Do try to grow up Steely.

In the Pacific war it was estimated that 38% of air crew lost survived a ditching of a damaged aircraft, or parachuted into the sea, but were never found.

Those near Honiara were often seen going down & many were rescued. almost 60% of pilots downed were picked up. In other areas most that were lost simply never returned.

Today with more deadly weapons, most would not survive the aircraft, but in my day, you were more likely to drown than be killed by the weapon that downed your plane.

At Midway for example, because of the victory, & the availability of PBYs, many who ran out of fuel, or had to ditch damaged planes that could not be kept in the air, were picked up over the next 2 days. In the battle of the Coral sea, they were never found.

I have been second in line quite a number of times at the Supermarket checkout to Navy & Customs boat crew shopping. It's a real eye-opener when you see what's in their trolleys.
I just wished I could live half as well on the taxpayers account.
I mean, many people serve this country in their work without travel entitlements etc. & most of them have to buy their own food. Is it any wonder the boys are getting emasculated getting it rather easy in the front yard ?
The personnel in war zones I'm sure are doing it many times tougher with no chance of emusculation, that happens when they get home where they're not appreciated by those they protect.

Dear Hasbeen,

Come on mate. You may well be acknowledging that the 50% mark you initially claimed was bunkum as I clearly stated, however that is not the issue and you know it.

This is.

Are our current serving personnel 'mugs' for being prepared to lay down their lives for a country you are so dismissive of? Yes or no?

I have no problem with these wannabe Rambo's, these militaristic types, wanting to deck themselves out in some silly insignia's/paraphernalia, they can tattoo it on their foreheads for all I care, stupid as it maybe. I just get a wee bit concerned to think they are given guns and live ammunition to play with as well. This mans army, gaud how ridiculous!

What about getting rid of the armed forces & engage mercenaries in the event of a blow-up. Would save a lot of money.
Paul1405 et al could just pay the mercenaries to protect them.
We need a Defence Force but not a Defence Farce solely designed for career mongers & wannabe heroes. A massive amount of our earnings goes into it all so, it's vital that every Dollar is made to work for the Nation not just a handful of look-at-me's.
The armed forces are extremely serious stuff & should not be allowed to be exploited for personal gain.
Let them go out & kick ass when & where it's needed because as the saying goes 'all is fair in love & war'. Never mind the useless do-gooders, lock them away.

individual, I see the need for a professional, disciplined, defence force. I am concerned with those who while serving, would undertake what I would term boyish behaviour, which is manifested by silly insignia. No place for Rambo wannabes in today's professional army. Lt. General Campbell is right in what he is doing.