I AGREE with Sally Reynolds (July 1) when she quotes in her letter that a majority of serving soldiers do not consider fighting in Afghanistan to be “cool”.

I can assure her that any theatre of conflict is a dangerous place to be.

Children should be informed of this and I find it hard to believe the allegations she has made took place on Armed Forces Day.

Unfortunately, while we still have people in this world who want to force their brutal ideals and warped idea of religion on others there is no hope for her Utopia of “no war”.

History has shown us that the best way to avoid war is to prepare for it with the will to meet force with force to deter others.

Soldiering has much to offer young people: comradeship; respect for authority; learning skills and respect for others.

For her and her organisation to be able to continue in pursuit of their ideal world, I am afraid members of our armed forces will always be asked to make sacrifices and children of all ages should be made to understand this.

TERRY ROPER
Claymond Road
Headington Oxford

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