18-year-old Maltese heads for the Afghanistan frontline
Matthew Camilleri has always been an adventurous guy – to the point that he is ready to be deployed to Afghanistan in the near future, having just graduated into the British Army.
For those unfamiliar with military jargon, which peppers the conversation with the 18-year-old soldier from Sliema, in his case it means he will basically be on the frontline. And if you force out of him whether that is as dangerous as it sounds, he finally acquiesces.
Matthew, whose job description is now combat infanteer, finds it hard to answer whether he harbours any feelings of fear about his upcoming assignment: he is aware that replying in the negative would make him out to be “crazy”, but if he were scared, he would not have joined the British Army in the first place. The soldier sees his operational tour – as it is termed – as a way of “doing a good deed”.
For him it is not so much a case of going to war but more a question of protecting the Afghans from Taliban insurgents and helping out with the situation there. To do that, however, the truth is he will be in “contact” everyday – and for the uninitiated, that means with insurgents.
As part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), he knows he will be constantly in conflict situations – under fire and firing back. Matthew will be armed to the teeth and although “trusting in your kit is a must, you never really know until you put it to the test”. Nevertheless, he feels prepared, having undergone rigorous training for the last year and a half.
Following a selection process, in September 2009 he left Malta to endure 48 weeks of interviews, tests and tasks at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, and another 14 of training at Catterick Garrison, the largest of three Infantry Training Centres in the UK.
Training also included map reading and navigation but it was no mean feat. In fact, many drop out, instead of pass out: from a platoon of 48, only 23 graduated last month. “It could be due to injury, or because their skills and drills are not on the ball. Maybe the sergeant does not believe they have what it takes to go out and fight. But at that stage of training, it is definitely not a question of changing your mind,” Matthew maintains.
On his part, he managed to withstand the eight-mile tabs – fast walking, carrying 25kg on his back, up steep hills and across rugged terrain. “I love the challenging aspect of training and could never have a desk job!” Being a soldier is in his blood, confirm his parents, who, despite some worry, have supported him along the way.
Matthew was never a Boy Scout, for example, but his desire to join the army dates back to childhood and he has always been into physical fitness and sports, including abseiling and rugby. Although he had never set foot in a gym, Matthew is well-built and could handle the many press-ups he had to undergo during training. Having said that, there were moments when he wondered what he was doing there and why.
“During a week in the field, it was so cold that I got hypothermia. But I kept it to myself and continued training so I would not get back squadded.” What kept him going was selfmotivation — and he knows he may need to tap into that trait again in his future, where he envisages many hard times, but plans to “keep fighting on”.
He also recalls falling in a river in -5°C temperatures. But that did not put him out of action, and when his combat medic told him to dry his trousers on the heater, he ran out into the snow without them to smoke. “The adrenaline does not let you feel the cold,” Matthew says.
Given that he is only wearing a T-shirt and is actually feeling hot while everyone else is in coats, it is not hard to believe. As he starts to warm to the interview, Matthew opens up about what gets him going in a line of work that most would prefer to watch on TV. His most exciting experience was throwing his first high-explosive hand grenade which, he adds, destroyed the target – and brought on the adrenaline again.
This month, Matthew sets off to his battalion with the Mercian Regiment in Germany.
The only downside is being away from his family, friends – and his girlfriend. His grandfather, Derek Fenech, who went to Sandhurst, although he never forged a career in the field, is a great inspiration – as were the stories he would tell him as a child. Matthew may well follow in his footsteps and join the Royal Military Academy some day — but his own stories will be based on reality
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Carmel Camilleri
Jan 15th 2011, 21:03
Dear Mr. Jeremy Camilleri, had you been someone with some knowledge of military etiquette you would have known that ''Go do your job, desire the right, protect the weak and respect the will of God'' is a phrase that is quite often said to soldiers before going to war. It has no other meaning than '' make sure your actions reflect those of a truly professional soldier''. I surely don't need to score any points with anyone; I already have full points after serving the RNR for 34 years. You have your ideals and I have mine. Please respect my ideals like I have respected those of others. If you are offended at my suggestion that you might be anti-British I do apologise. You should however by a bit more careful when you suggest that Catholices who go to war are hypocrites, as you might be threading on dangerous ground. I wouldn't wish to think that your forebears would have been hypocrites had they, in their service days, been called upon to go to war. My best regards to you, Sir.
C Shreeve
Jan 15th 2011, 00:33
@ Mario Caruana
I do apologise for any misunderstanding about 'culperability' I certainly did not direct that to any individual and certainly not to the Maltese people. A people I have come to very much love and admire. I used the term to 'whoever' as I was thinking of when God asked Cain where Abel was and Cain replied "Am I my brothers keeper?" Certainly people do acts of kindness in many ways, just as Matthew has chosen to serve his fellow man by serving in the British Army! A young man whom the Maltese people should be rightfully proud of as he is an Ambassador for Malta in his chosen career. Regardless what ones views are of the ISAF involvement in Afghanistan this young man should be respected and supported. As to participation both Matthew and I would defend peoples right to that, however those of us who are criticized for serving in the Armed forces in Conflict(whatever nationality) are aware of things as Edmund Burke said The Only thing Necessary For Evil To Flourish Is For Good men To Do Nothing.
MARIO CARUANA
Jan 13th 2011, 21:38
@C. Busuttil
Your last part of your comment is definetely unfair. The fact that I expressed a different opinion as others did afterall, doesn't mean that I am in some way, unintentional or intentional, in favour of some sort of terrorism. I STRONGLY CONDEMN and despise ALL types of terroism boith that expressed by deeds and even by words.
As I have written in my comments, every person takes decisions according to his conscience, judgements and situation. I have also commented that ONLY LOVE builds humanity. It is evident that you preferred to disregard these IMPORTANT statements to build on your fantasy to project your false interpretations. I was not critical of Matthew per se as you have tried to unjustly imply. I respect Matthew and his decisions because as I had also commented, I leave judgement for God because only GOD knows deeply the inside outs of every person.
C.Busuttil
Jan 12th 2011, 22:56
@Mauro Caruana
Your idea is to do like Pontius Pilate "tahsel idek biex la tfuh u l-anqas tinten"
That kind of mentality has caused great horrors in the past, the appeasment towards Hitler made it possible for him to murder millions. Had they acted in time millions of human beings would have been saved. The same applies in this case, action now before its too late.
Your approach gets you nowhere because inaction today means trouble tomorrow. You are afraid that they might get back at us if we get involved. If every country reasons in that manner the Taliban would be in power, planning destruction and murder of thousand of innocents just because they don't share their weird faith. Therefore we would be still a target even if we never did them anything.
