Just because I accept that they might not have intended to hurt the goat does not mean I accept that sticking a IED under an animal is a good idea, because I dont, no matter which way you look at it, its still cruel and abusive. Obviously times have changed and it is now acceptable for troops to run around doing stupid tricks like this. Oh well never mind.

As for being a “Parade Ground Rupert”, fine no problem, all I know is being a rule book basher meant I never had an accident and neither did anyone around me that I was responsible for (for the record, I did something stupid with a thunderflash and got hurt, then vowed never to break the rules again so not everyone starts life with the book impregnated in their brain).

Finally, and I presume you are referring to the Government here “The irony in that case would be that it would be the self-same electorate criticising them for losing the war that would have caused them to lose it in the first place.” I personally would critisise the Gov for what theyve done, but I would never critisise our troops for doing their job, win or loose, because you are correct, if we loose this one, it wont be down to the troops one bit, it will be down to the incompetent baffoons in Westminster & Washington. Bex