Comment, analysis, news

Martial Law and No-Deal War Games

31/01/2019ForcesWatch comment
The armed forces are engaging in 'war games', reservists will be mobilised and Brexit planners are reportedly looking at the possibility of martial law in the event of a no-deal. 

RAF100: A Short Counterhistory of Britain’s Air Force

20/12/2018ForcesWatch comment
2018 has been the centenary year of the Royal Air Force. While many think of the RAF in the sepia tones of the Battle of Britain, and the RAF leans heavily on a mystique that sets it apart from the army and navy, there is far more to be said about the service. We explore the role it has played in the last 100 years in bringing the asymmetry of air power to conflicts with often devastating effect.

What is militarism?

08/11/2018
While militarism has long been a central dynamic in British history, it has current manifestations that are particular to the present day. We look at key aspects of 'the new tide of militarisation' in the UK and list further sources of information on everyday militarism.

Training school pupils for the military and surveillance?

12/10/2018

ForcesWatch comment

With recent announcements about cadets in schools and Cyber Cadets, we critique government commissioned research and political thinking that could lead to a far wider introduction of cadets and the harnessing of young people into 'tackling security threats'.

Bodyguard gets it wrong

28/09/2018

ForcesWatch comment

The BBC drama Bodyguard misrepresents the actions and concerns of veterans working for peace.

Recruitment at any price

14/09/2018

ForcesWatch comment

Our response to the Public Accounts Committee have today published their report Skill Shortages in the Armed Forces, which makes a number of problematic recommendations that put the military's operational needs over other considerations.

UK army minimum recruitment age should be raised to 18 – survey

10/09/2018

The Guardian

ICM survey was commissioned by campaigners against child soldiers

British army ‘explicitly targeting’ working-class recruits, say critics

10/09/2018

The Guardian

Recruitment drive focuses on teenagers seeking adrenaline, says Child Soldiers International

Arms industry spends millions to promote brands in schools

10/09/2018

The Observer

Defence groups sponsor lessons that promote building and sale of military hardware

Girl Guides defend controversial new deal with British army

10/09/2018

The Observer

Petition launched after members claim partnership with military runs counter to the Guides’ peace ethos