PS- I am no hero, but at least I am not critical of this young man who has the courage to do what we all should do. There are no excuses either you are against these barbarians or you unintentonally or not, side with them.
mario caruana
Jan 12th 2011, 21:15
@C Shreeve
1. I fully concur with the part of your comment that in essence states that people need to be aware and pro-active when they see other peoples' suffering.
2. I cannot agree with you on the part of culperability. The fact that the Maltese (sorry not just me) do not actively participate and volunteer to go for war on the frontline as Matthew, does not mean that we are indifferent and it is unfair to attribute culperability or indifference. Persons make their decisions according to their conscience, judgements and situations.
3. There is so much good done by so many people, many times going unnoticed and in silence, that contributes towards the well-being of society. Simple acts of love, attention, etc. It's better to leave judgements of culperability for God because definetely ONLY God knows a person's intention and spirit and no one else.
4. Do we have to come and inform you about our deeds? Absolutely not! Sincere good deeds are not carried out for information or propoganda purposes but out of a sense of duty towards others. Furthermore, sincere good deeds are sustained even when others unjustly accuse you of indifference or culperability.
Martin Pace
Jan 12th 2011, 20:40
Matthew, do what you consider best and hope that you do your mission and return safe. Make us proud of you. There is nothing to be ashamed to air this news to us but hope that this be considered as a private mission by Matthew which should be respected by one and all, as each and every contributor here made his own decisions in life.
Nick Galea
Jan 12th 2011, 19:15
Well done Matthew. Malta has a long history as an ally to the British Empire. Its good to see this tradition upheld for the protection of our freedom and values. Let us not discount the danger of Islam and thank young men like Matthew who are prepared to stand up and risk their lives to protect us.
C Shreeve
Jan 12th 2011, 15:57
As a recent member of HM Forces and served in Afghanistan perhaps I can bring some clarity here. First the detractors here myself and former comrades as this young man would defend your right to say what you have and give our lives doing so! You would not have the same liberty under Taliban Rule. Second This young man is a 'Professional Soldier' he will be fighting for his comrades and Regiment foremost as he discharges UK Govts. Orders.
Please bear in mind that prior to ISAF in Afghanistan, children were denied an education, woman were valued less than a price of a dog, denial of medical treatment in childbirth etc. The real horrors I have seen are not the result of UK Troops involvement there but the imposition of a brutal ideology. I do not know about you but I cannot stand by and see such treatment given and do nothing, that suggests culperbility.
mairo caruana
Jan 12th 2011, 15:56
This is not a matter of nimby syndrome or not as you have referred to it. It is a matter of how certain people may judge and weigh things. I hop that you accept the fact that there may be others who9 think differently from what you think. That is what I tried to explain if you read my words carefullly and sincerely. It is not a matter of refraining to help others but a matter of weighing the pros and cons to see where the balance shifts.
Let me give you a simple example. It is good to help immigrants because they are as humans as me and you. However, the country needs also to consider and weigh how much we can stretch our hand to others without adversery affecting our own situation. Immagine having 1 million immigrants reaching our shores. Are we going to be called 'nimby' for the simple reason that we say that in this case we cannot afford to help them.?!
Definetely, in your case it seems that you are really heroic. For this I congratulate you for folllowing Matthew's example and wish you also luck and a safe return to our country.
C.Busuttil
Jan 12th 2011, 14:00
@Mario Caruana
Others may reason things out as being more defenceful for our people, in this particular case, to be left out of the story than to arbrarily get embroiled into it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prosit x'mentalita dik !!!!!!!!!!! missu kulhadd jaghmel hekk maghna f'kaz ta' bzonn ara kemm toqmoz. MGhandek in-NIMBY syndromme. M'hemmx triq tan-nofs jew kontra jew favur it-terroristi.
Joe Portelli
Jan 12th 2011, 13:30
Honest decent people are Proud of You - even if we dont understand the reasons of the current state of World Terrorism. Honest decent people do everything to protect innicent lives, some even willing to risk their own.
We are proud of you.
Joseph W. Galea
Jan 12th 2011, 10:44
It is obvious that this is what this young man wants to do. This is the career he chose. He is not fighting anyone's war, but obeying the orders of the organization he joined, and starting a career which he thinks is best for him.
He seems to be a very serious young man and believes in what he is doing. I have no idea why so many are still harbouring the thought that being in the British Army is succumbing to colonialistic mentality.
Personally, if the chap felt that this is the best path for him, that is all that matters. He seems very confident and sure of himself. Who knows, he may cover himself with glory while there and eventually, Malta will have a general in the British Army.
As for me, I wish him the very best, and a safe assignment.
mario caruana
Jan 11th 2011, 21:10
1. What is courage?
Courage is not necessarily the ability to risk your life and face death. There are milliards of situations when sometimes it would be more courageous to face the challenge of life than the challenge of death. Many human decisions are taken on the psychological level: sometimes risky decisions are taken due to lack of knowledge; others due to heavy training ('brainwashing') or psycho-pressure or indoctrination, others due to escapism (one does not have the courage to face life as it is), etc.
2. @C. Pule
The fact that many did not agree with Matthew to go in the frontline does not imply that they they are not in favour of self-defence. From you comment it is evident that you are envisaging it as some sort of defence. Others may reason things out as being more defenceful for our people, in this particular case, to be left out of the story than to arbrarily get embroiled into it.
3. The outcome of things is mysterious.
One cannot predict the outcome of it. There is ONLY wishful thinking and this is the reason why many are wishing luck because as many remarked, it is a risky mission.
Carmel Camilleri
Jan 11th 2011, 16:23
No one is blaming God for anything Vassallo. Neither did I say that God was on the side of the English, Mr. Jeremy Camilleri. I have always beem taught that it is men who sanction war and not God. These are all interpretations of people who have nothing better to do but to criticize others in their deeds. I often wonder why for these people it is always the British who are to blame. Do you know that there are other countries participating in the conflict? Why does it always have to be the British? Are you perhaps fervent anti-British?
I think it is time for some people to get real. In this day and age being neutral does not necessarily constitute the best choice. In the past many european countries remained neutral until the day when they were ruthlessly invaded by the forces of tyranny. If you have forgotten, go back to your history books my friends!
Andrea Axisa
Jan 11th 2011, 20:11
"In the past many european countries remained neutral until the day when they were ruthlessly invaded by the forces of tyranny"...." If you have forgotten, go back to your history books my friends! "... What countries?What tyranny? I know history more than I know the back of my hand. So if you please, Mr.Camiller,could you answer to what are you refering to?
Jeremy J Camilleri
Jan 11th 2011, 20:55
Carmel Camilleri..I was brought up in England..My father served proudly in the Royal Air force, and my grandfather was a sergeant in the British army, so I guess that answers your vain attempt to score points by hinting that I am anti British.
