On comparing notes, one topic is masturbation techniques. Some report having enough skin left to do the job, sometimes just over the crown of the glans, but most say they have practically no loose skin. Many masturbate dry, others use oils or gels, but saliva is the most common lubricant. Another topic which comes up is circumcision in the French army. Many remember their days of military service as the first time they realised that there were other circumcised men, and that they were not as exceptional as they had thought as teenagers.
Some dispute occurs on circumcision in the professional army.
One report was that most soldiers required for tropical duty were routinely circumcised, but others deny this. Reports of soldiers in the Gulf War irritated by fine sand under the foreskin was explained by the fact that many soldiers not normally prepared for tropical warfare had been called up. It would seem though that the rate of circumcision in the regular army would be higher than in the civilian population. I agree that only a small minority is circumcized in France. Neonatal circumcision is not a local custom.