Prince Harry says he will quit the army if stopped from going to Iraq. Grow up boy?

Question

While I admire the princes commitment to his duty he must realise the added risks to his soldiers he will command. They would not only have to look out for themselves and the rest of the platoon but be aware where he is at all time and making sure he’s safe. I realise he wants to prove himself, to the world and his to his over baring family, that he can do the job. However must realise the enormous coup it would be if he was taken prisoner or god forbid killed by the “enemy” he must stop thinking of himself, but of the men, he commands.

why dont any of you want a IM , so we can discuss the question in depth.

plus one answer bafles me
I can quit
Why I did 12 years, went in 76 came out 88

You all say let him go he is a soldier he should take the same risk as other soldiers. In one respect you are right one hundred percent. Nevertheless, the fact is he is in line for the British throne, the “enemy” know this will do all it can to get him and use him as a pawn to get what ever they can. I know he should take the same risk as all other soldiers out there. He should have just been sent and not let the media know and so tell the “enemy” know he is on his way. That was down right irresponsible, whoever let that information out is the one who should get it in the neck. Mind you it might have been done to stop him going??????

Answer 1

Except for a few Answers it's obvious to me that most people have no idea of the extent to which the Royal Family are protected not only from danger but life in general. Harry would be a danger to his fellow soldiers and all those tasked with protecting him. As for anyone who still believes that the Iraqi insurgents couldn't find out where he was they have no idea of the capabilities of these people who have penetrated even into the Iraqi Parliament to murder and maim.

Answer 2

Im not a member of the armed forces however i have spent almost 30 months working in iraq and I have recently returned due to the increase in bombings upon the british bases. Part of me agrees that Prince Harry should go to Iraq to boost morale for the troops that are already there. However I do agree that there will be an increase in threat not only to himself but for fellow troops around him and also the military bases. Why does our country have to broadcast everything that the Princes do? If our country just sent him out there and got his tour over and done with then I believe that the threat increase would not be as great as it is now. I would like to wish Prince Harry a safe tour along with the rest of the British troops and all the civilian personnel that are currently working in Iraq.

Answer 3

The Royal family have a long tradition of having its members serve in the military. Prince Harry is not seen by the military as a prince but as a commanding officer in the british army, in other words a soldier, soldiers go where they are told and do what they are ordered to do. If Prince Harry is ordered to go to Iraq, I would expect him to go because it is his duty to. The army has spent extra money on special training for Him and his men in case a situation arises. Every British soldier is in the Army by choice and each and everyone knew the risks when they joined up including the prince, and he like his collegues has the right to be proud to serve his country. If he is thinking of quitting the army then that is his perogative, as I expect he feels he would have gone through all the training for nothing.

Answer 4

On balance, I agree with you. However, the particular problems caused by his presence could easily have been foreseen. So, was sending him into battle, ever going to be an option? It is not dissimilar to the particular problems brought about by having women on the front line.

I wouldn't accuse him of needing to grow up, however, because he is being driven by not wanting to be shown any special privileges. By protesting in this way, he doesn't come across as a wimp, because you can be sure, if he wasn't going to be sent, or showed any personal reluctance to go, he would have been criticised for that. Damned if you do, and if you don't.

I think that he will be persuaded that not going is the more sensible option, particularly with this kind of warfare. Given the situation, however, despite what his personal views may be, he may decide that staying in the military is no longer viable for him. That isn't evidence that he has thrown his rattle out of the pram.

Answer 5

I wonder How Abe Lincolns Son handled it when He went to war and How about Roosevelts son in Africa WW2 fighting the NAzi's And From What I can recall Churchill and a former Prince stood up in WW1 and WW2. He should go, stop the Pansy treatment. As sad as it would be for Him to get Injured when all is said and Done is he any more than any of the queens subjects?

Answer 6

Let me ask you this. If Harry goes to war and gets killed what would England do?
I think they would come in and kick some serious butt.
Not only that but to have someone who is in the medias eye back in Iraq would go far in putting this war back on the front page.
I don't think the media has supported our troops of any nation and this would rally them back.
I do not want anymore troops killed or wounded. I want them all to come back safely.
Having the media start to portray what is really going on would be a start in the right direction

Answer 7

In general I agree with the comments, that include my own opinion, he'll be nothing but a damned liability and being a Young tearaway do nothing but put his fellow non ranking soldiers into extreme danger. His fellow officers thus seeking to emulate him - thus more problems all round.

His Uncle at the Falklands was sound in his thinking, proved his capability, dependability and reliability and left a very solid reputation in all who met, served and spoke with him.

His 2 Nephews leave a lot to desire. Their inability to cope with simple issues and the ongoing distress they invariably occasion to others in their all round private life, behaviour and socialising antics earns them only suitability to an animal preserve.

Yes. The ordinary lads in his unit will pay dearly for the so called privilege of serving with him !!

Answer 8

nah, let him go. he shouldnt get preferencial treatment just cos of his blood. let him go and he might just might become a royal we can be proud of who is in touch with the rest of society as he's been there and fought for his country. anyone who goes out there is at the same risk as him he shouldnt be treated differently. whats the point of putting your self through all that training to not put it to use and sit behind a desk? thats a cop out. its an enormous coup to take any prisoner and to be killed by the enemy. i say good on him and wish him well, at least he has the balls to put his money where his mouth is.

Answer 9

What the hell is the point of sending a childish drunk to Iraq?

Harry a leader of men? I've read better science fiction.

The questioner has made a valid arguement for him not going, and we can do without a royal impression of Mr Bean mk.2 in Iraq.

Send Tony Blair, and Goldsmith instead, their capture would do wonders for our troops morale.

Answer 10

Did you read this in a tabloid?? Contrary to popular belief the Prince is not coddled, but he has a strong will. He is mature, but hasn't
reached the realization, that part of his agenda
has been preset by the status of the royal family. He is trying to set his own path regardless, but the road blocks must be frustrating for him.