Michael Bartlet's article on Britain's child soldiers

Michael Bartlet (Quaker Peace & Social Witness) has contributed an article to www.opendemocracy.net on Britain's child soldiers. Michael explains how we have failed young people in the forces and how with the new Armed Forces Bill, it is not too late to offer some protection to this vulnerable group.

" ...The current regime in the army is unlike any other apprenticeship. A breach of army discipline may lead to a criminal prosecution. Those joining the army at the age of 16 often come from the poorest and least educated backgrounds. Some have reading ages of a child of half that age. They lack the confidence to seek a change in their career in the same way as those training for professions. The nature of their legal status – it is not a contract - makes that worse."

To read the full article visit the Open Democracy [offsite link - new window] website. Site visitors are able to comment on the article.