Let’s Give Peace a Chance on Armed Forces Day
12/06/2017
Armed Forces Day is on Saturday 24 June, or 17 June in some places. Over 350 events which package war as entertainment with military vehicles, weapons and recruiting stalls will be taking place across the UK. The national event is taking place in Liverpool. Here we list alternative events that are challenging the militarism of Armed Forces Day with vigils and events promoting peace.
#GE2017: info & questions for candidates
26/05/2017
A brief roundup of manifesto pledges on defence and security and some questions for your candidates on their support for a more sustainable and ethical security policy, one that does not result in the promotion of military intervention or military interests within education and civil society.
ForcesWatch comment
Do You Know The Agenda Behind Your School’s STEM Provision?
14/03/2017
The military and arms industries are putting large sums of money into our education system and into STEM educational material for schools. Science4Society Week is a chance to focus on learning from less destructive employers.
ForcesWatch and Scientists for Global Responsibility
Armed forces visits to Scottish schools – a ‘big issue’
07/03/2017
Our petition lodged at Holyrood along with Quakers in Scotland on military visits to schools has taken a significant step forward.
ForcesWatch comment
Military recruitment of under-18s debated in Westminster
24/02/2017
We report on the recent debate in Parliament arguing that the age of recruitment to the UK armed forces be raised.
ForcesWatch comment
The militarisation of schools
23/01/2017
The UK is one of few countries that allow minors to enlist. Despite calls to cease the recruitment of under-18s the Army is digging in to hold its ground.
The Independent
Army life: the other side of the story
17/01/2017
Telling adolescents that they can resolve their need to belong by joining the Army is simplistic and one-sided. The reality is many aspects of army life are potentially harmful, especially to vulnerable individuals. The other side of the story needs to be told. This is a longer version of an article first published by The Huffington Post
ForcesWatch comment
Enlisting at 16: the other side of the story
09/01/2017
This series of 2-minute films by Child Soldiers International give a powerful insight into the reality of signing up as a young recruit, how training brutalises young soldiers and the long-term harmful effects of training and combat.
Child Soldiers International
Teaching Remembrance: focusing on ‘why?’
09/12/2016ForcesWatch comment
A history teacher from Coventry got in touch with ForcesWatch to share her experience of teaching Remembrance to year nine classes this year after reading the resource Rethinking Remembrance in Schools: 'Teaching about Remembrance this year was a vastly different experience for me than previous years'.
Scottish petition makes headway
30/11/2016
Members of the Scottish Parliament have agreed to seek further evidence on our joint petition – with Quakers in Scotland – calling for greater scrutiny and guidance around military visits to schools.
ForcesWatch comment