Just an idea

[Pickles77]

Hi, does anyone know how i can get involved with writing to a soldier? Imjust looking to make friends and have some company tbh. I dont want to go through the forcespenpals website as it seems to be completely internet based?

You could look in the back of soldier magazine. Is there any particular reason you want a soldier? (Other armed services are available)

Oh no i dont mind, it was just the first thing that came to mind as i hear soldiers get lonely when deployed. Thats all

Well from personal experience , I'd write to an airman isntead of a soldier!

Well airmen and sailors can get lonely too!

And how do you get into that?

Pm me I've got loads of mates in afghan, I'd be happy to sort you out with some addresses

If you're after a matelot, Pickles, try loitering around an establishment that retails alcohol of an evenng in Plymouth or Portsmouth.

If you have a reasonable compliment of limbs and/or teeth and are under 75, you should be fine; the average young tar is most inclusive, especially when wearing his beer goggles.

Only kidding. Private Eye used to have a Soldier On section (which had friend requests from all sevices) in their small ads at the back; don't know if it's still there?

Talc that gave me a good chuckle

Talc - how true. I am from Portsmouth

You know it so well....are you from around there?

Youcanringmybell - yes. I don't do much frequenting of hostelries these days, but recall how the pubs and clubs were wall-to-wall RN back in the 80s

Now that the navy has downsized so much, you'd be pushed to fill a minibus

I like your name - I have the Anita Ward song stuck in my head now.

Ha - it is a good song!
Yes I was only little in the 80's but my buddy remembers going to Southsea and getting off with a sailor or two...
Course once I was old enough they had downsized considerably. So I moved onto an airman

Newtothisstuff - please don't pass on details especially to any old random punter from the internet!

Doesn't anyone consider PERSEC/OPSEC?

OP - if you're looking for a penpal, then going through a magazine or website that matches personnel with civvies who want to write is really the best way.

What's persec and the other one?

OPSEC/PERSEC are military terms for Operational and Personal Security and the guidelines advise personnel and their families to be careful about what information they put in the public domain and make available to strangers.

I'm simply pointing out that you could be anyone OP and no one should be handing over addresses or numbers to you as we have no idea what you intend. That's why I suggested that you stick to more regulated ways of getting in touch with forces personnel.

Oh I see

Pickles77

deinately have a look in Soldier Magazine. You might need to subscribe as it appears to be no longer available to browse online.

And no matter how much someone begs, do not send photos! Or at least not unclad ones.