Ever since Royal & I began "getting serious," I've been looking for British military - specifically Royal Marine - support websites, RM Commando or significant other blogs, ANY information I could get my hands on! Surprising to me (being an American) I didn't have much luck. This was very disappointing.
Luckily, as you can see in the New Additions post below, I've found a few friends that are living the Royal Marine life! In the past, I was also pointed in the direction of the ARRSE site (British Army Rumour Service, with forums and information) and the Rum Ration site, basically the ARRSE site for Royal Navy & Marines - more Navy than marines, unfortunately!
But the reason for this post is the British Adopt a Soldier website I found through Rum Ration. I couldn't be happier to see that the British military men and women have a program like this - finally! Their service members deserve it. It's run by another support site called Squaddie Wives. Haven't had much of a chance to look at either site, but I'm brightened to see they exist.
Just a taste of American support sites:
Any Soldier - Send your support to a Soldier in harm's way
Soldiers' Angels - May no soldier go unloved
SpouseBUZZ - The best from the military spouse blogosphere
American Snipers - Help real snipers get the real gear they need to help keep us safe
Military.com - Benefiting the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp & Coast Guard
America Supports You
Check out www.rncom.mod.uk
www.nff.org.uk
and http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/ServiceCommunity/Hive
they are the main 'official' sites on offer here. But you're right we don't have as much as you do.
Posted by: charlie | October 27, 2006 at 02:55 PM
I think we're just not as outgoing as Americans.
I'm eternally grateful for the sacrifices our servicemen and women make, but would never, in a million years, say that to one of them.
I'd be terrified I'd get the piss ripped out of me!
Posted by: BB | October 27, 2006 at 03:07 PM
Wow, thanks Charlie! I actually think I've been to the last one before, must have slipped my mind. My point was that we have more volunteer sites, people like you and me, if that makes sense!
BB: That may be true, I can't imagine a soldier (or the people around) ever takin' the mick out of you here! You might try it sometime, I'd love to hear how it goes ... ;o)
It means a lot to me to hear you say that you're grateful.
Posted by: Kath | October 27, 2006 at 03:30 PM
arrse has an offshoot for wives, friends, family etc too called rear party, links from arrse.
Posted by: Matt | November 02, 2006 at 01:26 PM
Matt! I missed your comments! Was actually thinking about emailing you and seeing what was up in your life the other day :o) Thanks for the heads up, I had JUST found Rear Party after I posted this.
Posted by: Kath | November 03, 2006 at 02:40 PM