, I can see where the support for each nations troops differs. And should we get more support back home then Joe Public would be more willing to also see his tax monies being spent on essential equipment.

It all comes down to the backing of our respective governments. In my opinion.

That makes me want to vomit. Outf***ingrageous. I hope, God forbid, if it does happen, you either:

Beat the living daylights out of them for besmirching the Queen's uniform (preferable)

or

Have the police charge them (less preferable)

Either way, it makes me sick. Why the hell should you have to put up with this?

[quote=D-IFF_ident]

I'm going back to the UK for a while now too, and I fully expect to be spat on when I wear my uniform in public.

This sadly did happen to my team and i whilst we took on the role of the firemen during the strikes. In our own country. I could never quite work out why, when all we were doing was protecting their lives whilst the fireman argued about money.

That is not a slur to the fireman, i believe they do a wonderful job, as do all of the emergency services. You do not deserve to be treated like that. Nor do we, we all deserve to wear our uniforms with pride, knowing that what we are doing, is for us, our families, our friends and the life that we all enjoy when out of those uniforms.

Mova, have a word, you have clearly got your stats from a reliable source, whilst i understand and appreciate every one of them, if the armed forces where to account for every hostile moment that they encountered throughout the world, on a daily basis, i'm sure that the numbers would be far more startling.

Regards.......BM69

Do you really rate the accolades of the average US citizen? The bulk of the masses in the US are totally ignorant of what is really going on in the world and any approach by a member of the public there should be treated in the same way as the media people in the states would treat it - as the missive of a twelve year old.

The fact is that UK civilians don't really give a toss about the guys in uniform until their own interests are involved. I spent a few years in the states and they respect their servicemen and veterans in equal measure. It is regarded as a high honour to serve their country, in the UK most see it as just another job.

When you leave the mil in the UK you give your watch back, if you had one, and are then cut adrift. The yanks look after their vets until they die because they realise they owe a debt to those that have survived being in the service of their country. We take the piss out of the yanks about a lot of things but at least they recognise and respect those that were prepared to give the ultimate sacrifice.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't join the RAF out of a desire to serve the Queen, I just wanted to fly sharp pointy jets. I got my wish and because of the will of the Government (and the people) ended up in 2 wars. Now I see that I have less rights than a bunch of Afghan hijackers and Al Qaeda sympathisers.

A few weeks ago, someone asked the definiton of the term 'bluntie' Well, a bluntie is someone that believes that a serviceman or woman in unifrom would upset the civilians when they return from doing their duty. They should either get a case of perspective or failing that put the guy that wrote the order on the firing range and see if he or she can dodge Kalashnikov bullets!

Back in my box!:zzz:

Sorry for the thread creep about to occur, but...

And this drive-by insult is based on your knowledge of all 300 million of us? You can attest to the maturity of us all? And if so, are we, the unwashed masees really so different from the smaller masses, but just as unwashed, of your green and pleasant land?

It is a shame that the UK military is, from reading this thread, not appreciated as they should be. I am glad that at least some of my countrymen have thanked some of you for your service. Too bad that you have to try and take the joy out of that simple act.


Oh, and one more thing, "Na, na, na, nah, nah!" :ok:

Been out of the mob for 23 yrs. Remember a transit on exercise that meant getting from euston to victoria. 150 sappers in combats, fighting order, slrs(unloaded) with a group warrant using the under ground was a great sight. Bit like the germans thru sweden. The waves of commuters just parted like the first guy was moses. I used to do all my travel in uniform hitchhiking. The uniform guarenteed better relaibility than anyother form of transport. It wasnt banned IRA or no Ira. I even had a chap come upto me and call them all bastartds when airey neave was murdered, shook my hand and walked off.
This country is on its arse., and that arse needs an enema.

I think you'll find by and large the public does respect the military (the very military they pay for through taxes on every hour they work). Unfortunately, the present conflict in Iraq has changed that - hopefully temporarily.

We did once embody the protection of "freedom of speech/religion/political extremes". Now our very involvement there has brought about direct attacks on British soil, which in return have resulted in draconian laws which REDUCE freedom of speech and political extremes.

Don't blame the public for not welcoming us with open arms. It's not their fault and it's not ours.

Perhaps if you all develop a case of the yelllow rash(hi viz jackets)you can wear what you want.Nobody is allowed to wear a hat at the loco's!

Whilst undergoing basic training at RAF Swinderby in June 1979 - We were allowed to travel off camp after about week three. We were inspected in our No1 Uniform and If we and our accomodation passed inspection, we were allowed a weekend pass and had to travel in said No1 Uniform.

Now whilst being proud to wear that uniform; It, at times could provoke some strange looks and comments from passers by and of course the Northern Ireland troubles were ongoing at the time..

You can imagine my thoughts when alighting from an Underground train in Central London, and being confronted by a group of approximately 30 punk rockers complete with died mohican hairstyles etc and the only way out from the platform was to walk through the lot of them!

Strangely enough - not one of them said a word!

I left the RAF 15 years ago - but I still feel an affiliation for all Servicemen and am glad to see them around.

The persons responsible for not allowing Servicemen to wear their uniforms whilst travelling through Airports should hang their head(s) in shame.

I well remember stumbling out of the Wig and Mitre ('No. 2 Mess, RAF Lincoln') 30 years ago only to see a number of youngsters from Swinderby walking the town in not-very-well fitting best blue. It all seemed quite normal and most welcome to the locals.....










...who probably well remembered events of some 35 years earlier?