why ex-forces sleeping rough on the streets itv news 19/10/06?

Question

all week itv have done reports on the forces is anyone else sick of the way the mod /gov treat our forces can we do anything to help them

i am exforces

Answer 1

I think this has been going on for years. I think some ex-forces find it hard adjusting to civilian life, but you are right, they are not very well looked after. They do not get the right support from the government. We don't hear about half the things that go on in war zones. I really get annoyed with the media, when all they focus on is the negative side and give all the forces a bad name. We don't hear about the constant danger of landmines, bombs or the constant gunfire they have to deal with. Yes, they are soldiers and that is their job, but they could do with better treatment from the people that put them there. There are always cuts being made in the forces and as a result there aren't as many people wanting to sign up. Can we blame them?

Answer 2

When a man (or women) has been in the army for such a log time, they become institutionalised. It is very difficult especially for someone who's been in the army since 17/18 years of age, to get back into the 'Civy life'. The Army/Navy etc is a way of life, in which they no of nothing else. Even though they may be trained in several jobs, (mechanic, medic, fitness instructor etc), sometimes it is difficult to get jobs once outside of these boundary's.
Even if they have the support of the family, but even then, once out, even the family can break down, leading to you finding ex servicemen on the streets etc etc.

There needs to be something introduced by the government where there is a slow transitional period (say of about 1 year) to help these guys get back into (what we call) 'normal' life.

I was only an ex army kid (lived in Germany since the age of 2), and even being young (when I arriving back into England), did take a while to adjust to the norms of Living in England, so can understand the hardship of a fully grown adult of 25/30/40 + coming back to civilian life

Answer 3

,i put the same question on but left out the points of immigrants , what make me mad about all this , is when they are strikes on the army does get used to keep things running for example fire brigade , rubbish collection and over the last twenty years other things ,the forces just get on and do it with no thanks. now in times when they leave the forces they find they do not fit into civilian life so sleep on the streets or kill themselves and with the forces fighting all over the world i would not blame them if they put down the weapons and said no more until we get looked after properly as when they leave the forces they will want a life they have fought and died to protect we should give them that life

Answer 4

Not seen the report. It disgusts me, the very thought of it. These people are heroes in my eyes and I thank every last one them for protecting me and y future generations.

People need to remember there is a reason for War, maybe we will never know thats why we are not a President or Prime Minister.

Who knows the information they have. They should still look after the soldiers once they leave the Army.

Answer 5

One in four living rough is ex forces. We are thrown out of the mob without a bye your leave and expected to get on with it. Leaving the military is VERY stressful, I ended up in an acute psychiatric ward during this happenning to me, it is not nice. There is the British Legion, Combat Stress and SSAFA to help us, but as for any official help, yes, it does exist but no-one is ever told that it does and where to find it. The MOD do not have any sort of heart to those of us who served them, in the US, veterans get very good rehab, not here though.

Answer 6

The truth.

I am ex forces and when I asked for help, I was cold shouldered by the goverment as I had done my bit now bye bye. Asking for help off the local authorities i.e housing etc was given your not eligable go find a place.

no wonder so many ex forces are on the streets, we get pushed there

Answer 7

The saying is: Ask not what we can do for you but what you can do for your country in time of need. I too am X-forces and when I came out I was assured help with a new job and somewhere to live...None whatsoever was given.
Those who love their country will defend it, but, not in the name of our government but for the land that is ours. The Higher-archy who sit planning wars don't give a damn as long as they are well and truly provided for by our taxes. The people in a country are somewhat blind but will not permit an invader to seize our lands. That is why we fight so our children do not suffer in the near future.

Answer 8

It's not just ex-forces personnel, it's children who come out of care at 16, patients discharged from long-stay hospitals.....
This will continue to happen just as long as people have the 'not-in-my-back-yard' attitude to the creation of hostels for the homeless.
There are people in my neighbourhood who are objecting to the building of some semi-detached housing, just because they're for the rental market, I ask you?
And, yes I would have no objection to one being built in my neighbourhood.

Answer 9

It's pathetic isn't it! Isn't it ironic that these are the very people who have been fighting to keep us safe from terrorists and this 'Loony government' would rather house those terrorists and give them handouts of OUR money instead of helping these brave people to integrate back into our society! It Makes Me Ashamed To Be British!!!

Answer 10

Because they are of no more use to the Government,they've served their purpose.At least the Americans try to help their ex-servicemen.The British have always treated ex-soldiers & their families like dirt.