ARmy Rumour SErvice

**mcflurry** · 14-05-2012, 17:33

It's the Mail, surprisingly...

'A fifth of soldiers have been verbally abused by strangers while wearing their uniform in public, a poll has found.

While more than half of servicemen and women have received messages of thanks and support in the past five years, one in 20 has been met with violence or attempted violence because of their job.

The study, commissioned by Conservative peer Lord Ashcroft, also found that many said frequent changes of address necessitated by their job counted against them in credit checks.

One in four had been refused a mortgage, loan or credit card in the past five years, while one in five had had trouble getting a mobile phone contract.

Others revealed fears about life after leaving the forces. More than half worried that employers would not give them a chance, and more junior personnel often feared they would be starting their careers from scratch.

The research included a survey of more than 9,000 serving personnel, plus focus groups with members of the Army, RAF, Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

It was conducted with the permission of General Sir David Richards, Chief of the Defence Staff, and with organisational help from the Ministry of Defence.'

One in five soldiers have been verbally abused by members of public while in uniform | Mail Online

Any truth to this or total bollocks?

**Nobby Sapper** · 14-05-2012, 17:41

Oh, The abuse was by the public. Was going to tell the victims to "man/woman up" for a mo.

**defender** · 14-05-2012, 17:44

This was done yesterday.

**honor_roll_flapjack** · 14-05-2012, 17:44

Originally Posted by mcflurry

Any truth to this or total bollocks?

I've known Cadets that have been heckled about killing babys whilst walking to their detachment. We tell them to cover up as best they can, but there are morons everywhere.

**TalaveraTom** · 14-05-2012, 17:48

If you don't wish to be abused whilst in green skin, then go out in civvies instead. As for the rest of the article, the DS answer here will be crack on i'm sure, because it was the same for everyone when leaving the cocoon of Army life. Besides, aren't there lots more organisations now to assist soldiers leaving service? Perhaps one of these could help with the transition by giving real and relative advice to the leaver?

**TheIronDuke** · 14-05-2012, 17:51

If the other four out of five feel they are missing out, please do not hesitate to PM me, yah?

I live to serve.

**leveller** · 14-05-2012, 17:54

Is this 'abuse' as in the the delicate petal that is a public sector worker, or 'abuse' as in 'oi ginger' or singing Status Quo songs about being in the army?

**Legs** · 14-05-2012, 17:55

I've been abused whilst in uniform. But I did enjoy it. It was a rubber nurses outfit. Does that count?

**BiscuitsAB** · 14-05-2012, 17:58

Originally Posted by honor_roll_flapjack

I've known Cadets that have been heckled about killing babys whilst walking to their detachment. We tell them to cover up as best they can, but there are morons everywhere.

Funny my lad never gets heckled on his way to cadets, probably because he's six foot three (and not yet 16).