kiltboy

I wasn't going to comment as I'm not a US citizen but sod it. I think the draft is a bad idea. I believe that anyone that says there are no opportunities can be shown either civil or military service as an option but shouldn't be legally required to do it. Just my 2 cents. David

I was thinking more of the trade and unit organisation nothing more. The UK reserve are mobilised differently than the National guard here so there's a couple of differences I was the radio tech everyone screamed at when the Brigade coms went down. Or when REME turned up for the periodic inspection. David

It was the United Kingdom reserve so probably won't mean much to most here. David

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3477779.stm I don't know what to say. David

The Brit forces levelled off at 46,000 all told according to the MoD report. http://www.mod.uk/publications/iraq_lessons/index.html If you want to get a read on the British intelligence issue then there's some of the Hutton report or look at the independent newspaper. http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=489738 They've been running a series of stories (most are linked) that suggest the experts were over ruled in the presentation of intelligence. The PM has also admitted that he wasn't sure if the 45 minute claim was related to tactical or strategic WMD. David

Doesn't really count as I was only there long enough to remove my boot laces. Sergeant major was being a dick and doubled me off the square but he'd had second thoughts by the time I'd been beasted to the guardroom. A year later he jailed an entire parade when I was on duty and we had them 20 to a cell for 15 minutes then he wanted them all released. Not sure wht he was up to. David

There are two A-10 incidents that are very similar. In GW 1 (Op Granby for the UK) there were two Warrior APC's that were shot up just prior to the cease fire. Casualties were from the Royal Fusiliers and the Queens Own Highlanders. The vehicles were in the correct spot flying UK flags and recognition panels. The controversy has been that the pilot was trigger happy as hostilities were about to end and wanted to get his shots off so didn't check his targets before he let loose. The second more recent one (Op Telic) involved armoured recce of the Blues and Royals that were overflown by a flight of 5 A-10s when one peeled off and attacked. They were not close to any Iraqi forces and were flying UK flags, were in the correct spot etc. Trooper Finney was awarded the George Cross for his actions during the attack. The George Cross is equivilent to the Victoria Cross and is the highest award for valour that you can be awarded. The reason it wasn't the VC is that the VC can only be awarded for actions under enemy fire. David

Now I can't blaim the US as a whole for some piss poor vehicle recognition but the pilot of the aircraft is another matter. There were US forces attached to the UK guys to assist in an air support role to try and avoid the friendly fire screw ups. At the end of the day though if the pilot on the aircraft ignores procedure (as they did in the Canadian bombing incident and if I can find the official report I'll post it) and can't recognise friendly forces then there's sod all you can do until after the fact. David

Did Bush or anyone else in the US administration ever use the 45 minute claim? I rememer Tony Blair using it and it being thrown around in the UK press. Today's Independent has a story from one of the UK's intelligence analysts that is interesting reading. David

The Indendent has a few stories today. http://www.independent.co.uk David

Well said that man. David

Also there's more info here. http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/static/pages/156.html David

Nottingham was on the MV Swan, Cole was on MV Blue Marlin. It cost 3million to bring it back http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2655671.stm The officers were all court martialled and the Captain reprimanded. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/dorset/3098902.stm David

THey used the same technique to return HMS Nottingham after it was parked on a rock near Australia. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2349449.stm David

I believe it is to do with the injuries sustained during ejection and that he never returned to flight status with enough time for the full team to practice. David

I'll disagree with you and say that I believe there is nothing to fear. How many people here check their cars before they get in them or leave the seat belt off when they turn the ignition? How many live in a compound and have rounds fired at them from a hill? How many avoid taking the bus where possible? The US is too big for everyone to go around scared all the time. Sure stop the "spectaculars such as 9/11 and that can be achieved with cooperative intel and law enforcement. I would scrap the colour warning system and just tell people that the law enforcement community is fully briefed and is handling the situation. Live your lives and if you do have cause for concern then call the local cops. David

I think you have a greater risk of being involved in a terrorist act if you are near a large population such as a city than you would living on 300 acres of wheat farm. I always wonder if there are potato farmers in Idaho duct taping windows, in the midst of all the potatoes and sod all else, when the alert threat goes to orange? David

The Brits also got to Sierra Leone first. Should be an interesting week in UK politics. I wonder if Tony Blair will still be Prime Minister at the end of the month? I'd bet money that Geoff Hoon won't be the Defence Secretary in 2 weeks time. David

It also happened to one of the UK Red Arrows towards the end of training and prior to the air show season. There was an engine fault as he was hurtling down the runway in formation with the rest of the team and he ejected as the rest of them left the runway. Luckily he was on the outside of the formation and the team flew with 7 that year instead of the usual 9 as there wasn't enough time to train up another pilot for the slot. David

Excellent point about the shoes. If you do go and buy shoes a running store can make the world of difference. If possible take your old shoes to them when buying new ones and they should be able to advise you on support by looking at the wear pattern. David

Hills are very good for stamina. When's the race? There are a couple of things to avoid running with that big a group of people. Stay away from the roadside at the early stages as you won't see far ahead and can easily bust an ankle on a drain or run into a parked car. Also be prepared to pick your feet up and change pace as it can be hard to get into a rhythm with people cutting in front of you. Be careful of following the herd, as you may find yourself running into the restroom of a park or into the path of oncoming traffic. Be careful at water stops as well as they can get crowded, it's usually easier to get water at the end tables than the front ones. David

Try and keep the running fun. Alternate some swimming in if the runs get tedious, swimming is also good if you pick up a slight injury or twinge. Vary your training routes and focus on being comfortable with your pacing. Not all the miles have to be the same pace. If you haven't tried to take on water as you run now is a good time to learn (bottles are easier than cups) but don't drink too much at a time. David

Yeah that brought a smile to my face as well. Was I the only one that saw the three soldiers getting a bollocking at the beginning of the coverage? I think they were being told not to smile but there was a definite finger wagging motion from the guy in grey talking to them. David

There's a small link at the top of the list to last years speach and results. The semi-official total was 147. It'd be funny if the response was worth more than the speach. David

Random question for any shp based helicopter pilots but feel free to answer if you have any experience to offer. Geoff Hoon (UK defense minister) has been getting grilled over a lack of kit that the Brits have in Iraq. I know most of the shortages that the land forces encountered, e.g. no body armour, boots, combats, morphine, nbc kit and ammo but this latest excuse is outwith my experience. There was midair collision between two Sea king helicopters early on that may have been avoided had the pilots been issued NVG. The excuse from the MoD has been that the pilots did not require night vision goggles as they don't fly low to the ground and can pick up the ship at sea easily. Also the cockpit of a sea king would have to be changed to allow the pilots to use them. So are ship based helicopter pilots normally issued NVG? I'm leaning towards the thought that the MoD is talking crap again but I'd like a little input from some experienced folks as well. Cheers, David