Shock horror – the British Army have been training firing at targets that look like the sort of targets they might find in Afghanistan – whatever is the world coming to?

Why aren’t they training by firing at the sort of target they might really inspire them – like a picture of 10 Downing Street, or a cardboard cut-out of Bob Ainsworth?

As it is, they have thoroughly offended the Bradford Council for Mosques who have demanded that the targets be removed and an apology given to the Muslim community.

In response to criticism of the shooting targets, the MOD has explained that the Bellerby range was designed in line with operational feedback received from Afghanistan.

“Providing the best training facilities for our armed forces ahead of deployment to operational theatres is a priority for us,” adds a spokesperson.

“We have no intention of offending religious sensibilities.”

Where are these operational theatres that are filled with mosques, that is the question? The fake hills in the background look distinctly like Haworth Moor to me…..

1
Vimes April 8, 2010 at 13:32

If they need to practice hitting something the size of an average mosque, might I suggest a more appropriate target might be a coo’s arse and give them all a banjo?

2
Antisthenes April 8, 2010 at 15:36

To win the hearts and minds of the “Bradford Council for Mosques” I suggest the army ask them to contribute some of their congregation in play acting as Taliban. All in the spirit of solidarity with the people and country of where they now live and to show that they are committed to the culture and values of their new homeland.

3
JuliaM April 8, 2010 at 15:59

But I can’t see anywhere in the news articles about this that they WERE targets. Rather, that they were generic building mock-ups that were used to get soldiers familiar with the type of buildings they would see over there.

Or have I missed something?

4
Brian April 8, 2010 at 16:10

Perhaps the Bradford Council of Mosques could also condemn those Afghan mosques that are used as weapons stores, barracks and firing positions * by their brothers in the umma against soldiers from Bradford and other parts of Britain. Or will they fall back on the old “We are victims/islam is the religion of peace” line?
*Minarets are ideal for snipers.

5
JohnRS April 8, 2010 at 16:22

If these “mosques” had a target painted on the side then the Bradford Islamists might have a point. But these are obviously intended as scenery rather than targets so the Bradford Islamists really need to reconsider their words……or would they rather have British troops put at greater risk than necessary?

I wonder which cricket team they support?

6
Demetrius April 8, 2010 at 16:39

I recall being on the banks of the Elbe with some of The Cameronians optimistically flinging bottles at the Russkies on the other side and bawling threats of being in Moscow by Saturday. Its the kind of thing The Army does, we call it tradition.

7
Ancient and Tattered Airman April 8, 2010 at 22:06

I am sick and tired of hearing these professional welfare cases constantly complaining and demanding apologies. Thanks for letting them in by the million Gordon, one of your more inspired acts. Their welfare, real and imagined is so much more important than training our troops before deployment to a combat zone.Much more likely to vote for your party too.