Army’s woke day out
Soldiers to ‘reflect on inclusivity’... as Ukraine stands on brink of war
BRITISH soldiers are being banned from routine duties for a day of ‘teamwork and reflection’ – just as Russia is feared to be on the brink of invading Ukraine.
Army chiefs have ordered tens of thousands of troops to put down their weapons for 24 hours and ‘reflect on culture and inclusivity’.
Top brass have arranged the ‘tactical pause’ so soldiers can reconsider their behaviour and attitudes in the wake of sex abuse and bullying scandals.
The move has shocked troops looking at the growing prospect of a military conflict in Ukraine and triggered suggestions the Army is more interesting in culture wars than real ones.
Commanders are barred from giving or acting upon orders or working on any other activity next Tuesday – ‘Operation Teamwork and Reflection Day’.
Attendance is compulsory for all Army personnel unless they are on missions or essential duties such as guarding Buckingham Palace.
A leaked document obtained by the Daily Mail said: ‘The Army will conduct a complete stop of all non-essential activity on February 8 to consider and reflect on current culture and approach to inclusion.
‘Operation Teamwork strives to remove barriers, maximise diversity and enhance capability through inclusion. Routine emails, meetings and work are not to be initiated or conducted. All service personnel and civil servants are required to attend.’
Last night, a former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, Colonel Richard Kemp, described the day of focus groups and lectures as a ‘navel-gazing and virtue-signalling exercise’. Even officers have questioned the event, fearing soldiers will not take it seriously. Commanders think their troops’ minds are on the 127,000 Russian troops stationed on Ukraine’s borders.
The Army’s head of diversity, Brigadier Christopher Coles, is hosting a Zoom call with senior officers before February 8.
One disgruntled officer said: ‘The priority being given to this tells you about today’s British Army and what we plan to do militarily in Ukraine – which is next to nothing.’ Major General Paul Griffiths, head of Army personnel, said the ‘tactical pause’ would make the Army a more ‘effective fighting force’. He stressed operational commitments would continue.
The ‘woke’ blitz on Tuesday will begin with a video by the head of the Army, General Sir Mark Carleton Smith, who was given a dressing-down by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace last year amid fears over discipline and the Army losing its focus.
It came after military police reopened their investigation into the death of a Kenyan prostitute who was last seen alive with British soldiers. Seven senior officers from Sandhurst are also facing disciplinary charges over their alleged failure to protect a vulnerable female officer cadet who committed suicide.
Two instructors have also been named as ‘interested parties’ by the coroner investigating the death of cadet Olivia Perks, 21, in 2019. One of the warrant officers is accused of having an affair with her – breaching strict rules – while another is said to have invited her to his room after drinking heavily.
The Army ‘day off’ comes as Russian naval and air forces are preparing to take part in ‘live fire’ military exercises in international waters off the coast of Ireland, starting today and ending on February 8. The drills had been due to be 150 miles from the Irish coast but Russia agreed to move them further away after a protest.
Last night, Major General Griffiths said: ‘The British Army’s culture is built upon strong values, high standards and a sense of belonging to an effective fighting force. Just like any other professional organisation, we are continually striving to build stronger and more effective teams.’
‘Navel-gazing exercise’