francene--blog. Year 2013
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Nov 8th

11/8/2013

 
Picturewww.news.bbc.co.uk
Campaigners and religious figures have urged the British Army should stop recruiting under 18-year-olds.  An analysis of MoD figures by Child Soldiers International suggested 880 16-year-olds enlisted last year.

I find this shocking. Young boys and a few girls, who have never learned about life as an adult, are joining a group of people whose sole aim is to fight. I guess all of them won't enter the front line of battle. They could act as cooks, laundry workers, or office staff. At the age of 16, a young adult is not equipped to make life-changing decisions.

Meanwhile, an open letter from human rights group Child Soldiers International called on the UK Ministry of Defence to raise the joining age from the current 16 years of age. Bishops in Wales signed the letter, along with other Christian peace groups from around the UK.

However, the MoD said it had no plans to change the recruitment age, arguing enlisting could be beneficial for youngsters and is fully compliant with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

I agree with this for some youths. Those out-of-control boys in street gangs could do with a sharp lesson in discipline in one of the Armed Forces. Also, they could learn other skills that would help them deal with life another way. But they shouldn't be sent to fight on the front line.


Picturewww.theguardian.com
The campaigners pointed out that in World War One the youngest that recruits could join up was officially 18. Only boys older than 19 should be sent to fight, although many younger boys slipped through. I'm sure you've read books or seen heartbreaking movies about this.

At present, 16-year-olds can join the UK Army with parental consent and can apply from 15 and 7 months.  The UK is among fewer than 20 countries which have a minimum voluntary recruitment age of 16.

Ages for army entrants around the world vary: Bangladesh – 16 (voluntary),El Salvador - 16 (voluntary), 18 (compulsory), Iran - 15 (voluntary service in the Basij), 16 (voluntary), 18 (compulsory), Russia - 16 (military cadets), 18 (compulsory; men have to register for the draft at age 17), Singapore - 16 (voluntary), 18 (compulsory), and United Arab Emirates - 16 (naval cadets), 18 (voluntary). All other countries vary between 17 and 18 yrs.


Picturewww.article-3.com
And how does this apply to women? Should the female gender play an active part in war at all?

Under current rules, female soldiers, compromising of around nine per cent of the British armed forces, are not allowed to enter into situations where they could engage and potentially kill the enemy.

In the United States, there is a move to lift the ban on women assuming roles in frontline combat units. Britain has to review its current policy on females in combat within the next five years under EU equality laws. A military source told The Times, America’s decision to allow women on the frontline is highly likely to influence the debate.

I don't want to think about war AT ALL. However, that won't make it disappear. Most of all, I don't want youngsters signing up to fight in war until they've had a chance to live—to learn, love and grow.


Marika link
11/7/2013 06:09:11 pm

Child soldiers. what has the world come to.

Francene Stanley link
11/7/2013 09:09:51 pm

And why do people think this is acceptable?

Karin Copperwood link
11/7/2013 06:36:51 pm

In the United States during the Civil War (1860's) boys as young as 11 were enlisting. It is tragic that anyone dies in a war, but it in unconscionable when it is children.

Francene Stanley link
11/7/2013 09:09:05 pm

How terrible. 11 year old boys fighting and dying.

Roy Dan link
11/8/2013 05:20:43 am

Use peace corp / americorp type organizations for troubled kids and don't allow front line battles until they are at least 18 years of age.

Francene Stanley link
11/8/2013 06:34:02 pm

This sounds ideal to me too.

Alana link
11/8/2013 06:50:26 am

I grew up during the Vietnam War (in the U.S.); if I had been a male I would have been subject to the draft and I would have had to participate in a draft lottery where your birthday determined if you would be picked for the draft or not. I think that was one of the times I was very happy to be a female - I never had to worry about going to war. I guess a part of me puzzles over women who WANT to be out on the front line. There is nothing glamorous about going into battle, I think. Nothing. Of course, if we were ever invaded, we would all be on the front line, as are all populations where active war is being fought. Every one of us, man, woman, child.

Francene Stanley link
11/8/2013 06:35:42 pm

Defending our home is something we would all do without hesitation. I feel so sorry for those people who have this situation thrust upon them.

Amy link
11/9/2013 08:30:32 pm

I agree with Alana, if our country were suddenly a war zone, we'd all have to be prepared for battle, but this allowing of children to go to war really saddens me.

Sophie Bowns link
11/10/2013 03:08:03 am

Oh God! 16 is far too young, they are only children still at that age!


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    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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