MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
News Release (083/2008) issued by The Government News Network on 19
May 2008
The Ministry of
Defence has today welcomed the publication of the independent
National Recognition of the Armed Forces study by Quentin Davies MP.
Following a wide consultation the report makes 40 recommendations
to enhance public awareness and appreciation of the Armed Forces.
The MoD will respond in detail to all of these recommendations
later in the year, but has already implemented some, and work is
underway on others. The recommendations being worked on now include:
* Greater encouragement for the military to wear uniforms in
public where circumstances and Service rules allow;
* Creating a British Armed Forces and Veterans Day;
* Introducing extra Local Authority engagement for Homecoming
Parades; and
* Strengthening cadet organisations by:
- Expanding combined cadet forces in Comprehensive Schools; and
- Introducing a Cadet Ambassador in London to encourage schools
to get their pupils involved in cadet forces.
Bob Ainsworth, Armed Forces Minister, said:
"Our Service Personnel continue to demonstrate the
tremendous bravery and courage that makes them the best in the
world. This report provides firm foundations to ensure that the
work of our Armed Forces is better understood and recognised by
the nation they serve.
"To compliment Quentin Davies' detailed study, we will
soon publish the cross-Government Service Personnel Command Paper.
This will set out the Government's vision for further
improving the lives of our troops, their families and veterans."
General Timothy Granville-Chapman, Vice Chief of the Defence
Staff, said:
"Mr Davies's Report highlights the huge debt the nation
owes to its sailors, soldiers and airmen. There is increasing
public acknowledgement of this, and support for the Armed Forces
in terms of homecoming parades and charitable giving has been
received very well by those in uniform. And every week people see
just what being on operations means - they see people, many of
them young, giving real meaning to the idea of service and
sacrifice, enduring hardship and often displaying remarkable bravery.
"The Report compliments the work going on in the Services,
is comprehensive and makes firm recommendations which my fellow
Chiefs of Staff will find very useful in harnessing appropriate
public recognition and understanding of what we do."
The MoD will now engage with other Government departments and
external organisations to take forward these recommendations.
Notes to Editors
1. The National Recognition of the Armed Forces Study was
conducted at the invitation of the Prime Minister by Quentin
Davies MP.
2. The National Recognition Study team consulted with members of
the Royal Family, Parliament, devolved assemblies, civic leaders,
serving and retired military personnel, Service charities,
religious leaders, businesses and the media.
3. The report is available though the MoD website at http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/CorporatePublications/PersonnelPublications/DutyofCare/NationalRecognitionOfOurArmedForces