Resources

#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

updated August 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.

Everyday Militarism poster

July 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

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
Featured Video Play Icon 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 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.

Evidence submitted to the Alternative Provision Inquiry

February 2018
This submission briefly outlines 'alternative provision with a military ethos' and details a number of concerns - relative effectiveness, targeting disadvantage, lack of consultation and lack of scrutiny.

Taking action on militarism films

November 2017
Featured Video Play Icon Two short films from the Take Action on Militarism event.

Rethinking security

November 2017
Featured Video Play Icon 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.