The point I tried, unsuccessfully it seems, to make is very simple. It is pure hypocrisy for a country to constantly state how fervently catholic it is, and then have the same 'fervent Catholics glorify and applaud the choice an 18 year old has made, that is to go to war. It is also hypocruisy to tell a soldier to respect the will of God. If he had done so, he would not have opted to go to war...unless that god is Odin or Kali!!!!!
M. Bugeja
Jan 11th 2011, 23:47
@ Andrea Axisa - World War One - the invasion of Belgium for instance. World War 2, the invasions of Poland, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, the annexation of Austria, the attack on Pearl Harbor. That's just the early 20th century. More examples are available on request.
Andrea Axisa
Jan 12th 2011, 18:57
@ M.Bugeja...my points are:
1)EVERY European power wanted the WW1. War at that time was still considered as something glorious. By 'power' I mean Germany, Great Britain, France, Austria, Italy, Russia. Each one of them knew a war was coming and all wanted it (Europe at that time was mainly made up of Germany,France, Spain, Austrian Empire, Great Britain and Italy, Serbia, Bulgaria..the rest were under Russian and Turkish occupation)
2) In WW2 it was the Allies who declared war on Germany as it was the inevitable. France and Great Britain saw that the policy of appeasement was failing to contain Hitler..thus declared war. They didn't want war, after people in Europe watching horrifying picture of the WW1, but they had to declare war.
3) Austria wans't annexed...it was joined in...it's called Anschluss...the joining of Austria&Germany.
But my point is that from our side, we are the good and they are the evil...always.
Europe at the time of WW1 was divided into two sides. Even us, the allies ..were tyrants. For us, it was them tyrants, of course..but every power at that time wanted every scrap of land..even by war. Would you say it's tyranny too?
M. Bugeja
Jan 12th 2011, 23:39
@ Andrea Axisa - I would simply say that war has been in mankind's veins since the beginning of time, when one caveman could hit another on the head with a stick or rock. Warfare isn't new, nor is demonizing an opponent in conflict. It happens in the world of business, international affairs, and even in debates such as the one which is raging on this very page.
As for your points:
1) The Alliance system prior to World War 1 made the conflict inevitable. There was a thirst for war, but it wasn't the thirst for war that pushed them into it. It was the complex diplomatic agreements that existed.
2) My point is that Germany pushed Europe to the brink of war, not any other nation. And they did so by violating the territorial integrity of first Czechoslovakia, and then Poland.
3) Anschluss is a German word for unification, which was a de facto annexation of Austria, which means the absorption of that nation, and all its instruments (political, military and economic) into Germany.
C.Busuttil
Jan 11th 2011, 15:20
@Bernice Debono
That's why this lad is admirable because he went fighting for all of us, otherwise the Taliban will one day come for our children with their weird ideology. Appeasement towards Hitler before WWII caused millions of deaths.
Bill Khan
Jan 11th 2011, 15:07
@Mr. steven camilleri: Since the 9/11 more than 9000 Afghans have been killed by the direct action of the NATO forces. Another 22000through dispacement , disease and hunger.
In one bombing 83 school children were put to sleep. The allied forces always deny they are responsible and later hide behind the bogus war against terrorism and justify the killing of innocent people as a 'risk worth taking'.
I hope young Mathew Camilleri does not have the opportunity to kill too many of the ordinary Afghans. Hope also that he comes back safe and sound for the sake of his parents for whom every day would be a day of worry.
Steve Mizzi
Jan 12th 2011, 12:09
How many innocent Afghans were killed by the Taliban in the years leading up to the invasion and since?
Steven Camilleri
Jan 12th 2011, 13:26
Will the World be safer without the Taliban? Do you feel 100 percent safe when you travel abroad ? Would you live in Afghanistan?
Damian Agius
Jan 11th 2011, 11:26
@ mario aquilina:
"...first thing is Malta is a peace republic country we fight for peace..."
Some may see our "peace loving" ways as evidence that we are a country lacking in principles and the resolve to stand up for them. Now we cannot afford to get into foreign conflicts so I am not advocating that but generally people see our Neutrality as great noble deed whereas I think it is us being a country of sell-outs.
Isn't it also noble to have the fortitude to fight and defend the things you believe in? Some may disagree with Afghanistan but they don't say that do they? No, as usual we flaunt our neutrality and how we never get involved NO MATTER WHAT IT IS.
As a side note I wonder how over the years the Taliban have become the victims whereas the US and the UK have become the nation pillaging savages. I don’t know, but I’ll take the US or UK with all their flaws over the Taliban any day; good luck disagreeing with the Taliban and having discussions such as these if they ran the country.
Bill Khan
Jan 11th 2011, 11:22
Mr. Carmel Camilleri: 'You are not invading a country, you are helping its people to get rid of the invader' is quite original. Sir, since the invasion in 2001 more than 9000 innocent afghan men women and children have been killed through direct action of the 'defender' NATO forces (of which young MATT is soon to become part of). This figure is asside from 22,000 died due to disease , hunger through dispacement. Seven Young afghan children (must have harboured their little dreams of some sort), were killed through one NATO bombing. Firstly US denied, it ever happened, then made a statement that, 'in pursuit of al qaida members, its a risk worth taking'. When suicide bombers kill innocent people , they also make quite similar statements to justify their evil doings. And unfortunately they are revered by their parents and peers just as we do when we callosuly justify sending our sons and daughters in to war zone and revel in hopeless glory.
War is evil. we should protect out own vulnerable people here from the clutches of the corporations who treat our sons and duaghters as war fodder and all of us with impunity.
Jon Agius
Jan 11th 2011, 10:37
Giallombardo: "The AFM does not give a soldier the choice to test out the skills he acquired during training. There are many reasons, one being his love for action and adventure, also to keep the traditional link we have with the British. Many Maltese have served under the British flag and he is just another Maltese who is. He also now has the chance to make a difference in the war against terror. If the AFM was not neutral, I am sure the numbers will increase."
So you wish the AFM wasn't neutral and that we are involved in the "war of terror"?? The AFM does not give opportunity to soldiers to test out their skills acquired in training??? So you're suggesting to Maltese soldiers to test their skills by killing people we don't have any conflict will??? lol
Remember the Sette Giugno victims. That is national pride not a Maltese soldier fighting for a foreign army!!!
