British army ads targeting ‘stressed and vulnerable’ teenagers
09/06/2018
The British army has targeted recruitment material at “stressed and vulnerable” 16-year-olds via social media on and around GCSE results day, the Guardian can reveal.The Guardian
News coverage of the Scottish Parliament’s report on armed forces visits to schools
04/06/2018
With the publication of the Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee report on our petition on armed forces visits to schools, there has been substantial coverage in the news.Ministry of Defence misleading public over armed forces visits to schools
04/06/2018ForcesWatch comment
With the publication of the Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee report on our petition on armed forces visits to schools, there has been substantial coverage in the news (see our round-up). The Ministry of Defence have said a number of things in response that are very disputable – this blog outlines some of the evidence.Scottish Parliament recognises child rights and welfare concerns around armed forces activities in schools
04/06/2018
Quakers in Scotland and ForcesWatch welcome the recommendations made in a report from the Scottish Parliament about armed forces activities in schools.ForcesWatch and Quakers in Scotland press release
Resisting militarisation in Leicester
22/05/2018
ForcesWatch and Ambrose Musiyiwa
We interviewed poet and campaigner Ambrose Musiyiwa for Peace News on militarisation in Leicester and how local people are acting to resist militarism. Ethics not (military) ethos
02/05/2018
ForcesWatch Comment
Former education minister Robert Goodwill has been tasked with drawing up a report for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on the benefits of ‘military ethos’ in schools. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has suggested this could include ‘military academies’ in disadvantaged areas.We consider the ethics of imposing an ethos from outside of education, especially when it serves interests at odds with the best interests of young people.‘Testing the Argument’: MSPs call for report into military visits in Scotland’s schools
20/03/2018
Members of the Scottish Parliament have agreed to produce a report into military visits in Scotland’s schools in a response to our petition on the issue.ForcesWatch comment
Harrogate abuse court martials
20/03/2018
On the day that the Harrogate abuse court martials were dropped and the press was allowed to comment after reporting restrictions were lifted, there was coverage in almost all the major news outlets. Our comments, and those of partner organisations, were also reported.Army abuse case failings: it’s time for change in the military justice system
19/03/2018
Three cases involving over 40 claimants and 16 Army instructors have collapsed, raising a number of serious concerns about failings within the military justice system. As a result, serious allegations of abuse against very young recruits have not been tested. We call for changes to the system and question whether a military environment where aggression is fostered will ever be condusive to the wellbeing of young recruits.ForcesWatch comment
A red hand against child soldiers – the UK should be leading the way not dragging its feet
12/02/2018
ForcesWatch comment
Today is the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers. Today also sees the start of a court martial of 16 instructors at Army Foundation College Harrogate which trains young recruits aged under 18. They are charged with numerous counts of bullying and abuse.