ForcesWatch comment

The British military: protecting the Sultan of Brunei

05/04/2019

With the stationing of British troops in Brunei, the UK government has a powerful hand to play in challenging the new anti-LGBTQ+ law imposed by the Sultan.


Sexual assault continues to plague women in the military

14/02/2019ForcesWatch comment

We look at the Lost Heroines campaign by specialist lawyers Bolt Burdon Kemp which highlights some of the issues facing women in the military, with a particular focus on sexual harassment.


Historical allegations: fact vs fiction

11/02/2019ForcesWatch comment

With the recent reporting about relaxed rules of engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan, we take a quick look at some of the key questions around the allegations of abuse and killing by UK troops.


Personnel are being failed by the military justice system

01/02/2019ForcesWatch comment

We welcome Liberty's Second Rate Justice report and the launch of their new Human Rights Helpline for the UK Armed Forces.


Martial Law and No-Deal War Games

31/01/2019ForcesWatch comment

The armed forces are engaging in 'war games', reservists will be mobilised and Brexit planners are reportedly looking at the possibility of martial law in the event of a no-deal. 


RAF100: A Short Counterhistory of Britain’s Air Force

20/12/2018ForcesWatch comment

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.


Training school pupils for the military and surveillance?

12/10/2018

ForcesWatch comment

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'.


Bodyguard gets it wrong

28/09/2018

ForcesWatch comment

The BBC drama Bodyguard misrepresents the actions and concerns of veterans working for peace.


Recruitment at any price

14/09/2018

ForcesWatch comment

Our response to the Public Accounts Committee have today published their report Skill Shortages in the Armed Forces, which makes a number of problematic recommendations that put the military's operational needs over other considerations.