‘Militarisation in Schools’ was the topic for discussion by the area meeting of Quakers at the Tilling Green community centre last Sunday. Otherwise known as the Society of Friends, they came from towns across East Sussex as advocates for peace to express their concern about the increasing military influence being brought to bear on schoolchildren in the UK.
The meeting heard that in 2008 the government of the day commissioned an inquiry into the national recognition of our armed forces. This was occasioned partly by the lack of public support for the Iraq War, and partly by the increasing difficulty in enlisting new recruits to a military career.
The inquiry made various recommendations including the wearing of uniforms in public, the idea of a national armed forces day, greater support for homecoming parades, and an expansion of cadet forces.
The inquiry noted that “the public understanding of the military and recognition of their role will always determine the climate within which the forces can recruit, and the willingness of the taxpayer to finance them adequately”.
Between 2012 and 2016, around £90 million new funding was given to the Cadet Expansion Scheme and other schemes promoting military ethos in schools. Visits by military units to schools appeared to be more intensive in poorer areas of the country and young children are often encouraged to play with military equipment.
Britain remains the only country in Europe to recruit children aged 16 into the armed forces. Much of the increasing military presence is funded by the armaments industry.
Those attending the meeting generally deprecated the lack of balance in the absence of funding and curriculum time given to mediation and peace studies. The need was noted for greater public awareness of ‘the creeping tide of militarisation’ which appears to prepare the population for further military involvement overseas.
A public invitation was issued to celebrate United Nations Day. On Saturday, October 26, Bruce Kent, leader of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, will lead a discussion on peace-making at St Peter’s Community Centre, Church Street, Bexhill, TN40 2HE. For further information contact s.kesby339@btinternet.com
On Saturday October 19, Rye Quakers will be ‘at home’ outside the town hall between 10am-12 noon. Come to meet us for a chat and refreshments.
Image Credits: Kenneth Bird .