Liverpool f.c In Iraq

[Ron_Mexico]

American soldiers are tossas.

Lose the lid, the shades and the 'high and mighty' attitude.


(No - I don't know any serving US soldiers, but come on, you've got to question the stormtrooper mentality with all the shades 'n' ****?)

wow he's such a dickhead playing with an Iraqi kid like that

sounds like you've got an agenda

i do know quite a few army, marine, and navy boys as several people in my family serve and have served, and you couldn't be more wrong about them. there are always going to be dickheads but the majority i've met are sound

[nobbylad]

wow he's such a dickhead playing with an Iraqi kid like that

sounds like you've got an agenda

i do know quite a few army, marine, and navy boys as several people in my family serve and have served, and you couldn't be more wrong about them. there are always going to be dickheads but the majority i've met are sound

I knew someone would get upset with that post mate and to be fair, I wouldn't expect anything else.

My personal opinion is that they'd win more hearts and minds with less of the shades and full on lids etc etc.

Just a personal point of view shared with a few British squaddies and some yanks as well.

You get knobheads everywhere, but sometimes you think the US soldiers could be a bit more humble.

[Ron_Mexico]

I knew someone would get upset with that post mate and to be fair, I wouldn't expect anything else.

My personal opinion is that they'd win more hearts and minds with less of the shades and full on lids etc etc.

Just a personal point of view shared with a few British squaddies and some yanks as well.

You get knobheads everywhere, but sometimes you think the US soldiers could be a bit more humble.

no worries at all, your initial post touched a nerve because i've got family and friends in Iraq but you talk sense. i know what you mean, a more humble approach would probably be more effective in the long run. i think all that gear and their appearance is a psychological thing, for the soldiers and for their enemies, makes them feel and look more powerful. plus it's probably regulation to wear that stuff, decided by someone who doesn't have to wear it. and we know how competent the higher ups are in the US military. im sure the soldiers would rather not wear the gear when they're palling around with the locals. but i'm speculating about things i don't know much about

edit: just reading your last line i think that stems from US culture in general, i there are many who could do with being more humble over here

[nobbylad]

To be fair mate, a lot of what we see/hear is media representation, but it's kinda backed up by photo's like that one and 'some' stories from others.

Didn't mean to touch a nerve which I thought I might. Whoever is serving out there didn't ask to be there but are doing they're duty.

[Fierce]

My personal opinion is that they'd win more hearts and minds with less of the shades and full on lids etc etc.

I see your point also, but isn't it relatively hot in Iraq?! I think you'd be pretty uncomfortable if you DIDN'T wear shades!
And yeah maybe they should lose the lids when (if?!) its safe to, but I'm sure that its regulation to always wear a helmet. Its pretty dangerous out there apparently!

[nobbylad]

I see your point also, but isn't it relatively hot in Iraq?! I think you'd be pretty uncomfortable if you DIDN'T wear shades!
And yeah maybe they should lose the lids when (if?!) its safe to, but I'm sure that its regulation to always wear a helmet. Its pretty dangerous out there apparently!

Yes mate....I'm sure, like Ron, you get my point.

[Ron_Mexico]

To be fair mate, a lot of what we see/hear is media representation, but it's kinda backed up by photo's like that one and 'some' stories from others.

Didn't mean to touch a nerve which I thought I might. Whoever is serving out there didn't ask to be there but are doing they're duty.

no problem at all mate, you talk alot of sense, i get the impression you are in the military or ex military but i could be wrong

you are spot on, the media gets filtered information from the military and then they spin it their own way to get a reaction

i have total respect for the soldiers doing the hard work over there. i know ideologically some may disagree with us being there (as i do), but the soldiers are only doing their jobs

[kendoddsdadsdogsdead]

I see your point also, but isn't it relatively hot in Iraq?! I think you'd be pretty uncomfortable if you DIDN'T wear shades!
And yeah maybe they should lose the lids when (if?!) its safe to, but I'm sure that its regulation to always wear a helmet. Its pretty dangerous out there apparently!

I always remember an advert for the British Army where an officer was surrounded by a mob of Africans, and they only calmed down when he took his shades off. It was a blatant stab at the yank forces and typically stiff upper lip. Made me think though, as eye contact is pretty important for developing trust. And also most of the troops who did tours in N.I. wouldn't be seen in shades or with a lid on. Most of the Iraqi snipers aim for the trunk or limbs. Headshots require way too much effort to land on the first shot.

[publiusscipio]

"We've got the best minefield in the world!"

Sorry couldn't resist myself!

That's seriously funny!!

[Matt]

A US soldier playfully arm wrestles an Iraqi boy while on patrol in central Baghdad on the day of a surprise visit to Iraq by President George W Bush.
FROM THE BBC'S DAY IN PICTURES

Is that Mike K on the left?

[nobbylad]

Is that Mike K on the left?

No...there's quite clearly a gap in between his eyebrows.

[cobain]

"We've got the best minefield in the world!"

Sorry couldn't resist myself!

a bit

But still

[Maestro]

I always remember an advert for the British Army where an officer was surrounded by a mob of Africans, and they only calmed down when he took his shades off. It was a blatant stab at the yank forces and typically stiff upper lip. Made me think though, as eye contact is pretty important for developing trust. And also most of the troops who did tours in N.I. wouldn't be seen in shades or with a lid on. Most of the Iraqi snipers aim for the trunk or limbs. Headshots require way too much effort to land on the first shot.

What does the phrase "with a lid on" mean?

[Liverpool]

No...there's quite clearly a gap in between his eyebrows.

Where is he nowadays?

[nobbylad]

What does the phrase "with a lid on" mean?

Generally used to describe a helmet (although if someone says "Alright lid?", they're not necessarily talking to Rhodney).