Roland you are quite right but the general public do not have the perception or the knowledge of those who serve or who have served. the point I was trying to make is simply that our service men and women may, just may, be better received and recognised if the standard of dress was higher and uniform, if you will pardon the expression.
Mr 1.4G how did you ever get past the selection process?

Was recently at SeaWorld on a family holiday. At the start of the Shamu show an announcement with accompanying jumbo-vision video came on praising all the armed forces (including US allies) and ex-military personnel.

Those present at the show were encouraged to stand up (even I reluctantly and humbly stood after prompting from the family) and accept the cheers and applause of an undoubtedly grateful populace who really showed their appreciation. It was very moving actually, and in total contrast to anything that would happen in the UK.

It really showed vividly the massive difference in public perception and appreciation of the armed forces between UK and US.

At a well known HQ near Wycomestan we were specifically warned not to wear uniform in the town last year as the locals were looking for targets in revenge for aledged 'misconduct' in Iraq. I would never dream of wearing uniform around here.....well dodgy it is! :(

WH

Dear oh Dear

That is proper uniform mate, as that is what I and many others wear to work, so you are suggesting we drive home in our No 1's to keep you happy??:mad:

I appreciate the fact that you support military personnel wearing uniform, but that is all encompassing so why should some aspect of uniform be more appropriate than others.


I am and that is why I have no hesitation wearing my "growbag" in public, nicely adorned with my hard earned brevet........:ok:

Dirty Sanchez, while I have great sympathy with your views, and there are many foreign bars where a flying suit was the only clothing available, it is not instantly recognised as a symbol of excellence.

Near a very large station, well north of the border, I was filling my car with petrol. "was I a BP tanker driver?"

I'm happy to wear flight suit in public if I nip into town, hat on out of car, hat off when in buildings. If anyone mistakes my wings for a BP tanker driver I'll just have to do some aircrew-ninja-slappage on the poor fool. But then, of course, very rarely have to shop for ones self, get my man to do it etc...