Prince William drops in.

[Gromit]

Prince William has flown a secret and high-risk mission into Afghanistan to meet troops on the front line in the battle against the Taliban.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/the royalfamily/1912328/Prince-William-flies-Afgha nistan-mission.html

What a fine example. When most youths of his age are out joyriding of an evening, it is humbling to see William do his bit for our boys.

[jake-the-peg]

He took the controls for part of the journey spent 3 hours there, never left the airfield and was home 36 hours later.

I'm sure "our boys" were mightily impressed.

I get the strong impression that all of this RAF nonsense with him is really designed so that he comes away with good memories of the air force that he'll carry with im into later life when he has influence.

I'm sure the top brass see it all as a fine investment

[carolegif]

This is a cynical ploy to get him brownie points after using a much needed Chinook (there is a shortage of them in Afghanistan) to gad about the south of England collecting his brother from London and going to stag do's in the Isle of Wight. Also impressing his girlfriend by landing a helicopter in her back garden(!).

They tried to get some last week by visiting wounded soldiers and it didn't work so they have tried something else. That won't work either.

I'm sure we are all impressed (not).

The best way is not to use service helicopters for laddish jaunts!

carolegif

[tigerlily11]

Not this old publicity chestnut again.
Time, money and men needlessly spent on keeping him safe.

[4GS]

It will be interesting to see if he's wearing the Afghan campaign medal when he's next in uniform.
Rules and Regulations state that the recipient must spend a minimum of 24 hours (not cumulative) in theater in order to qualify to wear it. At least Prince Harry earned his

[Gromit]

Hdello 4GS,

As an ex-serviceman 4GS, did this kind of thing 'boost morale' or did it just annoy you?

[Bazile]

No one is fooled ( well some will be ) by this publicity stunt

This was the public relations machine , attending to damage limitation - following his recent escapades .

Preparing him for his future role ( after a few months messing about in a uniform ) as head of the armed services ? - Give me a break

[sp1214]

Typical of the royals. Make a well publicised visit, shake a few hands, ask a few questions and then ****** off. At least Harry stayed a few months.

We criticize policians for doing the same thing but leadership is leading from the front not this sham.

[anotheoldgit]

I wonder how many escort fighters were used in this operation?

Next week it is his turn to play sailors I believe. What then? If he picks an aircraft carrier, there will be plenty of room to hold a rave, guest star Auntie Elton.

I was suprised to hear that one has only to spend a minimum of 24hours in a theatre of war to qualify for a gong.

[T&S]

4GS

I think you will find it is 28 days to qualify.