Army chief warns troops over violent and sexual crime
MoD to launch review into bullying and harassment after female soldier, 17, ‘is assaulted at barracks’
THE HEAD of the British Army has issued a stark warning to troops that he will not tolerate violent or sexual criminal behaviour after “a series of exceptionally serious allegations” were made against soldiers.
In an outspoken warning, Gen Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, Chief of the General Staff, said criminality among servicemen was “downright unacceptable” and “damaged the reputation” of the Army.
Six soldiers have been arrested by military police over allegations of a sexual assault on a 17-year-old female soldier. It was reported that the woman awoke in her room to find the soldiers, members of a sports club who had been drinking, in her room.
The arrests prompted Gavin Williamson, the Defence Secretary, to launch a review into bullying and harassment across the Armed Forces.
Last week, the Army was criticised after a video emerged showing soldiers in Kabul, Afghanistan, using a picture of Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, for target practice. The MoD launched an investigation into the conduct of the personnel from 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, shown in the film.
Sir Mark said: “All these allegations are being taken very seriously by the military chain of command and are now under active investigation by the police, which is exactly as it should be and what I expect.”
Although he said he could not comment specifically on either case, he added: “Where serious allegations are proven against members of the Army, including allegations of a violent or sexual nature, it demonstrates indiscipline that is wildly at odds with the values and standards of … the British Army. Not only is it downright unacceptable, it is illegal and it stands in stark contrast with everything the British Army represents.”
He said British soldiers are known for “stoicism, a sense of honour and duty, courage, a sense of humour and an honest sense of decency”.
Explaining how servicemen and servicewomen need to behave to a “higher level” as they are responsible for defending the nation, he added: “Any behaviour that falls short of that high standard we cannot and will not tolerate.” He concluded: “This hasn’t been a good week for the Army. It has damaged our reputation, which is exceptionally hard earned and includes the sacrifice of our friends on the battlefield.
“We all belong to a national institution, something the country is proud of and rightly so – the best of British. And we are proud custodians of that reputation, which needs all of us – each and every one of us – to do better.”
The woman allegedly attacked is understood to have been offered full support and counselling.
It is believed five of the soldiers were arrested by military police on March 29 and then a sixth arrest on April 1. The men have been released while inquiries continue. The name of the unit where the alleged attack took place has not been revealed for legal reasons.
Asked about the latest allegations, Mr Williamson said: “There is no place for these kind of actions in the military and, if true, those involved must face the full force of the law.”
Mr Williamson is due to meet a senior military officer and a senior civil servant he has appointed to conduct the review in Whitehall tomorrow.
They will draw up a timetable and establish the full terms of reference to be covered.