about Forces Watch
ForcesWatch is a new network
We believe that armed forces recruitment practices in the UK are largely unethical. The military fails to properly inform potential recruits of the risks, difficulties and legal obligations of an armed forces career. Research has shown that it targets vulnerable social groups, including young people under 18 and people from poorer backgrounds.
Whilst some people join the armed forces as a career of choice, others join for negative reasons or on the basis of misleading recruitment practices. Whilst some are satisfied with their choice, others are dissatisfied and may have no legal right to leave for several years.
There is concern that some government initiatives, such as Armed Forces Day, seek to manufacture a climate of uncritical national pride in the armed forces in order to garner public support for foreign policy. Unqualified support of the military and foreign policy stigmatises legitimate concerns about how young people are recruited for the armed forces within our communities, and limits debate on alternatives to war. Widespread critical awareness of the risks and legal obligations of an armed forces career is essential if young people are to make an informed, responsible choice about enlistment.
ForcesWatch is a non-profit organisation established in April 2010.
How ForcesWatch will develop
ForcesWatch is a network. It will work with organisations, individuals and initiatives concerned about military recruitment to support and develop their work and effectiveness. It will create opportunities for groups and individuals to contact, meet and share their experiences and skills.
Over the coming months we will be developing this website to include:
- information, research and campaigning materials
- discussion and support forums
- guidelines for challenging military recruitment practices
- resources and links
- and much more
Who is ForcesWatch and how is it funded
ForcesWatch is run by a two part-time paid members of staff, a Steering Committee and a group of advisors who guide our work.
The Patron of ForcesWatch is Ben Griffin, who served in the forces during a number of recent conflicts.
The Steering Committee:
David Gee
Pat Gaffney
Symon Hill
Andreas Speck
The Coordinator of ForcesWatch is Emma Sangster.
ForcesWatch is currently funded by grants from trusts which have been given to us to help establish the network. The grants allow us to fund a shared office space and 2 people to work in it a few days a week. We are currently seeking donations to fund the development of our projects.
What ForcesWatch will do
- Raise ethical concerns about military recruitment practices and the rights of serving personnel.
- Campaign for improvements in recruitment practice in the interests of potential recruits.
- Help ensure that potential recruits and their families are aware of the risks, difficulties and legal obligations of an armed forces career before they enlist.
- Campaign for the terms of service for armed forces personnel to fully respect individuals' right to leave after a reasonable notice period, including the right to conscientious objection.
- Promote understanding and respect for the moral choices and objections of armed forces personnel.
- Challenge government campaigns that use the armed forces to promote uncritical national pride in the military in order to garner public support for armed intervention overseas.
Our values
Enormous damage is done to all those caught up in armed conflict. It is, therefore, vital that there is wide critical debate about the military and its recruitment practices. This concern underpins our work.
ForcesWatch is committed to:
- respect for all people, including those we disagree with
- honesty in how we approach and present the issues
- fostering critical awareness of the issues among the public and ourselves
- including and involving a diversity of people, including a range of views and skills
