Armed forces day
Forces Watch urges schools to take a balanced approach to Armed Forces Day
Forces Watch, the NGO that campaigns on the issue of military recruitment, has urged schools to take a balanced approach if they mark Armed Forces Day this Saturday. School resources for lessons on the Day have been produced by the armed forces. Forces Watch have published their own suggested lesson plans, which they believe are more balanced, as an alternative.
They say they were produced ‘after consultation with parents, teachers and students who are concerned with the unquestioning attitude of acceptance towards the military’.
The lesson plans, which are available on the Forces Watch website (www.forceswatch.net), include a class debate, a lesson exploring perceptions of the forces and a chance to learn about conscientious objection.
The organisation’s work on the issue was welcomed by Philip Austin of the Northern Friends Peace Board (NFPB). He encouraged Quaker teachers, parents, school students and university students to complete Forces Watch’s online survey about experiences of military recruitment.
Philip also invited Friends to send accounts of their experience to him directly. NFPB and Quaker Peace & Social Witness say they are not taking on a new piece of work on the issue, but they want to be aware of how Quakers are affected.
Armed Forces Day has been celebrated since 2009. The government argue that it is ‘an opportunity to show your support for the men and women who make up the armed forces’.
