Defence Forces go 'soft' on training

NEW RECRUITS are placing an increased focus on "their rights", which is forcing instructors to operate "softer" training regimes, according to a new Defence Forces report.

Some recruits are challenging legitimate military instructions on the grounds of "inappropriate behaviour or health and safety" as a means of avoiding particular types of work, it states.

Defence Forces instructors are said to be "fearful" of using corrective action when issues arise as they believe the complaints system is now weighted too much towards the trainee.

The findings are in the second report of the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG). The group was established in 2002 by the Department of Defence.

It said the pendulum might have swung too far in one direction, in favour of trainees, and that the robust nature of military training was in danger of being lost.

This is in contrast to the group's initial report, published in September 2004, which found staff were experiencing instances of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination. It contained a survey showing 26.5 per cent of respondents had experienced bullying.

"This is a matter of concern to the IMG because it undermines the legitimacy of the inherent and robust nature of military training, which must be maintained in order to produce personnel who can fulfil their role," it states.

The report recommends that emphasis be placed on ensuring that new entrants understand what constitutes bullying, harassment and inappropriate behaviour and that the training directive for instructors be reviewed.

Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea welcomed the fact that new recruits to the Defence Forces are now more aware of their rights.

"It is welcome, because some years ago we were criticised for the opposite being the case," Mr O'Dea said. "I think it is a healthy development, it's a good development, and the type of training has to be tailored accordingly."

The Acting Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Pat O'Sullivan, said he did not agree that traditional training methods were being impacted and may be becoming "softer".

"In the recent past I conducted an assessment of some of our troops overseas on peacekeeping missions in both Chad and Kosovo and I was absolutely delighted with the level of professionalism, commitment, readiness and resolve of our forces there."

The report also found that instances of bullying in the Defence Forces have decreased dramatically.

This has occurred, the report states, through impressive progress being made in the area of human resources and because there is now a high level of awareness among military personnel of "the centrality and challenges of human dignity in the mission and culture" of the Defence Forces.

Maj Gen O'Sullivan said the progress comes following the introduction of a new complaints procedure for staff, the development of a new confidential helpline and by training 230 members of the Defence Forces as designate contact persons.

He said statistics from the phoneline, complaints procedure and the Ombudsman's report for last year, show bullying in the Defence Forces is now at "less than 0.2 per cent".

Mr O'Dea said this shows considerable progress has been made. "The Defence Forces are on the right path. I am confident that this process will now be carried forward with enthusiasm and be further advanced and consolidated."