christel wrote:Haven't read the article, I do not read the rag, since Karen stopped doing it and Blaze took over I gave up taken an interest.
What on earth was Steve Houghton thinking when he wrote this.
United as shooters we do not stand, it seems. What does it matter what we wear, as long as we are having fun.
Probably the same as me C and yes it matters, big style but don't take this personally mate, you know me better dkflag
Before I start let me explain that I am (along with many) an exe serviceman. Regardless of what anyone says about that, I am fiercely proud and protective of my (rather ineffectual) part therein, but these days I am more proud than ever of what the folks still doing the day job are achieving, putting up with and are suffering as well.....and they keep volunteering regardless of what the politicians ask of them :roll:
I guess I don't speak for all of my kind, but so be it, we are all entitled to an opinion and this is my own...there are many like it but this one is mine :55:
The services (and more pertinently the front line club) is an exclusive club and those that did not serve should never be allowed to emulate for any other reasons than re-enactment (and even parts of that I find bizarre).
So that is my stance, take it or leave it. Arrogant arse? Possibly, but an arrogant arse with respect and common decency on his side.
I agree with him in part but on some very specific points he did not mention.
Firstly, there are regs regarding the wearing of military uniform etc at the NSC. We know that, its all in the Bisley bible.
Secondly, I have no issues with folk using this kit as long as it is used for practicality AND NOT with any waltish intent. The swear filter on here stops me from expounding on what I mean there but you will get my drift.
Recently we had 3 people stroll onto the firing point in full (rather scruffy) mulitcam. Up to the minute issue kit, one of which was wearing tac flashes and badges of rank.
I commented to a mate of mine that they did well to get the Chinook into the car park at Century that quietly and with so little damage. He is exe Scots Guards and rolled his eyes.
I asked the Sargent (actually I thought you could only grow a full set at a pioneer staffy but there you go) who he served with....the sheepish reply was "I didn't" and the thing disappeared for the day.
Now I may have intimidated the chap, I may have ruined his day, but the point is that he and many like him are not entitled. They did not serve, they did not do a years hard labour while others failed to earn the privilege, they have never seen their mates vaporise in front of them, been frozen, hungry, delirious with lack of sleep, sick with fear, lost limbs, be stuck with PTSD for the future or wind up living rough because they cannot cope.
He is one of quite a few that take this liberty, and personally, I find it really offensive. What next? Remembrance day with a medal and a Maroon beret? Its been done wtfwtf
Its all about sacrifice and entitlement you see...and these people are not F*cking well entitled tesnews
Now, there is a big difference between those that seek to look like and imitate, and those that are just using the kit because it is practical.
There are loads of garments that do the job that are not current British issue, and even then do not need to be worn with unit insignia or rank.....god knows most of us wont wear the stuff anyway, that should give you a clue.
I hear the argument..."The badges were on it when I bought it"...cobblers....take it off unless you are entitled.
You could argue that its no different to wearing your fave teams football shirt.....Did you do P company? nope?
So, to my mind
Ideally avoid wearing current issue kit if possible (often the alternative is better anyway)
If you do, don't go for the full monty....unless you wear it well and are not as wide as you are tall you will look effing silly anyway.
Please don't wear unit insignia/rank on any combination unless you were/are entitled. Its a pathetic lie and rather disrespectful to them that were.
One way or another the walts get found out anyway, its a small world.
PS....you wont be getting an apology for this one
