Many don’t see the opportunities we have in the army, such as sport or AT. They think you’re just turning up and getting beasted without any time off.
LCpl Luke Barr, RRF (above)
People think we can do everything – that soldiers should be called when there are strikes, for example. They don’t realise this takes us away from the day job.
Cpl Shaun Manvell, REME
Civvies see it as just a job – they don’t know what it involves; the physical endurance and mental robustness. It’s definitely not a nine-to-five.
Fus Bradley Williams, RRF
People instantly assume you’re tough as nails – emotionless or robotic. They also think you just do as you’re told all the time and never have opinions or decide stuff for yourself.
LCpl Brandon Temple-Brown, RRF
Some believe this life is only for people who couldn’t succeed elsewhere. But that’s not the case.
LCpl Hobie Boyd, RRF
They tend to believe everyone in the army has the same job – they don’t realise there are different roles, including many technical trades. Soldiering isn’t just one thing.
Sgt Maxine Crombie, RLC
The public aren’t connecting with the military as they did in the Herrick era. It’s probably because troops aren’t on the news in the same way, although it’s good there isn’t a conflict happening.
Capt Shaun Stanley, AGC (SPS)
The British Army is very well respected by the civilian community in Nepal – there is a good understanding. For young people aged 18 to 21, the military is the life they want.
Pte Anish Rai, QOGLR
"Generally, I don't think civilians understand how busy the service is – there's a lot going on."
WO2 Jess Kilfoyle, RLC
