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The military in society
14/01/2019
Over the last 15 years, ForcesWatch has observed and responded to ways in which the military has been promoted as a normal part of everyday life. We believe that uncritical support for the armed forces stifles debate about alternatives to war and the enormous damage that is done to those involved in conflict. In this … Read more
Our work
13/01/2019
Military power in British democracy A consensus in Westminster on defence issues is failing to properly scrutinise the impact of the armed forces, the arms industry, defence partnerships and novel military tech initiatives on society. We’re investigating points where the military and defence industry leverage undue influence, with implications for democracy, war and security in … Read more
Military recruitment & service
Concerns about recruitment practices The UK is the only country in Europe that recruits 16 year olds into the armed forces and currently one quarter of British Army recruits are under 18. Much of our early work focused on campaigning to raise the minimum age of recruitment to 18 years. Concerns about the way that … Read more
About ForcesWatch
12/01/2019
RAF100: A Short Counterhistory of Britain’s Air Force
20/12/2018
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.
Home
03/11/2018
Projects
Listed here are some of our current and recent projects. Also see our articles, resources and older projects on: Military power in British democracy Military recruitment & service The military in education & youth activities Arms out of Education The military in society
#ResistMilitarism on Armed Forces Day 2018
In the run up to Armed Forces Day on 30 June we provide background information on how this and other public events are part of a concerted effort to increase general support for the military amongst the public, stifle criticism and recruit young people. We list events that challenge the militarism of Armed Forces Day with messages of peace and resistance.
White Poppies for Schools
22/10/2018
We have teamed up with the Peace Pledge Union to produce a White Poppy Schools Pack, which aims to explore Remembrance in a way that encourages critical thinking, and gives space for marginalised perspectives on war and peace.
The learning resource can be read online here, or purchased from the Peace Pledge Union as a bigger pack including white poppies and white poppy leaflets.
Training school pupils for the military and surveillance?
12/10/2018
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’.
Everyday Militarism poster
09/10/2018
This poster on Everyday Militarism (designed by Abbey Thornton and produced by Quakers in Britain) features many aspects of current militarism in the UK. It is a great way to spark off conversation about the roots of war and the kind of society we need to build peace. Available as a download, or to order and there is also an interactive version. It comes with discussion notes. See the poster and related resources
Military involvement in education and youth activities in the UK
02/10/2018
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.
Bodyguard gets it wrong
28/09/2018
The BBC drama Bodyguard misrepresents the actions and concerns of veterans working for peace.
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