NationStates Jolt Archive

Post your experience(s) with those guys who don't move, laugh, acknowledge you, nor say anything. Also, what are they called?

Never met them.

Post your experience(s) with those guys who don't move, laugh, acknowledge you, nor say anything. Also, what are they called?
I've never been to London, but if my bearing was half as good, I'd be set.

There was one at the tower of London when I visited. He was funny, because he was dressed in a stupid purple coat, but he had a kick-ass M16-a2, with a heavy-duty bayonet and what looked like a high-power scope. I waved and asked him to show me his gun. He didn't say anything. So I started talking to my bro about how gay Britain was, how their whole army was a bunch of pussies, ect. ect. He didn't do anything. Fucking wierd.

well I got one...

M16-A2? Are you sure about that? British Guards are as standard issued with SA80's.

I've come across these soldiers a fair amount in my times. When I worked in London, I'd have to walk past the Tower on my home from work pretty much every day, although I'd never badger or berate one of these lads. They do an awesome job, and it takes a hell of a lot of discipline to maintain their demeanor and stance as they do. Especially with you damned tourists taunting them every 15 minutes :p

I've alot of respect for them.

Also as far as I'm aware, there's no "name" for them like the beefeaters of the tower, I'm not sure if the regiment on guard in London is the coldstream guards, but I know they're on guard for Windsor.

Coldstream Guards (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coldstream_Guards)

They get in deep trouble if they drop out of stance, gotta pity the guys stood there with tourists annoying them, kids dropping ice cream on their feet.
Though I've never failed to get a wink or smile, must be the pink hair.

Post your experience(s) with those guys who don't move, laugh, acknowledge you, nor say anything. Also, what are they called?

Autistic.

Autistic.

That isn't funny.

Strange, I was watching only today, one ex-'guard' saying that when he used to be on duty kids would stick match-sticks between his fingers and light them. Just to let you know, the guards you see on ceremonial duty are also some of the most highly trained soldiers in the world. The ceremony is a little extra to assist discipline and most of them regard it as an honour to guard the Queen.

That isn't funny.

So kill me.

I just might, but I have better uses for my time.

Autistic.That isn't funny.


I thought it was a great joke.

There was one at the tower of London when I visited. He was funny, because he was dressed in a stupid purple coat, but he had a kick-ass M16-a2, with a heavy-duty bayonet and what looked like a high-power scope. I waved and asked him to show me his gun. He didn't say anything. So I started talking to my bro about how gay Britain was, how their whole army was a bunch of pussies, ect. ect. He didn't do anything. Fucking wierd.

Maybe they are, that's why he didn't say anything about it.

How 2 of the last three responses constitute anything but flamebait, I don't know.

Mine was meant as a joke, but if you have no sense of humor, then you wouldn't understand.

How 2 of the last three responses constitute anything but flamebait, I don't know.

The 'So kill me' comment wasn't intended as flamebait, rather a 'let's not make a big thing of this' comment: imagine it being said as I shrug my shoulders.

That isn't funny.
Technically it is, in so far as it amused me.

Back on topic, there is no 'name' for the ceremonial guards you see in London. They're regular army soldiers, traditionally from the Household division, eg the Guards Regiments, but not necessarily - the duty is rotated. They're not even always British, Commonwwealth regiments have also provided guard duty. And, depending on location, they are allowed to talk to onlookers. I believe, "Piss off, sonny", is the traditional opening gambit.

Oh, and they refer to this sort of duty as 'Chocolate box duties', because it makes them look like chocolate box soldiers, and generally hate it. These are highly trained killers being made to look pretty for the tourists.

The 'So kill me' comment wasn't intended as flamebait, rather a 'let's not make a big thing of this' comment: imagine it being said as I shrug my shoulders.

Gotcha, sorry, I'm a little touchy on subjects such as our boys.

Gotcha, sorry, I'm a little touchy on subjects such as our boys.

Any particular reason?

How 2 of the last three responses constitute anything but flamebait, I don't know.

Can't you just shut up?

I have some friends in the military over here, good lads, and I've had people try and make me feel guilty about being proud of that, and over feeling angry when members of their regiment get killed by friendly fire.

Can't you just shut up?

And I imagine many americans would be quiet on this forum if I started calling members of their armed forces pussies?

I wasn't referring to your post Globes.

Oh, sorry 'bout my comments then.

'sfunny: I expected that if anyone got offended over my autism comment it would be people with a connection to actual autistic people rather than to the British Army.

This wasn't meant for autism or flaming randomly. Please get on topic or leave.

There was one at the tower of London when I visited. He was funny, because he was dressed in a stupid purple coat, but he had a kick-ass M16-a2, with a heavy-duty bayonet and what looked like a high-power scope. I waved and asked him to show me his gun. He didn't say anything. So I started talking to my bro about how gay Britain was, how their whole army was a bunch of pussies, ect. ect. He didn't do anything. Fucking wierd.

Yes thats because hes disciplined. Like the rest of the British army. They (unlike the American GIs) aren't cowboys who only use the time tested method of "If it moves shoot it"

Yes thats because hes disciplined. Like the rest of the British army. They (unlike the American GIs) aren't cowboys who have the time tested method of "If it moves shoot it"

Discipline, combined with the fact that he's so well trained that he knows he could kick pretty much anyone's ass; so, he is much more cool and slow to anger.

Post your experience(s) with those guys who don't move, laugh, acknowledge you, nor say anything. Also, what are they called?
cadavers.