Troops must behave by the book
Published: 26 February 2008
In a throwback to the days when "Instructions for British Servicemen" were handed out to those stationed in France in World War II, all soldiers are to be issued with a guide to moral behaviour.
The guide follows an inquiry by Brigadier Robert Aitken, director of army personnel strategy, into allegations that Iraqi detainees had been abused.
No evidence was found, but General Sir Richard Dannatt, the Chief of the General Staff, said that the reputation of the British Army had been damaged and so he is now calling for the highest possible standards.
There are other measures too. Army chaplains, trained to provide guidance in ethics and morals, are being asked to give soldiers ‘morality instruction’. And the Commandant at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst has been asked to draw up a "British Army leadership doctrine".
The aide-memoire is to "be carried in their top pockets, as a reminder of the good conduct required whether on the battlefield or in barracks". Back in 1944, a similar guide for soldiers in France contained such bons mots as "you drive on the right NOT on the left," and "The French are much more polite than most of us. Remember to call them Monsieur, Madame or Madameoiselle, and not just ‘Oy!’"