Steven Camilleri
Jan 11th 2011, 11:14
Nice comment ........maybe you forgot Sept 11 and the fight against terrorisim ? are you neutral to that ? Are the Maltese neutral to terrorist's ? Matthew can say he did somthing good in his life with the best army in the World , Foreign Army ? The AFM comes directly from the ROYAL MALTA ARTILLERY , nothing more , nothing less , is your amry foreign? Maybe there is more to being a soldier then picking illegal immigrants from the see and smoking next to an embassy ! Many peope are right , the British should minbd their own business and don't give a damn about the World , it would have been so much better with Napolean , the Kaiser, Hitler , Saddam around, would be better if they leave the Ghan , pity you weren't going to America on that sad day . maybe you would have spoken differently , ohh yes, they do it for oil, don't they !
Jon Agius
Jan 11th 2011, 12:12
We're not involved in the war against terror and that's how we should remain. Nations who have soldiers in the East always gets threatened about a terrorist plot. If we get threatened just for the lulz like they do to Italy, everyone here who said that we must be proud of this soldier individual cause would go hide in the shelters.
The World would not have been better with Hitler etc because time moved on from WW2. Today no one is interested in democracy, anti-semitism but power and greed. The Talibans use the terrorist threats and suicide bombs etc to get the funding from the brainwashed idiots in their respective countries to get power. So we can argue that anti-semitism, anti-christianity (in the East and North Africa) and anti-Islam (in West) exist but it is fed to the ordinary brainwashed people so the Big Heads get the power.
This is not our cause. People supporting it doesn't know what they are even saying. Even I hope that this courageous soldier return home safe and sound but this is not our cause.
John bugeja
Jan 11th 2011, 13:43
@steven
Do you realise how inhumane and deluded your comment is, an eye for and eye will make the whole world blind, it shows how animalistic we are as a population, the most profitable thing any country can do is enter war, and by country i dont mean the people who inhabit the borders, but the corporations in the background, the soliders who act like puppets for there evil masters are the ones i sympathise with , they are mislead by large corporations into thinking killing innocent lives in LEGAL GENOICDES is moral and is protecting the libertys of people like us, in all honesty my libertys are indiffrent wether they kill a few thousand iraqis or afghanis or they dont, so why bother?, the is no RIGHT in war, just whats LEFT , as the saying goes tease a dog and it will bite back, in profiting from destorying the independence of a country we are creating a large wrath of hatred to be imposed on future generations by the persecuted ones,
"when the love or power is overtaken by the power of love the world will know PEACE" jimi hendrix
silvio bonavia
Jan 11th 2011, 08:40
Well done Matt.we are so proud of you,get rid of the evil that lurkes among us and make us Maltese proud as in past times GOD SPEED my friend
Fred Beach
Jan 11th 2011, 00:31
Mercian Regiment do not accept WIMPS. Congratulations Matthew for being selected, it will be the making of you. God bless.
John Forster
Jan 10th 2011, 22:56
C.Busuttil......If I may just correct your comment regarding the Americans risking there lives in the ww2 convoys to save Malta. Please read the history of that time and you will see that it was the Royal Navy (OPERATION PEDESTAL) plus Submarines from the UK that carried out this task. Some american merchant ships were involved under the lend lease scheme paid for by the British Government. Zero American armed services.
All the very best to this Maltese lad, although I must say there are many doubts in the UK as to why British forces are in Afghanistan.
Pule' Carmel
Jan 10th 2011, 22:31
It is such a great pity that if one only thinks of peace, growing one's food, and building a home for the family, there will always be someone who will try to forcefully take it away from him. All you have to do is watch how good older people are being attacked in Malta even for 2 euros, Maltese buisness men fired at and robbed, potential bank robbery, killings of young women trying to live decently, etc.
Some times policemen, warden and courts are not enough against other offenders as Hitler, Stalin and so many others. The economy of any country must be basically divided as follows, Food production, social requirements, and means to DEFEND and PROTECT IT. Try not to defend it and you lose it, as we will probably do in Malta if we do not address the illigal immigration problem. In my opinion these people are explointing european tollerance which we developed to keep our peace, but it is backfiring on us and the whole of europe. Try to aim for a good quality of life without defending it and see what happens to you and your children. It will simply be taken away from you.
Carmel Camilleri
Jan 10th 2011, 19:08
Reading the article about Matthew Camilleri, brought back memories of similar comments when my son, who by sheer coincidence is also called Matthew Camilleri, when he returned home on leave from Iraq after he had served in Basra for 7 months during Op Telic 8. My son served with the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment. I have this message for this young man who will soon be leaving on one of the most important mission of his life: You are a young man who is determined to fight for a good cause and this makes you unique amongst others who only have time to criticize the actions of others. My son returned home safely and so will you if God so desires. Go, my boy, do your job, desire the right, protect the weak and always respect the will of God. Never forget your Master in Heaven for it is He who will protect you when the time comes. I pray that you will be safe and I wish you a speedy return. You are not invading a country, you are helping its people to get rid of the invader. God bless you Matthew.
Andrew Battenti
Jan 10th 2011, 20:22
Nice.
Grace Vassallo
Jan 10th 2011, 21:33
if God so desires. you are blaming God if he doesn't Camilleri? Experience shows that those who play with fire get burned Camilleri. Maybe some will be lucky, but many will not as witnessed by the thousands of soldiers bodies, if and when they could be found, going back in plastic bags.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Jan 10th 2011, 21:40
So God is on the ENglish's side?...same as in Iraq...interesting!
One doubts whether a Catholic God would sanction war...but then again....
david calleja urry
Jan 10th 2011, 22:45
Brilliant - well said...nothing to add - Matthew just take this advice and ignore the rest..:)
R. Vella
Jan 10th 2011, 17:40
Camilleri, you are no role-model and certainly no hero. Most of those who encourage your misguided endevour will sleep comfortably in their beds while you live out the horror and the risk to your life. Dear Matthew, may God preserve you and bring you back home to your loving parents and country safe and sound so you may grow up, get wise and fathom the depths of your folly.
Kurt G Pace
Jan 10th 2011, 18:27
MISGUIDED????... How dare you? This young man has chosen to join the tip of the sword. These young men guard and defend our liberty and way of life. A proud, brave and honourable endevour indeed. If I was young enough, I'd certainally do the same. Go for it Matt. Well done mate. Misguided my glutus maximus. A fine young man in the British Army. A multitude of options before him and a bright future ahead. Well Done. Keep well and let the training kick in to keep you safe.
Lydia Cutajar
Jan 10th 2011, 21:37
No Kurt G Pace, they are only defending the interests of the colonizers and the multinationals by killing the local population.
Mario Zammit
Jan 10th 2011, 17:34
Well done Matt! The latest in a long line of Maltese serving in the British Armed Forces, a line that has always served with distinction. Make us proud mate and God speed!
