Military involvement in education and youth activities in the UK
September 2018
This briefing summarises key elements of military involvement in education and youth activities in the UK. It covers the defence industry as well as the armed forces and Ministry of Defence. It outlines the main concerns this raises and how these concerns have been voiced so far.
Public poll on minimum age of armed forces recruitment
July 2018
The nationwide survey found 72% of people who expressed a view believed young people should not be able to join the army until they are 18.
Warrior Nation: war, militarisation and British democracy – films
August 2018
These presentations were recorded at the launch of the report Warrior Nation: war, militarisation and British democracy by Paul Dixon (published by ForcesWatch) in June 2018 in London.
- Warrior Nation: war, militarisation and British democracy, by Professor Paul Dixon
- Military Britain by Professor Joanna Bourke
- Militarism in public life in the UK, Emma Sangster, Coordinator of ForcesWatch
Warrior Nation: War, militarisation and British democracy
June 2018
This report explores how the 'Militarisation Offensive' which started in 2006 to improve public recognition and support for the armed forces failed to produce majority support for the war in Afghanistan but deepened the militarisation of British politics and society. Since 2006 the military have broken constitutional convention and made public attacks on politicians, leading to the most severe tensions in political-military relations since the Second World War. The armed forces and special schools
Concerns we have raised with the Scottish Parliament about armed forces activities in special schools have been picked up by The Daily Record newspaper.
The new tide of militarisation
updated 2018
Militarism has existed in the Britain for a long time, but there is a new tide of militarisation that has developed over the last five years. This briefing from Quaker Peace and Social Witness, explores the government strategy to increase public support for the military, in order to raise the willingness of the public to pay for the military, make recruitment easier, and stifle opposition to unpopular wars.
Submission to the Human Rights and the Scottish Parliament inquiry
April 2018
This submission made by ForcesWatch and Quakers in Scotland to the Scottish Parliament's human rights inquiry details our concerns around the need for regulation and transparent accountability of military activities in schools, the lack of education about peace and human rights, and the continued recruitment of children into the UK armed forces.
Evidence submitted to the Armed Forces and Veterans Mental Health Inquiry
March 2018
Written evidence submitted by ForcesWatch to the Defence Committee's Armed Forces and Veterans Mental Health Inquiry.
Taking action on militarism films
November 2017
Two short films from the Take Action on Militarism event.
Rethinking security
November 2017
Two resources outlining the aims behind the Rethinking Security project. Also see the Rethinking Security report and website
Take Action on Militarism: website and resource pack
October 2017
ForcesWatch have teamed up with Quaker Peace & Social Witness to produce a resource pack to help people take action on militarism in their communities. And there is a website to go with it where you can download the pack or order a hard copy, find links to more resources etc.
Armed forces visits to schools in Scotland: An update for 2016-2017
November 2017
This ForcesWatch briefing analyses data on armed forces visits to schools in Scotland for 2016-17.
Why a white poppy?
October 2017
A short film from the Peace Pledge Union on the significance of the white poppy.
The First Ambush: Effects of army training and employment
June 2017
This report from Veterans For Peace UK details how the Army's training process has a forceful impact on attitudes, health, and behaviour even before recruits are sent to war. The findings show that military training and culture combine with pre-existing issues (such as a childhood history of anti-social behaviour) to increase the risk of violence and alcohol misuse. Traumatic war experiences further exacerbate the problem.
Soldiers at 16 – The other side of the story
January 2017
Army adverts don't tell you what being a soldier is really like.
