Ready for war as always
Source: in-cyprus.com
The sound of F16s still rings in our ears. At least for those of us in Nicosia. It’s been only 21 days since they roared over our rooftops, supposedly to boost our morale and show those across the divide that we have the means to defend ourselves should they dare try anything again.
But this was nothing more than an anniversary spectacle as part of the military parade. On actual ground, what we possess is expired ammunition that might explode in the hands of soldiers, helicopters that crash and drag even the head of the armed forces to his death, and helicopters that come apart mid-air.
Thank God we had a guardian angel this time too. A component fell from a National Guard helicopter, but luckily it didn’t crash into a home, or a passing car, or some unsuspecting pedestrian.
The helicopter, they say, was one of our new acquisitions, and the flight during which this unfortunate incident occurred was a training exercise. And as the Ministry of Defence puts it, “no material damage or injury was caused by the falling component”. That’s what matters.
Metal, as the old folks say, can be fixed. In a training flight three years ago, in the same area, it wasn’t a component that fell but a person.
Otherwise, morale is at its peak. Especially every October 1st when we parade our weaponry through the streets for citizens to admire and feel secure. But to be brutally honest, it’s hard for anyone to feel safe.
And it’s not just the accidents that happen from time to time in the National Guard. How safe can someone feel hearing the sound of a military aircraft, friendly or hostile? How many can truly believe that Greek F16s will be here when we need protection?
If we count the losses of the National Guard, in peacetime no less, we might be horrified. An unavoidable evil, the more cynical might say. You can’t play with weapons without risk.
The even more cynical might say we’re in greater danger from falling balconies. It’s not the end of the world because a helicopter component fell off.
They might also say we’re in greater danger from underworld score-settling. From broad daylight shootouts in public places. And to these arguments, what can you say? It was just an accident then. Our morale must remain sky-high.
The original article: belongs to in-cyprus.com .
