Ross Kemp in Afghanistan [Brits at war and what they REALLY think about the Americans]

You Tube ^

[egginanest]

Thanks very much. What a wonderful bunch of guys. If we allowed ourselves to be sucked in by the media, we’d come away believing that Americans have no friends in this. Even knowing better, it warms my heart more than words can say, to hear it from the source...

[fr_freak]

Seem like a good bunch. The UK Army lets them grow their hair that long? With sideburns?

[ScratInTheHat]

The UK Army lets them grow their hair that long? With sideburns?

I wonder how many barbers there are in the middle of nowhere?

[Chgogal]

BTTT!

[fr_freak]

I wonder how many barbers there are in the middle of nowhere?

Yeah. Well, they make battery operated things now, such as battery operated razors and shears. In fact, they made those things 17 years ago when I was a soldier in the desert, keeping my hair short (not pretty, mind you, just short). Now, they probably have the same thing, but with built-in video and surround sound.

[wazoo1031]

Uplifting post, it puts a smile on my face :-) Thanks!

[UKrepublican]

Thanks you. Glad it made you smile. ;)

[Rikstir]

something to do with making themselves appear more accommodating according to local customs, who place high regard in beards and facial hair.

[the scotsman]

http://www.skyone.co.uk/rosskemp/

[uksupport1]

Thanks for posting this UKRepublican. I thought the series as a whole was oustanding. Ver moving and informative. I highly recommend that people try and catch all five episodes. Episode two showed just how intense day-to-day life is in Afghanstan, with Ross Kemp caught up in an ambush. Here are a couple of clips: (Warning: very strong language)

1)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byiGFusz8SY
2)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ghq8Ld1FM4

[batco-barry]

You’ll find this interesting. A good friend of mine is a colour sergeant in this battalions recce platoon......

[batco-barry]

We generally don’t shave while on jungle training too. It’s more to do with shaving ‘accidents’ and probable infection than other more ‘obvious’ reasons.
Some of the fellas shave, some don’t, lets just say that the necessity to be cleanly shaved for the Queens parade isn’t rigidly enforced.
Besides, the old saying ‘1st my weapon, then my body’ runs true. Our boys are having contacts every day, sometimes all day. Common sense dictates that once they get back and sort their weapon systems out, and do their admin, they should get in their pits ready for the next day.....
The growths generally come off at the beginning of R&R....

[Rikstir]

sure, makes sense. as long as my troops do their job (killing the baddies and winning) better than the enemy I dont care what they look like!

hats off to all our soldiers, be they logistics or combat, they are living through some serious experiences.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Very interesting indeed. Thanks for pinging me.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

I was wondering about the longer hair. I’ve seen US special ops with beards and long hair. I guess so long as you aren’t in close hand to hand combat, it doesn’t really matter.

[batco-barry]

thought you might find this an interesting thread. I believe the videos are still active on youtube

[Fletch357]

Thanks Barry. good insight into squady life.

[batco-barry]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWF_OcnkfeI

Its mainly stills, but this is of when I was in Iraq in 04. One of the lads had an unfortunate time having had his vehicle go over a bar mine on one of the ‘suicide’ runs to al-amarah. I’m in a couple of the shots, but I am quite camera shy when away on operations.........