Too true about the lack of jobs (and apprenticeships) persuading kids to go into the Forces. So many kids from our village have done so because there are so few jobs around here, and at least when they come home, they come **home**, rather than having to move away permanently. One kid I know wanted to come out after his five years was up, but when he thought about what there work there was here if he did get out, he changed his mind - now he's off to the south of Afghanistan, and all his family are worried sick.

Barbara