Britain’s disengagement with politics and voting apathy seems to be becoming more apparent, with only 17% of people trusting governments ‘most of the time’, and only 57% believing they have a duty to vote. We are becoming increasingly aware about ulterior economic motives that underline war objectives. With this in mind what influences a young person to start a career in the armed forces?
Every year thousands of young people enlist into an area of the armed forces, whether it’s the army, Navy or RAF. However Young people (18-24) are the least likely to be on the electoral register compared with other generations, and young British people are less engaged with the political process when compared with their peers across It seems peculiar that they would ultimately work for people they are seemingly not engaged with, and according to the percentage above, do not trust. When asked, Jack Warman, 19, training to be a Royal Engineer in the Army, and Harry Gidney, also 19, training to be an Electronic Warfare Operator, both stated they do not trust politicians, with Warman adding, “they are consistently twisting things to suit their own agenda.”
Gidney said he will not be voting in this election, whilst Warman is undecided, despite the outcome on May 7th potentially having significant influence on their careers, with Ukip for example the only party to put forward a ‘care for life scheme’ for veterans. Whilst Green party leader Natalie Bennett claiming that they would cut the size of the British army and abandon trident.
David Lee, a 63 year old veteran, who served in the RAF for 38 years, stated he will be voting, claiming he trusted politicians, and believing the alternative to voting is “total apathy and to not get involved can lead to anarchy”. A contrast between the different generations of military personal was also found when they were asked whether they were currently proud of Britain. Whilst David classed himself as patriotic and proud, Gidney said “not massively” to either, with Mr Warman stating he is “not currently proud”, and believes people are feeling isolated, “there is no community anymore, no one really cares about anyone else”. It seems that there is a divide between the generations in their political motives, and yet all three share a passion for the armed forces. Warman, who is typically left wing, believes motivations for joining the military have changed. “It used to be about pride and serving your country”, whereas now highlights “excitement, good pay and benefits”, whilst Gidney believes “a lot of people turn to it because of a lack of work.” Warman, who at 19, has had 5 jobs, taken 4 college courses, believes the army allows him to “escape the normal conventions of society”, suggesting “day to day life is dull”. Compared to Mr Lee who had the ambition “from age 5”, put emphasis on the importance of “swearing allegiance to the crown and the constituted government.”
A lack of connection as individuals, likely driven by a growing difference in social classes, pushes younger generations towards the armed forces, providing the “opportunity to challenge themselves and be part of a close knit team”, as quoted by veteran Lee, something which Mr Warman and Gidney believe cannot be provided on ‘civvy street’. Warman added, “there have been family problems at home, and the army provides me with an opportunity to get away from that trouble”. Evidential from their answers is that whether trying to escape from isolation in society or within the domestic house hold, the armed forces, provides the solution.
When quizzed about the political motivations of the armed forces, it seemed odd hearing Warman being critical of his future employer. “I feel we definitely try and stoke the flames for our own gain, which is wrong”, commenting on a 2007 quote from former president George Bush, “sometimes money and commercial interest trump peace”. Adding, that he pushes reports of controversy in the Middle East (E.g. Civilian deaths) to the back of his mind. “I just think about the benefits rather than the risks, and underlying political agendas”.
The UK sells weaponry to 23 countries considered dangerous by the foreign office, and between 2012 and 2013, Britain sold 26 billion pounds worth of weapons to repressive states. Gidney argued that “this seems completely illogical”, whilst Lee points out it will never stop due the risk of “further recession”, because of the economic benefits of war. Whilst accepting this is the way things have to be, trainee Warman says he suppresses these ideas, “at the end of the day I am there to do a job”, and much like his political opinions, he ignores his beliefs in return for a sense of community and “sense of family”.
In Veteran Lee’s era, fighting for queen and country, was a major motivation. However it seems that in a society where young people feel disenchanted from politics, deprived of community spirit, they turn to the armed forces for employment, rather than to take up a duty. Searching for that sense of comradery, and “excitement”, that they feel civilian life can no longer provide.
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