RIP. Twas the compound next door to me.

If you re-read my thread, I didn't criticize the French Army.. I said I didn't trust them, I didn't say they were no good..

Actualy I was OC of an international unit for some three years and also deployed to a NATO HQ unit during the NATO operations in FRY, so I am afraid I have worked with a 'foreign army...

Seriously? 'Waiting on is the correct term for the job a waiter does..

Explain what?

Had to happen really, unless we entrust Force Protection to the French. And in all honesty about the only role I would trust them with is waiting on!

Anything by Adnams, 10 year old Talisker, Bombay gin and tonic (with all the trimmings) a good Rioja or a good Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region of New Zealand. They are currently the drinks of choice...

The press do indeed pick sides... Its all about 'ratings' or 'copy' after all NOT keeping us informed.. I went over with a news crew when this all first started (first time I had been in many a year!) and, as always with the media, they had a very firm picture of what they wanted..

Indeed Rich's book is a very good read. However, you state that its to revise for the exam. Then I suggest you use your course notes as anyone's book, as good as it may be, may not cover what the exam is asking for. Considering most 'cp' courses are worth tuppence, a 'good' book may just mislead...

I have not seen the film yet, due to work, but hope to see it soon. I have however just finished the new book which 're-boots' Bond into the present day. Its called Carte Blanche and is by Jeffery Deaver. A decent read, which helped pass a few nights in identi-kit hotel rooms. It would fit into...

Lets be honest here, an ND, or whatever the politically correct and current term is, happens due to, in 99% of cases, 'user error' In other words, mishandling the firearm. Very, very few are caused by malfunctions. So, if PC X has discharged his weapon, unintentionally it is more than likely...

Tccch! I ask you!

I'm not sure how seven days training in anything is enough... And I mean anything!

Saward, I never said it would happen. Indeed I would be amazed if it did, I very much doubt many training centres would welcome the attention and certainly I for one have no intention of completing a civvie course. Rich, sorry, I have to disagree slightly. Yes, I agree that a coffee and a chat...

Hmm, stash.. American... Is it a vehicle where they keep the twinkies?

I find it very hard to recommend a course and often wonder how others manage to. Why? Simply I have only ever completed government run courses (both UK and USA) so having never done a 'civvie' course, how can I recommend one? And those who have attended a civilian run course probably have...

I am in two minds about the whole experience... I was at various sites and arenas on several occasions and whilst on the whole it appeared, at face value, ok, there were some visits that left me concerned.

Agreed Ritch. Often as the 'man with the man' a firearm is more trouble than its worth. And back when I used to do media backwatch, I never carried.

Agreed Little. The staff that attended should be paid for. Any part of the contract they failed to deliver, they should not be paid for. (or indeed if they only partialy delivered, they should receive partial payment)

Here? With the standard of bananna we have currently working in the cp environment? Most can hardly handle a radio let alone some form of weapon. In an ideal world, then yes. Maybe batons in some circumstances and firearms in extreme cases. BUT the training would have to change considerably and...