Kurt G Pace
Jan 10th 2011, 16:52
WELL DONE yound man. A very well done, and all the best of luck for your future in the finest and honourable army in the world.
m vella
Jan 10th 2011, 16:42
Matthew go and get those Taliban's,good luck.
Bernice Debono
Jan 10th 2011, 21:40
m vella why don't you go and get them yourself m vella? Our children are not to be sold as fodder for cannons in the pay of foreign powers m vella.
Paul micallef Essex ight infantry
Jan 10th 2011, 16:04
Good Luck lad, may our lord Jesus guide you and your infantry pals out of harms way. And to all the i know whats best, and this and that, if it wasn't for our forefathers and these brave men we would all be wearing turbins. So think before you talk, its in our nature to fight and make war, that is how nature made us.
m vella
Jan 10th 2011, 17:17
Very well said Paul I agree with you 100%, PROSIT
Charles J Zammit
Jan 10th 2011, 15:47
Well done young Matt . You have joined an honourable profesion Godspeed and keep you safe . As a veteran of 25 years in the Brit Armed Forces I think I can speak with some knowledge @ Alfred Grima One should not mistake cockiness for guts which this lad certainly has . @ Fabri It's becouse of young men like Matt you are able to express freely your thoughts @ S farrugia such a load of codswallop . @ A Pace Same as for Fabri . Also you should have become a saintly monk Hallina !! All I have to say Matthew is not the first young man to serve in the British Armed .Forces . He is just following in the footsteps of other young Maltese men before him .Anybody could get killed just crossing the road or walking on a pavement , more so in Malta . So let the lad follow the path he wants like I said in an honourable career . Wish well and Godspeed ..
Roderick Micallef
Jan 10th 2011, 15:45
Whilst every one is free to decide his own future and career I will definitely neither sympatize or complement this young man for his endevours. If any one sympathizes young men going to fight other people's 'wars' and conflicts then so be it but I will surely not be one of them.
Killing other people is DEFINITELY not a good deed to me, the defition of a good deed to me is definitely different especially when the reason is a 'war against terror' as the English and the Americans call it! Yet most politicians never send their kids or relatives to fight wars with the exception of the young English monarch that went there for obvious propaganda reasons.
To be pretty blunt, I neither feel any sorrow most soldiers that fall in battle because for me the equation is simple, if you invade other people's countries than you have to prepared for ANYTHING! I only feel sorry for all the civilian casualties that are usually much bigger in numbers compared to military casualties, practically in all conflicts that happen worldwide. But it seems we still have a lot of people that praise young men getting killed for politicians sake!
Joseph Galea
Jan 10th 2011, 16:42
Plainly Bold comments without any feelings. One must make a distinction between soldiers and politicians. Being a Soldier is a job like many others. If you dont agree with a war you must go against the politicians that made the war because of their actions and not the soldiers who are a mere dummy in their hands. Being a soldier is a respected job and we have to thank them for this. If they are involved in a "bad" war its not their fault and definitively not feling any "sorrow " when someone dies means that you dont feel sorrow for anyone, not even "civilians" - even if you are trying to say otherwise.
Bill Khan
Jan 10th 2011, 15:26
what a waste. Just 18 year old and being sent to a place which historically has been the most unkind place on earth for the intruders. The usual line given is 'going to protect the Afghans against the Talibans'.
The futile occupation and violence has lasted longer than the vietnam conflict. hundred of yung men and women have have bee killed and returned in body bags. Mentioned briefly to public to whom they are just a number but leaving a hole in the lives of the parents , partners and children. Not to mention those who come back without arms or legs or part of faces blown off.
And we sitting safely in our arm chairs with our loved ones manage the patronising words of 'respect' for these unfortunate children who only few years back were in a primary school.
Why should they be used as fodder for some profiteering corporation(s)?
James J. Patton
Jan 10th 2011, 14:59
Any Serviceman who is prepared to put his life on the line has to be admired, we all have our individual views but it is a fact of life that world peace is under threat from terrorism and if committed defence forces were not geared up to meet them face on we would not be living in relative safety, or indeed may not have made it into the 21st Century.
Two of my own family have served in Helmand Province in order to bring about peace for us all, they too went away as young men and were fortunate to return without injury, they came back as Skillful, Professional, and Better Mature Men for the experience.
May God bless those who have perished in their quest for peace and give streangth and good health to young Matthew Camillerie as he embarks on his first tour of duty, and indeed to all those serving throughout the globe in order to make this world a Safer Place to Live.
Paul Falzon
Jan 10th 2011, 21:43
Admired James J. Patton? They are to be despised for killing other people and invading their country.
Joe Portelli
Jan 12th 2011, 13:17
@ P Falzon - have I missed something here ? Terrorists must be STOPPED - this is war on Terrorist (in Afganistan) and should not be mixed up with other illegal wars.
War on Terrorists in Afganistan is sanctioned by UN - No one wants War , or killing but war on terrorist is a defence by definition and no confusion with killing.
lgalea
Jan 10th 2011, 14:48
Here are a few quotes by Thomas Jefferson.
"I abhor war and view it as the greatest scourge of mankind."
"I have seen enough of one war never to wish to see another."
"It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world. "
"The most successful war seldom pays for its losses. "
"War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong; and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses. "
Now consider this from the point of the Afghans and the Iraqis which justifies their oposition to the invading and occupying forces.
"It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war; but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves. If our house be on fire, without inquiring whether it was fired from within or without, we must try to extinguish it."
Thomas Jefferson
Jason Testa
Jan 10th 2011, 14:39
To everyone here spouting stupid quotes in an attempt to appear intellectual or otherwise prattle on about how the British are evil and the Sanctity of Life must be respected:
You are all standing on a world that has been shaped by war time and time again. Good people have shed their blood so you could sit comfortably in your armchairs and condemn them because you live in a time of luxury. So before you selfishly call war a fluke and the sacrifice of these people stupid, remember if they didn't, you'd be the one out there.
Noone has a right to be a pacifist when they are living off the bloodshed of others. This makes every single one of us indebted to these people. I'm no proud maltese, quite the opposite in fact, but I wish this kid luck and I give him a thank you for volunteering when us lesser men cannot.
Kurt G Pace
Jan 10th 2011, 16:54
hear hear. I agree
C.Busuttil
Jan 10th 2011, 14:02
@Mario Caruana
Go and tell the Taliban that there is ONLY LOVE.
Although I would never have done as Matthew, I admire him he has the courage that most of us don't have. We have the same mentality of those who appeased Hitler before WWII in hope to avoid war.
I wonder what would have happened had the americans did not risk their lives to make the convoy arrive in Malta to save us. I am sure that most bloggers would have a different opinion.
