Can we please get the idea that the armed forces are apolitical out of our heads, please?

Back in 1986, I joined the RAF. I vividly remember standing at ease on the parade ground and the intake being asked to put their hand up if they were a Labour voter 1/

I was 17 and hadn't voted yet so kept my hand down. I also thought it was a strange question to ask.

My drill Sgt, whose name I still remember, then said the following...

"Forget that right now. You are Tory voters now. Labour will have your job and let CND have their way.. 2/

... you'll all be out of a job before you know it."

Even then, I knew I was Labour as my family had supported the miners during the strike and we'd had one stay over on a journey between pickets.

I was once detached to USAF Greenham Common for a month, to guard the wire... 3/

I was standing there one day, when one of the peace women asked me to fill a bottle of water as they'd run out.

I did it straight away, through compassion, and that one event almost got me kicked out!

I've always remembered this.

The forces ARE brainwashed and... 4/

I don't believe that will ever change.

Even with all the cuts and the veterans on the street, the will always be drill instructors telling kids what to think.

End/

For the avoidance of any doubt.

The thread author as a young man!

To everyone that has followed me over the last 24 hours, I'll get back to follow you as soon as I can.

This thread has kind of gone bigger than I thought. I feared I might get 10-20 RT's.

Just keeping ahead of the mentions is a battle in itself!

#Solidarity to you all!