Clarkson, Hammond, and May playing soldiers?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.guardian.c...-on-bbc-top-gear-cost

If Clarkson, Hammond, and May, like playing with Military equipment so much, then perhaps they would be better deployed out in Afghanistan?

Some quotes from the Guardian's article.

/// The MoD insisted that taking part in the BBC show was a valuable way of raising public awareness of the armed forces' work.////

Just think how better aware these 3 overpaid TV stars would be if they saw the armed force's work at the sharp end?

//// Clarkson took on a Challenger tank with a Range Rover and then attempted to avoid sniper fire while testing a Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK.////

Think how much better he would have done this trick, if he had been at the wrong end of real sniper's fire?

//// "Showcasing our people and equipment on popular television programmes is an excellent way to raise public awareness about the work of the armed forces and to encourage support for our troops."////

I think we already know what work our brave troops are doing out in Afghanistan, and on the whole they have maximum support from the public, it is the politicians that are questionable.

[daffy654]

Jeremy Clarkson does a lot of work for forces charities,he just doesn't publicise it the way some TV stars do.
Why do you think the army get invited onto so many episodes of Top Gear? Everytime they are asked to do anything on the show they have to have names in hats type choosing because so many of them want to appear/take part.

[jake-the-peg]

I think we're just finding out the work our brave troops are doing aren't we?

http://www.dailymail....dies-Iraq-rebels.html

[daffy654]

http://www.looktothes...y/984-help-for-heroes

[daffy654]

http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/lookwhois.html

[R1Geezer]

Not sure who you are having a pop at here Old git, but I reckon the forces involvement in Top Gear activities is popular with the viewer and the forces in equal amount. It's an excellent showcase for their skills and the 3 guys concerned are well known for their support of the forces, especially Clarkson. So this does sound a bit like a Naa naa nana naa why don't they pick up a rifle, yada yada whinge to me.

Who of us given the chance wouldn't love to do their jobs? C0cking about and getting paid? yes please!

[ummmm]

Would absolutely love it.

[123everton]

Jake that evidence is a little sketchy, one of the doctors suggested that the injuries were consistent with a heavy firefight, whilst we have no information of the other casualty'c condition when captured.
I don't understand the point of this question AOG.

[jake-the-peg]

I know everton but you've got to let me wind up AOG - it's only fair he'd think I was going soft if I didn't!

[Kromovaracun]

They're entertainers. This entertains people.

You really are completely devoid of humour, aren't you?

[Everhelpful]

If humour is watching 3 overgrown schoolboys messing about with cars only the minority can afford,also getting paid vast amounts of licence payers money,I'd rather not have a sense of humour.

[Kromovaracun]

The fact that they're overgrown schoolboys is what makes them funny. I can understand if you don't personally find it funny, but you can't deny people like it. I hate The IT Crowd, but I don't deny its popularity or the reasons people like it.

[Coobeastie]

Wondered how long before somebody mentioned licence payers money. The show is part owned by Clarkson is sold in 100 plus countries not including its use on Dave and brings in Millions for the BBC through program and merchandise sales. BBC Worldwide brings in over a billion in revenue per year. Their wages are small fry.

Regards the use of the army, these guys aren't being dragged back from active duty to take part and any time spent would probably otherwise be used in training any way.

Top gear tried being sensible with reviews of modest vehicles in a matter of fact way and what happened, its ratings plumeted and it was taken on by Five.

[BertiWooster]

'' The fact that they're overgrown schoolboys is what makes them funny ''

'funny' really is a subjective thing - isn't it .

As for the licence fee .............
Now , now , Bertie, watch the BP .

[tigerlily11]

If as suggested the MoD and the BBC is trying to raise public awareness I would just like to say the public is very aware and the MoD needs to be getting this stuff out there to the men and women who need it rather than wasting time and money just so three over grown, over paid jackasses can play around.
It's no good having it here for them to play with when it could be doing the job it was made for out there.
But then since when has the BBC or the MoD ever done the right thing.
It is not enertainment to every one. Contrary to popular belief not every one thinks Jeremy Clarkson is a God.
I like fun as much as the next person but when he's just not amusing to me and quite a few others.
Thats not being devoid of humor.

[rov1200]

I can't believe I watched May spending all that money on an unworkable bridge made out of meccano. The parts must have cost £thousands. After just one crossing they loaded it onto a truck, destination gord knows.
I wonder what it proved?.....if you join enough strips of metal together it will take your weight maybe. I am never amazed how individuals, students, apprentices, designers and top companies get themselves involved in it with only a hint of advertising for themselves.

I should think the only appeal would be to the overgrown men acting as children who spend most of their spare time in the loft playing with meccano.

[Ankou]

rov the whole point of that progaramme is not lost on you then. the giant airfix spitfire model and giant meccano bridge are the clues.

this is old news though isnit, the range rover sport thing was aired in june 08, so would have been filmed 2 years ago. personally i reckon its a bot of a morale boost for military personnel to see their comrades featured on such a show.

more of it i say.

[ludwig]

"The fact that they're overgrown schoolboys is what makes them funny ''

Yes, but they're the kind of schoolboys that were annoying even when you were at school with them. The kids who'd you'd find yourself saying 'Look, Clarkson and May have pinned 'kick me' to someones back and are sniggering about it - when are these tw&ts going to grow up and stop being so sad?'.

[Gromit]

I'm sure the Top Gear antics over the years have helped recruit many an impressionable teenager to enlist to become cannon fodder. Let's face it, the show glamourises war machines in a cartoonesque way in the best traditions of 'Victor' and 'Valiant'.

Countered against the cost of the equivalent airtime advertising on ITV and SKy, and the MoD involvement must be great value for money.