Military training

Press, 18 April 1981, Page 14

Military training

Sir, — Because Messrs Gardner and Evans have misinterpreted the meaning and words expressed in our letter, we make no further comment on this topic as it appears senseless airing opinions which are misunderstood. We do, however, answer their “charge concerning hypocrisy of transferring gang members

from one violent situation to another.” Surely the forces, as disciplinary organisations, would have a better chance of straightening out misguided members of gangs, whereas society itself cannot cope. The object of the services is not to train “killers” but to regain any self-discipline (which may be lacking in gang members) as well as training members in ( trades beneficial to society. — Yours, etc., - .

Jo. M. EVANS. J. K. BATT.

April 15, 1981. Sir, — After reading Messrs Gardner and Evans’s letter on military training and camaraderie; as a returned serviceman from the 1939-45 war I consider their remarks a slight on the men who fought, died and suffered, > and those now in their 60s who are suffering from the effects of that war. As regards the true principles of camaraderie, it's a pity the correspondents weren’t-privileged to attend, as I did last Saturday night, a small social gathering of members of the'’2nd Div. Cav. Association. There they would have seen not violence, but a group of men and their wives enjoying the- true result of camaraderie. Violence breeds violence it is said. What did Hitler respond to? — Yours, etc......

■- A. G. NELSON. April 15, 1981.