George Mansford

NEW RULES FOR THE GAME OF SOLDIERING

Oh for the days when the CO was God and enforced the law
A proven system that worked in both peace and war
There were times when God stuffed up and got it wrong
But justice was seen to be done despite soldier’s alibi and song

In training, recruits were required to act quickly and bold
‘Cos in war, its kill or be killed, they were constantly told
If there is an enemy seemingly dead then give him a prod
These were some of golden rules taught by the disciples of God

Soldiering has never been easy and that will always be
But gawd, when Pollys get involved and change the rules
And timid civilians in legal cloaks decide right from wrong
When not so long ago the accused would be given a gong

There is no doubt the digger is between a rock and a hard place
If he refuses to go, it’s a court martial he will certainly face
And if he fights, there’s legal strife if he hesitates or is too slow
Yet shooting to save a mate could mean to court martial he will go

It seems common sense, trust and the old rules are no more
Stuff the diggers’ survival; it’s been thrown out the political door
Cos those who have never been on ops which often can be hell
Insist on written Queensbury rules or else they ring the bell

Soldiers who kick a corpse just to make sure as they were trained
Now face court-martial for ignoring rules of the new game:
Who cares about fear, moving shadows, and a split second to act?
Nah, soldiers must think twice or else they could be on the legal rack

Politicians started the new game and a PM sounded the call
But now it’s weary soldiers at the sharp end caught holding the ball
Safe and secure in another world, legal referees debate rules of the game
Can we have back the old days when soldiers thought Oz was sane?

And another point while before I have a rest
The Pollys quite rightly claim our Army is the best
Don’t they understand that’s not because of magic pills taken each night
But tough training, sound leadership and realistic rules for when they fight