The SAF moderate training in accordance to established medical protocols. On one hand we say that in War we do not stop operations, it is a different matter to unnecessarily risk our soldiers during peacetime, especially in bad conditions.
Would any parent expect otherwise of the military?
I would counter the view that our soldiers have it easy nowadays. Creature comforts are better. We do not have the hazing and ill-treatments of yesteryear. And there’s an emphasis to explain rationale more than “just do it as I say”.
But it does not mean they are soft.
But training is still as tough and field exercises are as challenging. In fact, loads have gotten heavier but standards are still the same. It really ain’t a walk in the park. At least not for my rickety bones.
The last thing our boys need is to have people look/talk down to them after their efforts/sacrifices.
by HS
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Yes, we should train harder in peace so we can survive better in war. Honestly, I believe that.
But how many out there are willing to say that they are prepared to let their brothers/son/nephew/boyfriend/husband DIE in training?
This is a fact of life. We want to train hard, in as realistic a scenario as possible so that our soldiers are better prepared in times of war. BUT WE ARE NOT READY TO RISK OUR SOLDIERS IN PEACE BY EXPOSING THEM TO UNNECESSARY RISKS.
Every generation of soldiers would claim that their training was harder “in their time”. I have been in there for the past 17 years, and counting. What I can say is that the training has changed, methods are slightly different. But you are wrong to say that it is softer. Soldiers these days have to do more, carry more than the years before. Dun believe me? Go Google the Full Battle Order of our soldiers in the 80s with those now. Sure, most things are lighter now due to technological advances, our boots are lighter, our uniforms are lighter. But have you seen and compare our LBVs now with those of the SBOs?
Would we get 7 hours of uninterrupted rest before combat during war?
Would we cease firefights during periods where the sun is strongest?
Would we have access to frequent and constant water supply to ensure hydration during combat?
No. No. No.
Are we ready to train under those scenarios during peace?
No.
Because deaths are expected in war, NOT during peace.
by CH
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image from the net
