Baha Mousa - As I see it

I am already tired of the number of people who assume that being part of the British Armed forces is synonymous with being brutal, engaging in torture and engaging in what are, to be frank, 'war crimes'.

Within the British Army there is a culture that promotes compliance with the legal and moral requirements of conflict. Rules of Engagement (RoE) and the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) draw heavily upon the values and standards of the British Army.

The report which is to be published today apparently exonerates the British forces of 'systematic torture' but it is obvious that there were breaches of military law and that some failed to meet the standards required. It is also obvious that some will have sought to cover up their, and their comrades, misdeeds. This, sadly is human nature, and is something which is addressed time and time again.

For those of you who don't understand the role of the British soldier and his (or her) training, it focusses strongly on doing the right things when things aren't going right and seeks to develop within each and every person in uniform (from recruit to General):

Selfless Commitment - putting others and the the task before ourselves. Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for a friend - a reality for far too many in uniform as footage of vehicles passing through Wootton Bassett clearly showed!

Respect for others, respect for self - This is one of the transformational elements of being part of the british Army. It is the basis for its dealing with others (as seen in the 'winning of hearts and minds - more common than the wrong treatment of detainees) and for the way they regard themselves.

Loyalty - Loyalty to the Army, the cap badge (Gunners, Signals, Infantry, etc.), the Regiment, Unit and to comrades. Loyalty to our nation that means we don't disgrace it (and ourselves). Loyalty doesn't mean we lie to cover the misdeeds of others, but stand in integrity with courage (wait for it, it's coming).

Integrity - Coming from the word for wholeness (Integritas - hence Integer: 'whole number') the soldier is required to live a life that is WYSIWYG, what you see is what you get, being both transparent and obviously honest. They should know who they are and what they are required to do and do this on and off duty.

Discipline - Not just doing what you're told but living with self-discipline. Living the way that is expected, and desirable, by the military, society, family and self.

Courage - Not just the courage that engages the enemy and fights for those who can not (or perhaps will not. Amazing how many pacifists live out their beliefs because others have gone to war for them isn't it?) but the moral courage which speaks up when things go wrong. It is this that has perhaps been highlighted by the closing of ranks and the attempts to cover misdeeds. When something wrong is seen the Army demands courage not collusion!

So please - when you read of the reports and the skewed comments of those who will undoubtedly seek to make capital of the this sad affair remember that we take ordinary men and women and train them, impart into their lives, values and standards which to be frank are rarely seen in the majority of those outside the forces and take them where no one should be asked to go, to see what no one should be asked to see and do what no one should be asked to do.

And sometimes the products of our secular society and human nature shows through.

Don't curse our forces but pray for them and applaud the number of times when things like the Baha Mousa scenario didn't occur and pray that they all serve as they are both trained and called to serve - and thank God that they do.

Pax