Ben in London,
Its a little bit of a leap to suggest that someone who kills an enemy in battle (through whatever means, be it bayonet or LMG from 300 yards) is not going to be able differentiate between this and mutilating or torturing a prisoner, or shooting a clearly unarmed civilian. The key distinction being not whether they were told to so do or not, but whether that person is armed and presents an immediate threat to human life(note: immediate).
Its pretty insulting to the thousands of soldiers that have seen combat in Afghanistan and Iraq (and other places for that matter) to suggest that the vast majority are anything other than professionals, often acting with extreme restraint when faced with situations that require quick assessment and action to be taken in order to preserve life. Many a soldier would ask that you wind your neck back in, (politely and without any threat of violence, of course!)

Alex, York, UK

Oh, and Ben,
The raison d'etre of the armed forces is not to kill, but as you say to protect British interests. If this can be achieved without bloodshed then this is preferable. Incidentally, I'm sure any psychologist would tell you that there is a distinct mental boundary between combat and the abuses that you suggest are its natural extension, and bearing in mind the strict disciplinarian nature of military training this boundary is reinforced. Perhaps, you should read up on the military and its ethos and practice before you base your opinions on the actions of a minority that disgust any professional.

Alex, York, UK

Some may argue that killing, which is the raison d'etre of the armed forces is immoral. If it is acceptable to kill fellow human beings in any number of violent ways to 'protect British interests' (this includes economic) and to relegate civilians to 'collateral damage' then all kinds of other behaviour become more acceptable and expected. If you employ the kind of person who is willing to knife someone at close quarters because he has been ordered to do so then you are likely to have someone who has no qualms about abusing a detainee.

Ben, London, UK

That'll be nice! Soon the British Soldier who's already under equipped and over-stretched, will look like a very sharp turn in the road with the fattest top pocket around.

Des, L'Isle Jourdain, France

had it for years-do catch up chaps.
got issued mine in 1986.
do jornos actually investigate a story these days?

fraser, singapore, singapore