I think putting themselves forward for the job in the first place is heroic. If we were still living in the days where it was compulsory then that'd be different, but seeing as it's purely out of choice, I rate the men and women who do it cos I couldn't.

Unfortunately there are a few less than heroic members of the armed forces. A bloke my sonwent to school with joined up and came back from Afghanistan bragging about what he'd seen and done. Ben and his mates thought he was an arse cos if what he was sayi g was true (which they suspected it wasn't) then it was nothing to brag about and if it was lies then he was an arse for making up stories. Plus he's known for flying off the handle with little or no provocation so must be a huge liability to the blokes serving with him.

We are big supporters of Help For Heroes in my house.
Croc, there are idiots in all walks of life. It sounds like the guy your son went to school with, is a Grade A one. Good to know your son and his friends can see through the bragging chump.
Lainy, Cologne and Madamski, my heart goes out to you. I hope and pray that your sons stay safe.