-how often does a para unit actually parachute?
In training, a lot, but very rarely into action (with the exception of the SAS, but that's off limits)
-how were you usually ferried around the world? (commercial flight? ship?)
Normally the ships of Her Majesty's Navy did that sort of work, but when we lost our commander in the Falklands the replacement dropped into the sea by aircraft.
-how much communication is there between units in combat?
During actual combat, little (since nobody's going to be fiddling with the radio) but during missions there's quite a lot (for example, a section that has just come out of contact has to send what is known as a sitrep to their commander, who then will ask another unit (maybe AAC, or medical or something) depending on what the men said.
-have you ever seen amrican units, and if so, how do you think they compared to yours?
Not so good, but they're good enough.
-were there any major changes of technology in your unit, and how did they affect it's tactics/abilities?
Not really that I remember (which probably means there were millions that I forgot about or ignored).
what aussies and kiwis? do you guys treat each other like the rest of the countrys, or are they more like you?
When people speak English, we're more likely to chat with them, so I had good times with them (they share our jungle exercises a lot).
I don't know if you'll consider this political, but I'll ask anyway.
My understanding is that the UK allows gays to serve. What is the general sentiment of soldiers about this? Is it a good idea, bad idea... what are your thoughts?
Also, have there been any incidents, from name-calling to violence over this? One of the arguments against gays in the US military is that it will affect morale and unit cohesion. What has your experience been?
I never asked about sexuality, and everyone takes part in the mostly drunken ritual of jokes about what we did last night with Private Macdonald's mother, but I know there have been a few issues, even in 3 PARA, with that. I don't think it matters on the whole, though, since 99% of the time they keep their mouths shut about it, and if they can get into an airborne regiment then they're good enough at their job.
