British commanders say they have enough men to make a difference, adding that support troops, artillerymen, even cooks and clerks, can be pressed into the infantry role if need be.

ECONOMIST: Anxious times for the under-manned Western forces

"We are men and leaders who want to make a difference and we have decided that the time has come for us to choose the moral high ground, " he said.

BBC: Philippines and Muslim rebels sign key peace plan

Many middle-class white men and women have set off across the world to make a difference.

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