Peters is a only a mid-level talking head and columnist over here, as well as one who just thinks airpower is a waste of time. Could you please tell me how his comments towards the UK, its forces or lack thereof, and in general, all the things that raised some hackles on this thread are different from the many, many threads where the diatribes flow the other way?
Pot to kettle, comm check.......

Special Relationship
 

I am not military, but have worked on the development of military aircraft - Harriers mainly, which some people mistake for an American aircraft.

I personally have a high regard for U.S. personnel, military & civillian - the only gripe you will really find 'over here' is the friendly fire incidents, which have been too many too often.

No doubt the U.S. fight hard; if you have any doubts about the Brits' you are not a student of history & if possible get out there & see - if you can arrange it, I'll happily join you, with my camera or a gun if anyone will lend me one.

If it's true that we are being called 'surrender monkeys' then the U.S. must have people even stupider than some of ours; that would cause a great deal of harm to a relationship which also suits the USA very well.

00,
Suggest you should check Brick's profile.

It's not. So climb down off your high horse.

It's not just the Americans. Christopher Booker in last Sundays Telegraph called them basically, scruffy, ill disciplined and a dreadful example of the British Military. I do not agree with any of the comments made either side of the Atlantic but the Americans have what we have totally lost, a pride in their flag and a pride in their Nation. How many people would stand for the National Anthem here? How many people fly their flag outside their home/business?
We like to poor scorn on the Americans for their love of their country but we could do with getting some of that back. I had an American friend come and stay over Christmas, he is Ex USAF and now a Doctor. he could not believe the changes here in 20 years, cost of living, standard of service etc. He actually used the word uncivilised.
I echo the comments that we should stop punching above our weight. We are not a major player anymore. Ok, we pitch up with teeth bared and hackles up but we rarely have more than a semi serviceable pee shooter to offer up.
Those kids, because that's what they are, are frightened and there is no question that they are acting under pressure when they are on the TV. Starting a fire fight would have been suicide. Add to that mainstream politicians saying we should just say sorry anyway and you are on a road to nowhere.
Professionalism? Yep, the Armed forces have that in bucketloads but that won't get you promoted. We have peace time (career) managers running a broken fighting force. I don't believe we can fix it.
No, what we have here is a breakdown of our nation. We no longer have pride in ourselves.
Finally, we have our own 3rd grade pundits. John Nichol, expert in F*ck all and billed as an ex RAF Pilot??????????:mad:

Personal attack on someone you don't know? From the few clips I've seen, he's one of the few talking sense this time.

True: But a very, very fair interpretation as well. From my albeit brief search of t'interweb, this was the only direct contribution I found of Mr Peters' much-vaunted Ex-Mil status adding to public discourse. It rather backs up Archimedes' friend's assertion of his REMF status.

For those over-sensitive souls who interpret this thread as a general 'have-a-go-at-the-spams' thread, I am quite willing to acknowledge that we have plenty of our own strokers of the p1ss and wind polemicist variety.

This is my first post.

I do not think I am qualifed to speak on any subjects listed on this forum
but I am full of respect for all the armed forces of the United Kingdom.

This situation was never one that could be responded in a normal manner owing to the situation regarding the country in question and its structure
of goverment.

I am of the generation that remembers Iran and the United States citizens that were captured. I recall the huge frustration that a superpower felt at being powerless to resolve an issue that dominated the screens of the world.

The people of the United Kingdom have a high regard for all our
armed forces and the concern voiced regarding the safety of the marines and sailors has been heartfelt and visable in all areas.

I remember 1982 and people who had appeared totally disinterested in world
affairs changed overnight to serious concern regarding the welfare of the men in the task force

The public know the shortages and the equipment issues that you experience
and they will bring pressure to the "leaders" concerned.

It might take some time but they will do it.

The situation appears to have been resolved and god willing the Navy and marine people will be home soon.

Please do not underestimate the regard in which you are held.

Thanks