26/01/2012 BBC The first UK school whose teachers have all served in the armed forces is actively recruiting prospective pupils with a view to opening in 2013.
news, information & resources
The information listed in this section covers the most relevant materials relating to our concerns and activities. They include:
- latest news articles and an archive of other useful articles
- 'ForcesWatch comment' - our blog
- key reports and research from different sources
- government legislation and international agreements
- materials for use in campaigning such as leaflets
- films & books and other media that help to explore and discuss the issues
- experiences and stories from those affected from different perspectives
- links to other organisations
You can also click on the left submenu to see resources and news by category.
browse resources by theme
- veterans' experience (8)
- terms of service (6)
- risks (10)
- remembrance (2)
- recruitment age (5)
- recruitment (8)
- ptsd (4)
- military in schools (6)
- legislation and policy (9)
- human rights (5)
- conscientious objection (11)
- armed forces bill 2011 (6)
- alternatives viewpoints (5)
- advice (4)
latest news
09/01/2012 Press Association Military-style cadet forces could be introduced to all secondary schools in a Government bid to boost standards and discipline.
08/01/2012 The Telegraph All secondary schools should have a military cadet force in the drive to raise standards, according to a senior Government education official.
14/11/2011 British Forces News Surface-to-air missiles could be used to protect the skies over London during the Olympics, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said today as he insisted "all necessary measures" will be taken to ensure security.
12/11/2011 Ekklesia "The growing compulsion to wear a red poppy and to acquiesce in the remodelling of its purpose has diverted our attention from the more enduring and demanding aspects of remembering the destruction, personal, collective and environmental, which is the outcome of military action."
12/11/2011 Daily Mail "We can best pay tribute to their sacrifices by ensuring that in the future no British sailor, soldier, Marine or airman is asked to lay down their life except for the most urgent and honourable of causes."
11/11/2011 Ekklesia "There may well be a boom in poppy sales, but the act of Remembrance itself has been cheapened by a failure to back up words with action, particularly when it comes to successive governments' care for victims of war, but equally in terms of the appalling the lack of resources put into peacebuilding."
10/11/2011 Child Soliders International The MoD is criticised for lowering standards since WW1 and despite thousands of planned redundancies, it still recruiting children at twice the cost of adults.
09/11/2011 The Guardian Whatever one's stance on poppy-wearing, let us also not forget the ex-servicemen who survive – but only just
browse news items:
- the armed forces bill 2011 (12)
- terms of service (3)
- risks (6)
- remembrance (10)
- recruitment age (18)
- recruitment (3)
- military in society (9)
- military in schools colleges (8)
- legislation and policy (2)
- conscientious objection (19)
- cadets (6)
- absense without leave (2)
latest resources
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June 2011
These BBC radio programmes explore the effect of killing on people in the military, how many are unable to kill and others live with the effects of having killed for the rest of their lives. Read more >> |
November 2011
Published by the Quaker United Nations Office in November 2011, this short booklet reflects recent changes in international law and practice that indicates that recognition of conscientious objection to military service as a human right is now stronger than ever. The publication in available in English, French or Spanish. Read more >> |
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Dec 2011
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January 2011
Manual of Service Law (MSL) Version 2.0 January 2011 Read more >> |
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June 2011
New legislation (from 22 July 2011) which grants under 18s the right to leave after a 'cooling off' period. Prior to this, discharge of 'unhappy minors' was at the discretion of the commanding officer. This right is additional to an individual's Discharge As Of Right (DAOR) between the 2nd and 6th month of starting service. Under 18s in all branches of the forces may now give 3 months' notice to leave (i.e. leave the regular service and join the Reserves) if they give notice in writing to their commanding officer any time before their 18th birthday. By mutual consent the 3 months' notice may be reduced. The recruit can change their mind about leaving if they do so within the notice period and they can still give notice later on. Additionally, the legislation also allows adults the possibility of having their 12 month notice period reduced by up to 6 months as long as it is done within one month of notice being given. This is at the discretion of the commanding officer. Read more >> |
July 2011
European Court of Human Rights catching up with UN Human Rights Committee On 7 July 2011, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights finally recognised the right to conscientious objection as a right protected under article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In its judgement in the case of Bayatyan v. Armenia, the court has ruled that states have a duty to respect individuals’ right to conscientious objection to military service as part of their obligation to respect the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion set out in Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights. This is the first time that the right of conscientious objection to military service has been explicitly recognised under the European Convention on Human Rights. Read more >> |
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March 2011
Contents:
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2011
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2011 update, U.S. 14 minutes
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Facts and figures about the UK armed forces including information on number of personnel, military spending, recruitment, terms of service, conscientious objection, job satisfaction, and risk of death, serious harm and pychiatric harm. All references are fully sourced.
Veterans for Peace UK: a new organisation for veterans of the armed forces committed to opposing war through nonviolent means. Veterans for Peace UK are available to speak at schools and events.
The Skinback Fusiliers, "a fast, funny and deeply disturbing novel about life in the British army today seen through the eyes of three young men." This is a novel based on the real experiences of 3 young men. Serialised on Open Democracy in 2011. Read it and add your comments to the well of feedback this book has generated.
A 14 minute film made by the American Friends Service Committee and Veterans for Peace, updated in 2011. An informative deconstruction of a US army recruitment video and moving reflection on the effects of going to war. With testimony from a number of young and older veterans.get ForcesWatch email announcements
