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I understand the sentiments of RAL's pal but I have to go along with old Rusty. During my service I saw some bad lads who had been directed into the services by the magistrates. Most served the minimum 3 years engagement and left for civililian life. I am certain they were much improved characters on leaving. In most cases they had never been subjected to discipline or teamwork at home. Some few found the service so agreeable they made a full career of it. Interestingly they were the ones with leadership qualities. Possibly they were gang leaders before, but they provided a few instances of 'poachers turned into gamekeepers' as they became disciplinarians. You could call them genuine khaki blooded types and they provided good value to the service. Probably they were helped by the fact that the British Army runs the Regimental system. The regiment becomes the family.
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