No sniping allowed over ‘PC’ ads
THEY focus on inclusivity and are supposed to promote a feeling of camaraderie – but soldiers who dare to criticise the Army’s latest recruitment adverts could find themselves feeling rather isolated.
Senior officers are threatening to punish anyone caught making derogatory comments on social media about the £1.6 million ‘This is Belonging’ campaign.
A warning note seen by The Mail on Sunday says that top brass ‘have become aware that serving personnel are not following guidance and have demonstrated negative opinions’ about the series of short films, thought by some current and former soldiers to be too politically correct.
Senior officers are said to be ‘increasingly frustrated by the perceived negative impact that serving personnel are having on this campaign’.
The note warns that anyone who snipes at the adverts ‘can be dealt with under disciplinary or administrative action as appropriate’.
A recent report by the National Audit Office found that there were 8,200 fewer full-time military personnel than the number required.
The adverts, launched earlier this year, feature soldiers displaying their emotions, praying while on manoeuvres and asking: ‘Can I be gay in the Army?’
Some critics of the films have pointed out that a memo designed to restrict free speech about an initiative intended to depict the Army as an inclusive, caring environment could be seen as ironic. One said: ‘That’s rather contradictory, isn’t it?