Army out of schools - epetition reply
10 March 2008
We received a petition asking:
"We the undersigned petition the Prime to end military recruitment in all schools and colleges in the UK."
Details of Petition:
"We are very concerned at the drive by the military to attempt to use schools as recruiting grounds for the armed services. Given the terrible wars in Iraq and Afghanistan we demand that the school authorities resist pressure for increased military input in to our education. We do not believe schools should be used to recruit to the military directly or through recruiting agencies. We demand that no military force should be allowed into any school at any time. If spokespeople for the military are allowed in to our school we demand that all students are informed in advance, have the right not to attend the event and that there should be a right of reply from an anti war military parent or a speaker from the anti-war movement."
Read the Government's response
Armed Forces presentation teams undertake visits only at the specific invitation of the schools and colleges themselves. The purpose of these visits is to contribute to the curriculum by raising awareness of the Services and their place in a democratic society whilst building interest in the Armed Forces and the wide range of careers available within them. These visits support schools' careers programmes and offer advice on Service careers. Young people should be shown all available career options - the more information the presentation teams can give a young person about life in the Armed Forces, covering all points, both good and bad, the better informed he or she is.
The Armed Forces are one of the largest deliverers in the UK of apprenticeships; as such, joining any of the three Services offers a young person the opportunity to achieve nationally recognised skills and qualifications. All three Services offer a wide range of challenging careers to both men and women regardless of background. The market for young talent has become increasingly competitive and it is only right that young people should be made aware of all the available options.
Since 1963, when national service was abolished, no one in the UK has been forced to join the Armed Forces, which has since become an organisation manned entirely by volunteers. Furthermore, no one under the age of 18 years may join without the formal written consent of a parent or guardian.
