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Bullying in the army

I just read the following in an advert for legal services here on arrse:

"Bullying in the military[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unfortunately bullying is not restricted to new recruits. [/FONT]Bullying and harassment[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] is rife throughout the armed forces in an environment that often encourages a feeling of isolation, and is a breeding ground for the culture of abuse. We act for members of the armed forces who have been bullied whilst carrying out their duties whether in this country or abroad. We will advise you about the best way to claim compensation for the abuse you have suffered."[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The web site concerned is at:[/FONT]

Military Claims (Armed Forces) - Personal Injury Compensation Claims Solicitors - No Win No fee - BBK

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Can the allegation that bullying and harassment is rife be substantiated? If not, should a complaint be made to Advertising Standards?[/FONT]
 
There's probably as much bullying in the Forces as on the shopfloor, Banking or MacDonalds. If bullying is being shouted at, made to run round The RSM's Holy Square or made to wake at 0400 to cries of "Stand To" then there's a reason for it.

I've been on the receiving end of beastings - and bee stings hahaha - and doled them out and there are good points to be made to build cohesion etc. in troop. I've also had coffee with biscuits 'cos some little oik took umbrage at being called a cnut, a little ****** and a ******* moron. Rupert and I enjoyed coffee and biscuits and talked bollocks and on going back outside saw the little shoite smirking... the last I heard he was on his way to Colchester... should this be in the Schadenfreude thread?

To cut the crap: It's just lawyers using emotive language to line their pockets.... as usual.

I've just read the "Success Stories" on their site. Some of the claims really are pathetic. The MoD had to pay out for a badly placed mooring rope... a bad tooth etc. FFS!
I'd be a freaking millionaire for the times I've been called Sweaty Sock, sprained my drinking hand and had to lie on cold and wet places until someone kicked me in the back and mentioned something about a Stag.... Rant over!
 
Next we'll have to ask Abdul if it's okay to ruin his day and that he doesn't make too much noise with that ticking rucksack or we'll have to sue. Maybe we could have an anger-management workshop before we use our loud phallic symbols on full to tell Mr. Rag not to come too close with that "Whoosh... Bang" thingy on his shoulder.

Bloody lawyers will try to litigate on anything and I blame the Yanks.
 
When I was in basic training, beastings were rife. The instructors didn't mind giving you a few digs when you were slacking. But we had one nasty piece of work who was posted out for kicking a lad in the face during a bug-out on exercise.

Saying that, they told us that beastings and shit were loads worse in their day.
 
Made the man wot I am today, today's youngsters etc etc, never did me any harm, jumpers for goalposts etc etc

Lawyers jumping on Hurman Rights gravy train more like...

Rodney2q
 
We all know that there is a very fine line between bullying and firm discipline.

The DS Corporals on my basic (1976, too long ago to recall names) were hard as nails, and pushed every one of us to our limits physically mentally and sometimes morally. They cracked down hard on the smallest of infractions whether real or perceived. We cursed, we got tired and bruised and we waved goodbye to those who couldn't hack it.

None of us liked our DS (I suppose they were not there to be liked) but at the post pass out party, we had all chipped in and handed over a small gift to each of our Corporals in thanks for their tremendous efforts. I recall one particular monster of a Full Screw actually crying over the emotion of it all.

I joined the regulars from Infantry TA (Royal Anglians) where the basic training was a pretty easy doddle compared with my time at Depot Arborfield.

But I thank those lads.
 
One of the Wolverhampton Punks ended up joining the Royal Engineers. He was 6 foot 3, hard as nails, built like a brick shithouse, and was a West Mids arm-wrestling semi finalist. During a weapon training lesson, he made a **** up, and the instructor rewarded him with 20 press-ups.

He replied "Which hand, Corporal?" he asked.

The NCO was not happy with his smart arse reply, and told him "See me afterwards."

When the other recruits had left, he said "OK, 20 on your right hand," and my mate pumped em out.

"Now, 20 on your left," and he did the same.

There was no further punishment, as at least my mate could back up what he said.
 
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Can the allegation that bullying and harassment is rife be substantiated? If not, should a complaint be made to Advertising Standards?[/FONT]

It's old problem of proving a negative.

Tell me Matt when did you stop beating your wife?
 
Did anyone bother to read the original post to the end?


It can't be referred as there is substantial evidence that it has existed in the past and still exists today. It also exists at all levels and it destroys the teamwork that the Army seeks to promote. It does come down to the odd arse hole, but much of the bullying and the effects which it has on morale can be eliminated by strong leaders. You'll find bullying in any large organisation. It's not uncommon for it to travel in an upwards direction either. I admire those who are not afraid to tackle the matter head on, but there are still too many weak individuals who will turn a blind eye.
 
well according to Dii

Does bullying and harassment still occur in the Armed Forces?
There is the potential for bullying and harassment to take place in any organisation where people work together, and the Armed Forces are no exception. More important is the effectiveness of the action we take to prevent and deal with incidents of bullying and harassment.
 
It's old problem of proving a negative.

Tell me Matt when did you stop beating your wife?

I see where you are coming from, but it isn't the same thing at all.

There's a big difference between the question "has the army stopped bullying in its organisation" and the statement: "Bullying and harassment is rife throughout the armed forces in an environment that often encourages a feeling of isolation, and is a breeding ground for the culture of abuse."

Anyway I'm amending this post to include the info that I will be proceeding with a complaint against the law firm concerned.
 
[h=1]
ASA_LDHT.ashx


Thank you[/h][h=3]Thank you for submitting your complaint to us.[/h][h=3]You will receive a confirmation email with your reference number within the next 3-5 working days.[/h]
 
Some of the antics that squaddies get up to can be misconstrued as bullying. I've seen guys thrown into a metal cage and the fire hoses turned on them after their first exercise. I've even seen a sergeant major, after his last Friday OC's Run, put into a cargo net and the REME wrecker crane hoisted him into the air. He got the fire hose treatment as well.

During one ocurse I did, me and the lads got into the spirit of everyone within shouting distance would pile onto one victim and tickle him. Armpits, ribs and worst of all, soles of feet got the treatment. Screaming and struggling only encouraged the perpetrators. We even got one lad in the corridor while the sergeant major was escorting two horrified civvies along. He did nothing to stop us, as he knew what we were like. For the record, I was victim many times as well.
 
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