Brutal and fanatical regimes have no regards for LOVE or PEACE. The only way is to fight them with all means. Either you fight them or you are an accomplice. The Taliban and Al Qaeda hate us even if we have never done them anything, just because we are of a different faith or non believers. You can't deal with them with flowers or Olive branches its useless.
The war in Afghanistan is a just cause and only those who still have outdated antiamericanism of the defunct communist days try to portrait in a different manner.
Becky Camilleri
Jan 10th 2011, 13:44
I am so proud of you Matt for reaching your goal ...but you're still my little cousin so please take good care of yourself!!! You might need my services when you get back ;-p Always here for you. You will be in my prayers every single day. Love you x
James Micallef
Jan 10th 2011, 17:06
Are you a doctoressa or a nurse ???
Mary Lourdes Grech
Jan 10th 2011, 13:40
MATTHEW. My son is in the Maltese Army and also trained with the British Army in Sandhurst. As a mother I can imagine your excitement to put your training into action. As a mother I can imagine the anguish of your family. I will pray for you and your colleagues. What I cannot undersatnd is why you are willing to serve 'Queen and Country' when we Maltese have fought for our national pride all these years.
David Buttigieg
Jan 10th 2011, 16:44
He obviously is fighting for what he believes is right, which is more important!
Christian Mifsud
Jan 10th 2011, 18:31
Could it be that the British army offers alot more opportunities.
Andrea Giallombardo
Jan 10th 2011, 21:55
The AFM does not give a soldier the choice to test out the skills he acquired during training. I understand why Matthew chose to serve the Queen. There are many reasons, one being his love for action and adventure, also to keep the traditional link we have with the British. Many Maltese have served under the British flag and he is just another Maltese who is. He also now has the chance to make a difference in the war against terror. If the AFM was not neutral, I am sure the numbers will increase.
Ramon Casha
Jan 10th 2011, 13:35
I feel sorry for this unfortunate young man. Most of us - myself included - did foolish things at his age. I just hope that his particular folly does not cost him dearly.
One thing is certain - this is no good deed.
Denis A. Darmanin
Jan 10th 2011, 13:29
And to those who turned their swords into plough-shears must now be content to bow down those who didn't!
At least he wasn't conscripted.
I wish that I was still your age, as I'd join you. Good luck and follow your dreams; whatever the may be.
Steven Camilleri
Jan 10th 2011, 13:23
Well Done Matthew you make us proud , just like our grandfather's and great grandfather's did , fighting along our British friends,just like the other real Maltese people in the British Army , the comments below ? Why can they Rightt them ? Because people like you always did the Job , stay safe, you are after all in the best Army in the World , GSTQ
L Debono
Jan 10th 2011, 13:02
If any of you have ever served in a theater of war, you would understand that all this kid needs is SUPPORT. The negative opinions are not going to change his mind and he is set to go. So if you have nothing good to say keep your comments to yourself. Perhaps those who don't wish to stay behind this soldier should stay in front.
Good luck and thank you Mathew.
David Buttigieg
Jan 10th 2011, 13:01
Just for the record, if you are an EU citizen (or have some other right to stay in the UK) AND a Commonwealth citizen you can join the UK armed forces (or hold any other public office including that of MP.
mario caruana
Jan 10th 2011, 13:01
@H. Dempster
I have definitely understood well that you do not condone war or any type of fighting as you said. However, the only difference in our messages is this: You wish him 'as a good Maltese citizen a speedy and safe return' but I (and Mr. Pace) wish him a SURE and SAFE stay in our country.
This was the jist of my comment. It was entirely meant to make him ( and others like him) realize that he is risking his life and that there are DEFINETELY better things in life to safeguard humanity. I do not wish my generation to base their decisions on JUST wishful thinking but on reality and the reality is that out there, people are dying.
As regards the last part of your comment that he cannot refuse any work they order him to do, then does this imply that the decision to go in the frontline was not arbitrarily but a forced order? In that particular case, he MUST SURELY decipher things better. Definetely, this strengthens my assertion that life is sacred and precious and it is NOT worthwhile trading it with anything or anyone.
christian Mifsud
Jan 10th 2011, 12:28
Good Luck matthew. If thats what you want to do, go for it. Alot has been written about not becoming a solder but if it was not for men and women like yourself we would not have anyone to defend us against tyrands who are popping up all around us. The name of the game is deterrant and the faster the pacifists learn this the better. No one in their right senses likes killing but if its the only means for survival then so be it. But we do have to be prepared. And I don't mean little Malta, but as part of a greater unified international force. And I don't agree with all parents convincing their children not to join the army we would be in a very bad state if that happened.
H Dempster
Jan 10th 2011, 11:58
@mario Caruana & A Pace. You both seem to have misunderstood my message to this young man.
First of all since his job and career is in the services , he cannot refuse any work which he is order to do.
Secondly i do not condone terrorizm , wars, and any form of fighting , i just wish him as a Good Maltese Citizen a safe and speedy return.
IS THERE ANYTHING WRONG IN THIS ,OR DO YOU CONDEM HIM?
david calleja urry
Jan 10th 2011, 14:10
@ H. Dempster - well said - hear hear....
i don't think any normal person in his/her right mind condones war in any form - but it is sad fact of life that, sometimes you have to fight for so many rights that are taken for granted - if it wasn't for men and women like Matthew - we wouldn't be able to exress ourselves freely today - ask the people who were on the receiving end of the Nazis and Fascists ... at the end of the day - it's the politicians and politics that cause war - not the soldiers who have to fight it..
God Speed and God Bless Matthew - take care.
Chrissey Zammit
Jan 10th 2011, 11:34
What a fine upstanding young man, perhaps other will take encouragemnet from Matthew.
Stay Safe our prayers are with you.May God be with you every step of the way.
Gerad Cassar
Jan 10th 2011, 11:34
During a war youths are sacrficed by the millions. Who knows how many would be geniuses have wasted their knowledge because they were victims of war,
What a waste!
Eve Bajada
Jan 10th 2011, 13:50
Matthew i wish you a speedy and healthy return ..This extends to all the soldiers in Afghanistan ..Personally i believe all the troops should not be there ...I am blessed with three Sons ..English Citizens but not one of my Sons is going there ...Mine are staying home and nurturing there education.Personal view of course but i would go before i send one of my Sons .
Edward Caruana Galizia
Jan 10th 2011, 11:02
Good Luck Matthew! Take care of yourself out there.
Tony Bishop
Jan 10th 2011, 11:01
I wish you the best luck in your decision to join the British Army.I myself in 1964 and only 16yrs old I joined the Royal Navy and I have not regretted the years I served.I was not stationed in Malta during my 13yrs I served and it did not bother me a bit.
