Looking for a Colonials view

**CDNSushi** · 25th January 09, 09:00 PM

From a colonial (Commonwealth citizen), here's my view on it.

Personally, I was rather disappointed to see that the guard lost his cool. He left his post and should absolutely be disciplined for it. The fact that the young punk deserved it is irrelevant. There are lots of people that deserve a lot of a$$-kickings and there aren't enough boots in the world to administer them all.

Those in a position of duty and authority need to be held to a higher standard than your average citizen who has no compulsion to give someone what for at whim. That is the point of training and drill. I would expect (and hope) to see the utmost in discipline from those who have the honour to serve in such a position. That solider should not be assigned to such duty in the future if he cannot handle the pressure.

Having said that, the punk did get exactly what was coming to him, but it shouldn't be the guard abandoning his post to do it. It's sad that none of the other passers-by said anything or didn't tell him that if he didn't quit it, they'd go fetch a police officer.

Because British guards traditionally have this international reputation for requiring to be absolutely infallible, it's obvious that tourists are going to want to test those limits and monkey with them. A child making a few funny faces or someone coming close to have their friend take a picture is one thing, but being a complete jackass is another. This being the case, it should be a matter of policy and courtesy to have someone (or someones) nearby who can put a stop to this kind of nonsense. The rules regarding guard duty were created before the rules of society changed and made it acceptable for regular people to push the limits on acceptable behaviour.

**beloitpiper** · 26th January 09, 09:35 AM

I never understood why people taunt and intimidate the guards in London. I mean, jeez, if somebody were taunting a Marine guarding the White House guess how long they would be standing and conscious....

**haukehaien** · 26th January 09, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

I never understood why people taunt and intimidate the guards in London. I mean, jeez, if somebody were taunting a Marine guarding the White House guess how long they would be standing and conscious....

From The Simpsons:

At the US embassy, the family walk inside the wrought-iron gates. Homer
spots a marine standing guard.

Homer: Hey! Are you like one of those English guards who can't laugh
or smile or anything? [makes noises and faces at him]
[gets punched in the face] Ow!
Marine: No, Sir! US Marine Corps, Sir!

**Spartan** · 26th January 09, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

I never understood why people taunt and intimidate the guards in London. I mean, jeez, if somebody were taunting a Marine guarding the White House guess how long they would be standing and conscious....

Not long.... I've had the honor of being in the White House and there is no way that I would even think of messing with those guys. I think that they are chosen to look intimidating. I once officiated at a marriage of one of men assigned to the National Cemetery. It's all business.

Perhaps tourists in the UK see the Guards as just ceremonial. Some of them (the tourists) need an attitude adjustment.

**Good Egg** · 26th January 09, 11:01 AM

Would former colonials be OK or revolting colonials as in:

You Majesty the Americans are revolting.

Don't worry I am a big fan of the US and most of its citizens. Last year as well as holidaying in Texas I had the privilege of doing an exchange with the Army National Guard in South Dakota. Quite often people would come over and ask what I was doing. Generally I'd explain about being on an exchange but I'm afraid sarcasm got the better of me and I told one or 2 people that the Queen had sent me over on a recce (recon) as she was fed up with your revolting ways and she wanted the place back.

**Nervous Jock** · 26th January 09, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by Courtmount

Would former colonials be OK or revolting colonials as in:

You Majesty the Americans are revolting.

Don't worry I am a big fan of the US and most of its citizens. Last year as well as holidaying in Texas I had the privilege of doing an exchange with the Army National Guard in South Dakota. Quite often people would come over and ask what I was doing. Generally I'd explain about being on an exchange but I'm afraid sarcasm got the better of me and I told one or 2 people that the Queen had sent me over on a recce (recon) as she was fed up with your revolting ways and she wanted the place back.

Really Americans have the French to thank

**Kerr the Walker** · 26th January 09, 11:44 AM

It pains me that the punk lacks the respect for the Guardsman as he stood his watch. Even more so the fact that this is most likely an indication of his level of respect for people in general. The fact that it has become socially acceptable/enouraged to be disrespectful is disturbing indeed.

Originally Posted by Nervous Jock

Really Americans have the French to thank

paid in full

(all in good fun)

**Nick the DSM** · 26th January 09, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by Courtmount

Would former colonials be OK or revolting colonials as in:

You Majesty the Americans are revolting.

Don't worry I am a big fan of the US and most of its citizens. Last year as well as holidaying in Texas I had the privilege of doing an exchange with the Army National Guard in South Dakota. Quite often people would come over and ask what I was doing. Generally I'd explain about being on an exchange but I'm afraid sarcasm got the better of me and I told one or 2 people that the Queen had sent me over on a recce (recon) as she was fed up with your revolting ways and she wanted the place back.

Hahaha!!!

I side with guard for this incident, the kid deserved it and probably more.

**Arlen** · 26th January 09, 11:26 AM

I agree that there is probably more than was shown.
I get the VERY distinct feeling that the eejit made a move as if to pass the sentry or to touch him. In which case it's all hands on.

I've known quite a few people who were in the guards in my time and heard exactly what they are put through. I have never once known any of them to lose their cool although one or two have done similar to head off a kid trying to run past and be funny.

I hope he gets an easy discipline and I REALLY hope we find out what the idiot did to prompt it.

**thescot** · 26th January 09, 01:48 PM

Well, the military must be disciplined and a' that an' a' that. But then . . . well, I imagine all of us vets enjoyed seeing him do a little needed attitude adjusting.

But the guard didn't leave his post; he simply cleansed it of some trash lying about. I might feel differently if I hadn't read the whole story--that idiot making a fool of himself was 23 years-old!

He should have had a sound thrashing, and I doubt he'll do it again. Probably wet his pants and whined about that big mean bully with the big gun attacking him.

On the other hand, I'm sure the guard was disciplined--and privateyly congratulated by all the other guards and officers who have wanted to do that. I can just hear his First Sergeant.

"Private, you have failed in your duty and embarrassed the squad, the company, your commanding officer, and the queen. I have no choice but to order you to three days no-duty during which time the entire batallion will cover your bar tab and the queen herself will entertain you at dinner in the castle. Dismissed!"