Ah, that.
From what I've seen of the individual who posted that thread, there
are so many issues involved that the red beret is probably the
least significant of the problems' causes, if at all.
That said, your question in itself is a fair one.
Once you're operational, you're going to be one of the first troops
called up and deployed if the balloon ever goes up. During my time,
we were on 4 NTM when things were relaxed - this means that if
things ever go bad, you have to be geared up and ready to go within
4 hours. Occasionally, you may have to be on 0 NTM, which leaves
you kicking your heels in your bunk in full uniform, all your gear
within arm's reach, the armskote open for you to draw your weapon,
and a quick stop at the ammo dump on the way to wherever the fun
is.
You're also likely to be subjected to more stress than most other
NS men owing to the nature of the job. Some guys take it in their
stride, others let the stress out when they're off-duty. A lot of
guys go a bit silly in the days before a jump.
Put the two together, and whoever you're dating would probably need
to have the character to put up with you being called away and also
to put up with your crap.
It's a tall order. I've seen some guys marry the girls they were
dating while they were in 1 CDO, but by and large both the lads and
the lasses were fairly solid and level-headed individuals to begin
with. It's not the life for just anybody.
