I was a soldier in the 70's and 80's and this song was something I have always remembered. It was a very rare thing that showed us as people and not uniforms. I served in NI and like most soldiers had no deep feelings or thoughts - our feeling were directed against the people who would murder us at any opportunity - (9 May 71 and Squires Hill to name but the first) and know I just wanted to do my job, not let my mates down and come home safe.
It is just a song - but one that described very well how we felt and often thought. Puzzled by the hatred, confused by the sectarian hatreds, wishing we were home and how we also hoped we might behave if ever faced with our greatest fear. We certainly felt like "pawns" in the game and generally unappreciated for the often difficult job we were tasked to do. It was a song that spoke to us and it should be no surprise at its enduring popularity amongst soldiers.