[WOMBAI]

Originally Posted by Shasown

Got to love this thread, could I just say most junior ranks in the armed forces do not join up to lay down their lives for others, some believe the publicity about the training, esprit de corps, some join for the wages, its bloody good money for a 17-20 odd year old who has only Jobseekers Allowance to spend. A few join to get away from home. One or two are psychos who want to go out and see what its like to kill someone. Some join up out of family traditions.

Some join to prove themselves. A lot join for the adventure, that notion is soon changed for a lot the first time they have to arm up with live rounds. Saying that for a few the first time they come into contact with the enemy they become addicted to the buzz, its something that cant really be equalled in civvy street.

Steve was simply unlucky, wrong place wrong time, but to suggest he took the explosion for others is extremely naive. The IED was placed in a Nationalist area, the Falls Road was and still is part of the republican heartland in Belfast, no way would they have set off the bomb to take out civilians.

It was there to take out members of the security forces either the Army or the RUC. To show that the republicans still held sway over the area and that the security forces could operate in the area only at their peril. Its a tactic to prove that the security forces dont have total control of an area, and that the terrorists can operate with impunity.

I don't think most are suggesting that guys sign up with the intention of laying down their lives for others - but, when the time comes and they face danger to themselves and others, most do their job to best of their ability and accept the risks facing them!

A lot leave at the earliest opportunity, but many stay, knowing the risks - and that, in itself, is a brave decision, always being aware that today could possibly be your last!

In my book, Steve was brave because he was there doing his job, regardless of his reason for joining in the first place! If he wasn't there, someone else would have to be. And if there were no 'volunteer's - young guys, like those on this forum, would be conscripted to do it! They should be thanking them, not ridiculing them!