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
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.
ForcesWatch comment
UK army minimum recruitment age should be raised to 18 – survey
10/09/2018
ICM survey was commissioned by campaigners against child soldiers The Guardian
British army ‘explicitly targeting’ working-class recruits, say critics
10/09/2018
Recruitment drive focuses on teenagers seeking adrenaline, says Child Soldiers International
The Guardian
Arms industry spends millions to promote brands in schools
10/09/2018
Defence groups sponsor lessons that promote building and sale of military hardware
The Observer
Girl Guides defend controversial new deal with British army
10/09/2018
Petition launched after members claim partnership with military runs counter to the Guides’ peace ethos
The Observer
Notes on attending the inquest into Sean Benton’s death at Deepcut barracks
24/07/2018
ForcesWatch comment
Last week the Coroner at Working Coroner’s Court delivered the findings into the circumstances of Sean Benton’s death at Deepcut Barracks in June 1995. Sean was the first of four soldiers to die there between 1995 and 2002. ForcesWatch have been monitoring the inquest; this article shares our records from the inquest and notes on the final findings.
Download the full notes