Recruits' focus on rights softens army training - report

A new report on the Defence Forces has voiced concerns that trainees are focusing heavily on "their rights" and forcing army instructors to operate "softer" training programmes.

It found that some recruits are challenging instructions on the grounds of "inappropriate behaviour or health and safety" as a means of avoiding some types of work.

Defence Forces instructors were found to be "fearful" of using corrective action when issues arise as they believe the pendulum of the complaints system has swung too much towards the trainee.

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

"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 an emphasis be placed on ensuring that new entrants understand what constitutes bullying, harassment and inappropriate upon entry to the forces.

Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea welcomed the fact that new recruits to the Defence Forces are now so 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, Major General Pat O'Sullivan said he was not concerned that traditional training methods were being impacted on 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.