Honouring the Service men and women of Britain
Armed Forces Day celebrated the contribution of members of all three services, past and present. RUSI took this opportunity to consider the place of the armed forces within British society and society’s perception of the armed forces.
British Society and Armed Forces Day
By Professor Hew Strachan
The UK’s first Armed Forces Day provides the opportunity to celebrate the contribution of members of all three services. Donations to service charities and popular lobbies for armed forces issues underline the high public regard for British troops. However, in our celebration, we must not lose sight of the broader challenges to defence policy, or an unwillingness to match public expenditure to levels of admiration. Read article>
The Territorial Army: more than a manpower reserve?
By Professor Ian Beckett
In recent years the operational demands placed upon the Territorial Army have moved beyond what would traditionally be regarded as defence of national interest. This growing reliance on the Territorials as a manpower reserve for the regular army is related to their declining traditional significance as an organisation for the projection of military values in society. Read article>
The Armed Forces and Human Rights
By Susie Uppal
When young men and women join the Armed Forces, they do so with the full realisation that they may be required to lay down their lives for their country. In return for this service, they should be afforded the same human rights protection as every other British Citizen. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has worked to ensure that the human rights of military personnel are protected. It is with great pleasure that we join with them in celebrating Armed Forces Day 2009. Read article>