M.Fleri
Jan 10th 2011, 10:57
You are not fighting for freedom or against terrorism. You are fighting for the resources of another country namely black gold. Why do the likes of the US and UK not depoly their troops to countries like Kenya or Zimbabway? Becuase there is nothing to take from them thats why and hopefully one day you will see this for yourself. The next country you will be probably be deployed to is Iran.
R. Damitz
Jan 10th 2011, 12:50
You are absolutely right!
C.Caruana
Jan 10th 2011, 10:42
Working and achieving a dream is certainly not a waste of time or life. A waste of time/life would be that of a person sitting down comfortably writing comments and criticising another person's dreams and aspirations.
I wish this soldier the vey best of luck .
mario caruana
Jan 10th 2011, 10:36
@H Dempster
May I regretfully tell you that not all the Maltese are behind him. It is no joke or 'adventure' putting your life at risk particularly an eighteen year old who seems to be 'brainwashed'' to think that being in the frontline is some sort of heroism.
Life is precious and sacred. We have only ONE life. I repeat: ONE LIFE. How can we accomplish our mission in life if we arbitrarily decide to put our life at risk? Regretfully the modern world seems to have lost all values when it comes to human dignity and projects war as some sort of heroism.
It is futile of being behind him when we know that he is going to be in the frontline risking his life. If we are REALLY behind him than let us all encourage him to leave this risky adventure and venture on some other useful things. There are so many things in life that can be done for the benefit of humanity.
In battles and war, no one is a winner. Everyone is a loser. ONLY LOVE BUILDS AND SAFEGUARDS HUMANITY and this should be our inspiration.
Adrian Gouder
Jan 10th 2011, 10:13
If you are doing what you believe in, then well done, you are doing the right thing.
With regards to fear, courage is not the absence of fear but the knowledge of your fear and strength and ability to control it.
wally vella-zarb
Jan 10th 2011, 10:09
What a waste of life!
War does not determine who is right, only who is left. More so in a war that cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be won.
Johan Abela
Jan 10th 2011, 10:04
What a SHAME! Glorifying a person serving in another country's Armed Forces! In many other countries (Germany, Russia, USA to name but few) this act would automatically strip the person of his citizenship whereas here, judging by some of the comments below -- it's a wonderful thing.
When will the Maltese ever drop off their inferiority complex?
Christopher Camilleri
Jan 10th 2011, 10:59
I'm sure the guy also has a British citizenship. As to my knowledge, the British armed forces would never accept non-British nationals in its army.
Frans Sammut
Jan 10th 2011, 11:04
This is not the first such instance. In the Italian war on Libya, one Enrico Mizzi volunteered and saw service in Cyrenaica with the Italian army. Mizzi was a self-avowed Irredentista. Luckily for him he survived the experience and returned home safe and sound. Needless to say he was a marked man from the Imperial Government's point of view. What befell him in WW2 is sufficiently well known and does not need to be recounted.
A. Zahra
Jan 10th 2011, 11:44
@ Frans sammut
Are you sure of your sources? To the best of my knowledge, Mizzi was a law student in Italy being influenced by the Italian Left. He probably had dual citizenship, his mother being Italian
luciadavies
Jan 10th 2011, 12:24
You are wrong. Both my parents were Maltese, I joined the WRAC (women royal army corp) did my studying and training in guildford, Surrey, and was eccepted,, My passport was Maltese,, Do not be mislead by my Surname that came after I married my late Welsh husband,, I was a Micallef
Frans Sammut
Jan 10th 2011, 12:32
@A. Zahra
You can check the info supplied in his biography. He was not the only person to have an Italian mother. Did you ever bother to have a closer look at Lord Strickland's background. But Enrico Mizzi perceived his "dual" nationality as different from Strickland's in that the Maltese too were Italians "fratelli d'oltre mare" whereas Strickland is his eyes was "il grande meticcio" - the "the great mulatto" because to him an Anglo-Italian would be just that - a half-caste. In order to understand this jargon one must become familiar with the early decades of last century. The war of words between the Stricklandians and the Mizziani has never been studied sufficiently. When Borg Pisani was caught spying for the Fascists he paid for it all with his life. Dr Warrington who reported him to the Imperial authorities kept saying to the very last that he would have done the same had the opportunity arisen again.
Andrew Harding
Jan 10th 2011, 12:50
"the British armed forces would never accept non-British nationals in its army" no only when it suits them such as WW1 & WW2, when hundreds of thousands of men from far flung parts of the empire were press ganged in to dying in a war that had nothing to do with them, for example Ireland, The Anzacs, Canadians, and Indians etc etc etc etc.
Steven Camilleri
Jan 10th 2011, 13:28
Shame , the Maltese Army is an EX BRITISH REGIMENT , we can still join as we are still a part of the Commonwealth , their are more Maltese Soldiers over there , much much more then one or two .
Steven Mason
Jan 10th 2011, 13:55
C Camileiri.
To join the British Armed Forces you have to be either Briish, Irish or from a commonwealth country, all visa restrictions are lifted on your passport for the duration of your service and you can apply for British citizenship in due course should you wish.
Mark Cassar
Jan 10th 2011, 09:52
"War is old men talking and young men dying" Plato
edward bartolo
Jan 10th 2011, 14:19
A classic quote... yet it is so true!
Thanks for sharing.
Alfred Grima
Jan 10th 2011, 09:34
"The training was hard. I have endured lots of press-ups."
LOL! You have no clue of what awaits mate. Watch the documentary "Restrepo" about soldiers in Afghanistan to see what it's like to be cannon fodder.
And whatever you do, don't be cocky. Cocky will get you killed.
Christopher Camilleri
Jan 10th 2011, 09:34
I wish him the very best of luck.
I was exactly the same at his age. Young, motivated, with a lot of determination, but foolish. If you're reading this Mr. Camilleri, please remember these simple words said by a Greek King:
"History remembers Kings, not soldiers!"
Brian J Camilleri
Jan 10th 2011, 14:41
Nice words. Best comment...
A Fabri
Jan 10th 2011, 09:13
What a waste !!!!
Mr. Camilleri I suggest to read Dwight D. Eisenhower & George Orwell not seeing Rambo films.
"There is no glory in battle worth the blood it costs."
"How far can you go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without?"
"Political language... is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable."
"All the war-propaganda, all the screaming and lies and hatred, comes invariably from people who are not fighting."
"We have guided missiles and misguided men."
C.Zammit
Jan 10th 2011, 10:05
A.Fabri - I think you should be wishing this 18yr old the best of luck for his carrer not saying words like what a waste! If he feels he is doing a good thing then I don't think that someone like you should not come and say "what a waste!" I think he is a good example to other youths. The army is something that many LAZY MALTESE YOUTHS NEED. Grow up! being in the army is not trying to be "Rambo" as you foolishly said. This boy feels like he want to make a difference in life. J.Oatmon you said the rest of the things I wanted to say about youths.
