Isle of Wight signs up to support armed forces and families

Having just returned from Op HERRICK 16, as a Gun position Officer with 19 Regiment Royal Artillery. I am proud of my troop who upheld the highest standards and showed professionalism throughout the operational tour. With three females deployed within a troop of 24, the only thing separating them from the boys was the visible hair bun.

Peter, clearly the above article shows a slip of the tongue, by an Ex Army Major, as this does not reflect the equality that the British Army shows towards female soldiers.

It is brilliant that the Isle of Wight Council is set to support our soldiers, Men, Women, past and present. I hope this now means we can maintain our high standards of fitness during periods of leave by the Council offering leisure facilities? Let's wait and see.

Lt Jessica Hinton RA

Peter, my Grandson has joined the Royal Marines and is on a course at the Royal Marine Commando Depot at Lympstone. He is in the Band Service as are some females. Even though they are bandsmen and bandswomen, they ALL have to go through the basic Royal Marine 'Tough' training. I asked him if there was any special treatment for the women, .. "They're not women, they're men" was his reply. (Didn't look like men to me, some were crackers)

Don. Not aimed at anyone. Just fed up seeing someone getting a gong for doing what they are supposed to for a long time. A 'stick in the mud who has stayed at his desk for too long'. My view is that committee/council members should HAVE to stand down and let new blood with new ideas come in. There is a limit as to just how much one person can think up new ideas for the benefit of those they are serving.

Sorry, will get off my soap box now

It appears that only men will be supported, why do people pesist in using this phrase ? Are our female armed forces personnel, yet again, being forgotten? However, I entirely agree with the sentiments so far aired. We live free because someone else paid the price and we must never forget ..

"No do gooders and gong seekers', says Mike.
Why, whoever could you mean!!!!!

"THE Isle of Wight Council has pledged to support members of the armed forces and their families"

Can they be more specific as to which armed force they mean as I do not want them to support the Taliban.

and if the Council are going to set up a 'committee', then only those who have served should be on it, 'they' will understand the difficulty in settling back into the cold reality of Civvy life after the closeness and camaraderie that service life brings. No 'do gooders and gong seekers' please.

there shouldnt be a need for a covenant, it should be the right of every member of the armed forces to be able to live a decent life once their time is served. and its disgusting that the merchant navy arent included, id like to know the reason for this

Any views or opinions presented in the comments above are solely those of the author and do not represent those of the Isle of Wight County Press.