I'm on my favourite subject again, though he is by no means my favourite person.?

Question

Prince Harry is alleged to be upset that he wasn't allowed to fight in Afghanistan. I wonder, firstly, if he realised this isn't like the street brawls with photographers but he could actually get killed. Aside from this, what I'd like to ask is how he seems to get so much leave from the Army. And also, do they really pay that well that 'officers' such as him can afford to spend so much on one night's boozing, 24 hours boozing sessions, every night in a nightclub? If he were allowed to join the real soldiers out there, would they find a nightclub for him? I believe that all this bravado he shows about wanting to go out there to fight is all a front. He knows full well that this would never be allowed, and no matter how many times he says he wants to go, he is fully aware that he is never going to be at risk. My question is mainly about the amount of leave and the pay, but please comment on the other parts if you wish.

Thanks Dave, point taken.

Thanks, Dream On, that's the best answer so far.

Proud Army Wife, I couldn't quite understand your meaning here. People do care about what others are doing. We all care what happens to our troops, whether in Iraq or Afghanistan. And we care because some of them die. When you have people, though, who treat the Army as a game, I find it very irritating. If your husband is indeed in the Army, then perhaps you should understand this better than anyone.

maplesyrup.....just one little thing about his uncle Andrew fighting in the Falklands. He was there, he was I believe flying a helicopter.....But do you believe that he was actually amongst the action? And the wars in Iraq and Afganistan cannot be compared with the Falklands conflict in any way. There was no 'dirty fighting' during the Falklands conflict, the opposition were beaten almost as soon as it started. It's like comparing a pit bull terrier with a mouse.

An interesting comment there by Robin Hood as well....It's a pity there wasn't a little bit more of an explanation there, though.

Conrange.....thank you for that very extensive answer. In reply to your comment, no I have never served my country. But I, like many others, have lost relatives in two wars. Also, I never suggested that the Falklands Conflict was a cakewalk. I still find it hard to accept that any member of the Royal Family would be allowed to partake in such serious action. And if you'd read any of my other comments, you will see that I have nothing but deep regard for our troops, wherever they are engaged. You are obviously very knowledgeable regarding military history, and it is very rewarding to find someone of such knowledge and intellect taking part in this question and answer site. However, my question was based simply on one person and his actions and behaviour. Perhaps you'd give me your view on this; do all army officers on leave behave like louts? I would think not, I think the person in question should show more decorum because of his standing in the community.

Further to that last comment of mine, by 'dirty fighting' I mean the threat of suicide bombers and regular booby traps. Although my military knowledge is limited, I don't think our troops in the Falklands had this to contend with. As for anyone in the Armed Forces, I have nothing but the deepest respect for them, I believe they should be honoured just for taking part.

Answer 1

As you say, it is easy to be "upset" when you know that you haven't a chance in hell of going anyway. I'm sure he realises the risks, however what about the risks to others in his regiment, if he were allowed on Ops - he would be a major target, and so it follows that those around him would be at even greater risk because of him. As to the pay - junior Army officers are fairly well paid, but as officers are supposed to be held as good examples, it is usually the lower ranks who are out on the razzle or caught taking drugs. As to leave - he certainly seems to get more free time than most - but would anyone stand up and admit to that? When morale in the services seems to be at an all time low, it is certainly not appropriate that royalty should be seen to be treating an Army career as a hobby - Harry needs to grow up FAST!!!!! It's time Daddy had a quiet word in his ear!!!!

Answer 2

Harry has been told by the military that he will put the lives of other serving soldiers in greater danger if he goes to Afghanistan - yet he still says he wants to go. He obviously doesn't care too much for his fellow soldiers.

The more leave he gets from his regiment, the more time he spends getting involved in drunken stupid pranks, the safer will be the men and women who have taken their role in the armed forces seriously.

Perhaps the Chiefs of Staff could get him a little job guarding the South Pole or something. He might just manage to avoid being a complete prat if he is put about a thousand miles from any other human being.

This silly young man makes me very angry!

Answer 3

As far as money goes, I'm sure its all family money. Run a little low and sneak into Grandma's room and pop a diamond out of the crown for a night on the town.
For wanting to go to war. Scientist have found that the brain is not fully developed till your mid twenties. One of the last things is rational thinking, I think thats why we still get a lot of 18 to 25 year olds joining up for the military, they don't understand that war is not just a movie or video game, they think its cool.

Answer 4

i can't really comment on the amount of leave he gets becuase i wouldn't know if he is actually getting more than anyone else. But in terms of pay it doesn't matter as he is wealthy already, in fact he is not the only one lots of officers are from private education and come from wealthy backgrounds, whats wrong with that?

In terms of him going out boozing and being seen in night clubs i would say there is nothing wrong with that most people his age behave in exactly the same way, all he is doing is having fun, he is not hurting anyone. I know of a few friends in the army and one who is an officer and they still come out with their friends, have a drink and a laugh,so of course he can go out to a night club and have a drink with his friends, when on leave obviously.

In terms of him actualy fighting in a war. I believe the he did truly expect to fight in a war in the same way his fellow soldiers would, lots of guys his age do it what makes you think he wouldn't have the balls to go front line the same way they would. His uncle actualy fought in the faulklands so there was a chance, there are arguments for and against him fighting but the decission has been made and it was not by him.

Answer 5

You know he doesnt get that much pay as an officer and that he is independently wealthy and seeing as his granny is commander in chief of the armed forces i imagine he can take as much leave as he likes

lifes not fair but neither is playing football with a bloke with 3 legs

Answer 6

there is nothing to stop him leaving the royal family

its been done in the past

then he would be free to do as he wishes , as he is not the heir , but as they used to say he is the " spare "

but wait !!! that would mean he might actually have to do some of the things he wished for

so will look for him in nightclubs

not in fatigues

all the best
Ian

Answer 7

He is wielding a double edged sword. He is an Officer in the Army, yet is still Royalty with those responsibilities. If he is out clubbing, good for him. Who cares? So he already has money, and he gets leave for what? Attending a ceremony? Either way, he is still serving his country.

Answer 8

Harry Hewitt is quite a brave chap, I'm sure he was serious about wanting to go to the front line.

Answer 9

You know that he is wealthy through family.

I don't understand why people care so much about others and what they are or are not doing.

Answer 10

As an Ex Para , Iwould not have him around me

Full Stop