What Would a British Soldier in the American Revolution Say to a Modern US Soldier If They Met?

Imagine the shock if a British soldier from the American Revolution were to meet a modern US soldier. Their conversations would undoubtedly be filled with humor, historical insight, and a dash of cultural and military discrepancies.

Historical Context and Initial Greetings

Imagine a scenario where a British soldier from the American Revolution encounters a modern-day US soldier. The initial greetings would likely be casual and perhaps even humorous:

British Soldier:

Hey mate, fancy a brew?

Modern American Soldier:

Yeah, sure. You want a dip of Copenhagen?

The British soldier would nod in agreement while the modern soldier's reply would likely surprise and amuse him. The conversation would then veer into more serious territory as the historical and modern soldiers realized the stark differences in their experiences.

Observations on Modern Military Culture

The British soldier would likely be bemused by the casual and ungentlemanly ways of the modern soldiers. His observations might be harsh but insightful:

British Soldier:

Are your generals as buggered up as ours? Probably worse.
Infantry soldiers at the junior enlisted level speak a universal language. It mostly deals with women, booze, cards, and shamming women and how jacked up their leadership is.

He would also criticize the modern soldiers' appearance and manner:

British Soldier:

A gentleman prides himself on his appearance. You are turning out in hunting clothes and mismatched kit. Your lack of proper uniform is a shame to your regiment.
A gentleman stands to fight and does not cower at the first sound of a volley. Your rifle and tactics are wasteful and still no match for gentlemen who fight the fair fight.

Modern Soldier's Perspective

The modern soldier would likely be equally shocked and amused by the outdated attitudes of the British soldier. His response might go something like this:

Modern American Soldier:

Simmons, hold my beer. Hey Limey, check this shit out!
Redcoat: Blimey!

Referencing hunting clothes and mismatched kit, highlighting the humor and the differences in military attire and equipment between the two periods.

Potential Dialogue and Cultural Discrepancies

After the initial shock, the conversation would likely become more detailed about the differences in military culture and equipment:

The British soldier would take a look at the modern soldier's appearance, including the camouflage uniform and weaponry:

British Soldier:

What do you think a British soldier in the American Revolution would say to a modern US soldier if they met? The camo uniform and full battle rattle would be imposing, and two-way radio communications would be a shock. If he got over that, he would be absolutely mortified when the American ran a couple to ten rounds through the M-16/M-4, or simply fell over dead when the American called in close air support from the A-10s, Apache helicopters, or Spectre AC-130 gunships. The bombardment of fire from these advanced weapons would be a mind-blowing experience.

Finally, the modern soldier could show the British soldier a video of a nuclear explosion before and after, and take a selfie to prove the point:

Modern American Soldier:

Here, take a look at this video of a nuclear explosion before and after. And here, a selfie with you to commemorate this incredible moment. Yes, you read that right – we have nuclear weapons, and they can be used in such a devastating manner.

Conclusion

The meeting between a British soldier from the American Revolution and a modern US soldier would be a fascinating display of cultural and technological evolution. Despite their differences, both soldiers would share a common bond in their commitment to their respective nations and the challenges they face in combat.