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.
‘Selling the Myth’
06/02/2018
ForcesWatch comment
We report on a recent meeting in Parliament with a range of speakers on the urgent need to raise the age of recruitment to the armed forces in the UK.
An inclusive, emotionally supportive British Army? Not yet.
10/01/2018
ForcesWatch comment on the 2018 British Army recruitment advertising campaign: We welcome any commitments and improvements the military makes to the welfare of soldiers but caution that the reality of military life is not accurately represented in this new campaign, and that the welfare of recruits into the Army should not be overlooked.
A shorter version of this article is published by The Huffington Post
ForcesWatch comment on the 2018 British Army recruitment advertising campaign
Military recruits: How MoD could be targeting your children
08/12/2017
Scottish TV report on armed forces visits to schools in Scotland.
STV
Only ‘Show and Tell’? Latest news on Scottish Parliament Petition
04/12/2017
After hearing from the armed forces, the Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee has decided they need to hear more from ForcesWatch and Quakers in Scotland before making decisions about our petition calling for greater guidance and scrutiny around military visits to schools.
ForcesWatch comment
Dissenting from the Old Lie
11/11/2017
Every year, the fury levied at those who critique or refuse the red poppy obscures the complexity and spectrum of views such dissenters open up. What is lost in this explosion of vitriol and misunderstanding is the opportunity to allow us, as empathic human beings, to be open to divergent viewpoints, to think honestly about wars and to discuss their causes.
Forceswatch Comment