As For Mr.Camilleri Best of luck and also God Bless you and the rest of the British Troops you are going to be with.
Patrick Mallia
Jan 10th 2011, 14:43
A Fabri its a waste of life and an illegal invasion of another country. How can they expect any respect for their despicable actions?
J Chircop
Jan 10th 2011, 08:53
A pawn in the hands of the British..
John Dee
Jan 10th 2011, 09:54
Mr Chircop - you seem to have a problem!
Maybe you would prefer to see him bravely shooting harmless rare birds or "doing" drugs and bingeing on alcohol with many of his contemporaries.
Good luck to you and God speed Mr Camilleri - I wish you every success as you follow your dreams.
Daniel Gordon
Jan 10th 2011, 10:42
A ridiculous comment.
This would only be true if the British Army conscripted soldiers. It doesn't, therefore the lad in question has joined of his own free will.
Although it is true that the forces are not only in foreign countries to protect the citizens, most soldiers of the British Army don't care for reasons, they just want to do a job that they love, doing with their mates around them. There is no better soldier in the world. Neither the US Army or the Israelis are as good soldiers as we are. ("WE" as I have served 6 years in the Infantry myself).
The camaraderie is so that most will willingly die for each other. This is not a waste of life, this is what makes life.
This lad will surely come back to Malta as a "Man".
I wish him all the best and "Stag on".
S. Farrugia
Jan 10th 2011, 11:41
@ Daniel Gordon:
The ridiculous comment is yours mate. We are living in 2011, not in the times of the ancient Roman Empire. Today we measure a country's strength not in terms of its army's strength but in terms of quality of life. And no one would dispute the fact that Malta and the rest of the Mediterranean has one of the best levels of quality of life, much better than that of the UK in terms of many factors such as the climate and life expectancy, among other things such as the ability to see a blue sky:
http://www.economist.com/media/pdf/QUALITY_OF_LIFE.pdf
Today most people should strive to live, and to live well, i.e. remain in the Mediterranean. That is what all those millions of tourists come over to do every year, from around the world. Like many positive people around the world, I choose to live, and to live well, and not to die in the front line for the benefit of some foreign person living so far away. That is why I, like many positive people around the world, would thank my lucky stars to be born in the Mediterranean - and enjoy life here!!!
o.galea
Jan 10th 2011, 13:36
@ Mr. Chircop..... nobody forced him to join therefore he is not being "used" as you imply.
@ Matthew.... Good luck and Godspeed. We wish you a safe return
Daniel Gordon
Jan 11th 2011, 11:54
@ S.Farrugia:
Because of such people you have the right to make whatever comment you wish.
How do you think you have this right? Because YOUR forefathers and mine stood up for what THEY thought was right. This lad is carrying on this tradition.
I do not think however, that your comment has any bearing on what I have said. I see it that the young lad is doing something that HE wants to do and was in now way conscripted into the British Army. Its HIS OWN CHOICE.
Therefore he is NOT a pawn of anyone, but in control of his own future.
I don't agree with many of the comments on this issue, but if necessary, I will fight for your rights to make those comments.
Have a nice life.
Charles Grixti
Jan 10th 2011, 08:45
I wish this young men the best of luck and a safe return to his home and family.
Those being deployed to Afghanistan should also know that they are not being sent there to bring peace and democracy and to liberate o the donwtrodden Afghan people, as is being hyped, but to safeguard Corporate interests. Afghanistan is rich in copper, gold, lithium and other minerals needed by the modern world and to ensure that the opiium crop is safe and plentiful to be exported to the West and sold to drug addicts. This also brings in billions in revenue to the 'interested' parties.
Long gone are the days when wars were fought over idealist notions of moral right or wrong, it is now all about the money. Soldiers sent there, especially should check their facts first before choosing to lay down their lives for corporate interests.
Mario Salnitro
Jan 10th 2011, 08:32
Good luck and god speed may you return to your home safe and sound.
J Oatmon
Jan 10th 2011, 08:32
Excellent, this is the sort of young men other youngsters should take as their example of how to become a man who is genuinely respected.
Drug taking, disco binge drinking, fast driving, or the 'forget tomorrow' culture will not bring this kind of respect - because it that lifestyle offers no real goals, nor achievements.
Christopher Camilleri
Jan 10th 2011, 09:38
Agree 100%
But it's not worth risking your life to fatten other people's pockets or serving an unjust cause.
A Pace
Jan 10th 2011, 10:12
Not at all: my ideas of parenting are different. I have thaught my children to despise war and violence. I have also taught them to despise drugs and not to make generalised statements on life, the universe and people. You do not gain respect by becoming a soldier and go off to fight somebody else’s war. You do not gain respect by becoming a soldier who might, like all of us, succumb to taking drugs, disco binge drink, and fast drive, for some of them do! There are other ways of gaining respect in life, and I taught my children that a future in the military is not one of them. There are ways of giving and helping those who are in need, without asking anything in return: I admire and respect that. More importantly, individuals gain respect in childhood and adulthood by standinig up to be counted when someone needs to say that something, such as war, is wrong!
s.koludrovic
Jan 10th 2011, 12:10
@ A Oatman
I hope not the type of repect the Vietnam war veterans got when they returned back to the USA.
H Dempster
Jan 10th 2011, 08:25
As a father and grandfather i wish all the success and may God be with you .
ALL MALTESE ARE BEHIND YOU.
A Pace
Jan 10th 2011, 10:10
No not all Maltese: Malta has no interest in getting embroiled in killing fields, however you and the article might romanticize them! It is a sad story lacking any form of ethical perspective. We should not show confidence in an individual who is licensed to kill, in the same way that we should not condone violence and murder by anyone, be they Maltese, Taliban or a foreign fighting force.
j n ebejer
Jan 10th 2011, 12:49
Please Mr. Dempster do not speak for all Maltese. You see, although some Maltese do still feel part of the past, but a good percentage of us have shod the colonialist mentality.
I suggest to the author of this coverage to reserve the same attention to deeds and achievements of other Maltese youths here in Malta and other parts of the globe, involved in other type of activities.
it will show that there are other, perhaps, even better examples of courage, right choices on how to be of service to others, means of achieving maturity, self dsiciplne and avoid vices than joining some other countries' army.
mario aquilina
Jan 10th 2011, 13:13
This young gentleman has no life experience at all. first thing is Malta is a peace republic country we fight for peace and when in the past we fought anther country war we were left with a George cross and a country in ruins your crazy
Please choose the reason of your report below: