Courage is key

Why do people join the army? In many cases it’s surely the attraction of excitement and adventure, physical challenge and close comradeship. Maybe a splash of patriotism inspires as well.

Many boys grow up from toy guns to online simulated combat – it’s a built in aspect of the psyche of many young men. While it can have it’s downsides in civilian life, our nation should be grateful that such people are motivated to serve and protect us in the military.

However, in Britain political correctness seeps into every institution, it seems. No longer is a straightforward urge to enter into a world of weaponry and warriors palatable. Instead, it is hoped that values more in tune with the average social work applicant will swell the ranks of the infantry. This led to the embarrassing recent army recruitment campaign portraying emotional fragility.

The latest campaign tries to portray perceived character weaknesses as virtues. A young man staying awake at night to play a computer game is commended for “drive”, while the fact that he is probably playing a game that simulates army action is ignored!

A nation that cannot bring itself to value aggression, toughness, ruthlessness and courage in its own military will struggle to maintain an effective fighting force.

RICHARD LUCAS Leader, Scottish Family Party,

Bath Street, Glasgow