I agree with the sentiments expressed re sunglasses. I would support that our diggers remove them when speaking to any of the locals. For the same reason Burkas should be banned..........they are rude in that they allow no facial and limited eye contact. I always thought the baddies wore masks. Even the face tatood Vietnam Vets are really trying to intimidate those they make contact with. They really do not represent the majority of main core Vets, who, like me, find them an emarrassment. The pity is that these guys are past their prime and probably quite harmless..... I wouldn't purchase aything from a car yard if the guy/gal was wearing sunnies.

I even find sunnies on top of the head a complete turnoff.....................Bill

one of my sons has just ret from afghanistan and i put the question to him re glasses, his answer the sun glasses protect their eyes from intense heat and they are specially toughened to protec the eyes from explosions, ie grenades etc... as far as the locals go he said that when in village settings meetings they come off to show respect, this was his second combat tour regards john hellyer

I must agree with your comments I have always looked on reflective glasses as an affront and can only guess what the locals feel.My father was a greek and in his culture, eye contact is imperative to good relations. jack