Towards Combat Impunity in the UK? Critical Reflections on Current Proposals to Shield the Military from Accountability Norms

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Obel Hansen
Keyword(s):  
The Uk ◽  
The Military ◽  
Critical Reflections

Evolution of the deployed medical director role in an era of contingency operations: reflections from a United Nations operation

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001690
Author(s):  
Giles Nordmann ◽  
J Ralph ◽  
J E Smith
Keyword(s):  
United Nations ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Medical Director ◽  
Corporate Memory ◽  
Individual Memory ◽  
Treatment Facilities ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Military ◽  
And Training

This paper examines the development and evolution of the deployed medical director (DMD) role and argues for the re-establishment of a formal selection process and training pathway. Recent deployments into new areas of operations, deployment of smaller medical treatment facilities (MTFs), the reduced numbers of deployments for clinicians, working with various multinational partners and both military and civilian organisations all pose specific problems for DMDs. The initial and then continued deployment of a secondary care role 2 MTF as part of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan illustrated some of these challenges. Although a novel operation, the broad categories of these new challenges were similar to the historical challenges facing the first DMDs in Afghanistan. Corporate memory loss may be unavoidable to some degree due to rapid turnover in appointments, particularly in single service and joint headquarters. However, individual memory and experience remains extant within the military medical deployable workforce. After the cessation of UK military deployed hospital care involvement in Afghanistan, the UK DMD formal training pathway ended. This paper argues for the re-establishment of a more formal DMD selection process and training pathway to ensure that organisational learning is optimised.

scholarly journals What do we do now? Examining civilian masculinity/ies in contemporary liberal civil-military relations

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-259
Author(s):  
Katharine M. Millar
Keyword(s):  
Military Service ◽  
Complex Dynamics ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Political Community ◽  
Civil Military Relations ◽  
Liberal Democratic ◽  
Contemporary Politics ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Military Relations ◽  
The Military

AbstractIn contemporary Western, liberal democratic societies, the soldier is frequently regarded as ‘the best of us’, taking on the unlimited liability for the protection and betterment of the whole. In the context of volunteer militaries and distant conflicts, the construction of men (and the universalised masculine citizen) as ‘always-already’ soldiers (or potential soldiers) poses a substantial obstacle to the identification or performance of ‘good’ civilian masculinity – particularly during wartime. The theorisation and articulation of a positive, substantive civilian masculinity, or masculinities, rather than one defined simply by an absence of military service and implication in the collective use of violence, is a central challenge of contemporary politics. As a means of illuminating the complex dynamics of this challenge, this article examines charitable practices of civilian support for the military, and corresponding constructions of masculinity, in the UK during the ‘war on terror’. In doing so, the article demonstrates the ways in which gendered ‘civilian anxiety’, through its connection to citizenship, comes to condition the political possibilities and subjectivities of all those who seek belonging in the liberal political community. The article concludes by arguing for the essentiality of a research programme oriented around ‘civilianness’, and civilian masculinity/ies.

Defence Anaesthesia transition from the Tri-Service Anaesthetic Apparatus to the Diamedica Portable Anaesthesia Machine 02

2018 ◽  
Vol 165 (5) ◽  
pp. 351-355
Author(s):  
Jonathan David Pearson ◽  
A Maund ◽  
CP Jones ◽  
E Coley ◽  
S Frazer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Positive Pressure ◽  
High Fidelity Simulation ◽  
Subject Matter Experts ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Anaesthesia Machine ◽  
Anaesthesia Equipment ◽  
Ease Of Access ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Military ◽  
Live Patient

Defence Anaesthesia is changing its draw-over anaesthetic capability from the Tri-Service Anaesthetic Apparatus (TSAA) to the Diamedica Portable Anaesthesia Machine 02 (DPA02). The DPA02 will provide a portable, robust, lightweight and simple method for delivering draw-over volatile anaesthesia with the option of positive pressure ventilation through manual or mechanical operation for paediatric and adult patients. The UK Defence Medical Services uses a modified configuration of the DPA02; this paper seeks to explain the rationale for the differing configurations and illustrates alternative assemblies to support integration with other Defence Anaesthesia equipment. High-fidelity simulation training using the DPA02 will continue to be delivered on the Defence Anaesthesia Simulation Course (DASC). Conformité Européenne accreditation of DPA02 supports future UK live patient training in centres of excellence supervised by subject matter experts; this was not possible with the TSAA. This article is intended to be a key reference for all members of the Defence Anaesthesia team. Alongside other resources, it will be given as precourse learning prior to attending the DASC and the Military Operational Surgical Training. This article will also be issued with all Defence DPA02 units, supporting ease of access for review during future clinical exercises (including validation), prior to supervised live training and on operational deployments.

scholarly journals Current challenges for women in orthopaedics

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (10) ◽  
pp. 893-899
Author(s):  
Maryam Ahmed ◽  
Laura C. Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Business Sector ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion ◽  
The World ◽  
Female Surgeons ◽  
The Common ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Military

Orthopaedics has been left behind in the worldwide drive towards diversity and inclusion. In the UK, only 7% of orthopaedic consultants are female. There is growing evidence that diversity increases innovation as well as patient outcomes. This paper has reviewed the literature to identify some of the common issues affecting female surgeons in orthopaedics, and ways in which we can address them: there is a wealth of evidence documenting the differences in the journey of men and women towards a consultant role. We also look at lessons learned from research in the business sector and the military. The ‘Hidden Curriculum’ is out of date and needs to enter the 21st century: microaggressions in the workplace must be challenged; we need to consider more flexible training options and support trainees who wish to become pregnant; mentors, both male and female, are imperative to provide support for trainees. The world has changed, and we need to consider how we can improve diversity to stay relevant and effective. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2-10:893–899.

Jihadist violence in Sahel will persist in 2021

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
National Security ◽  
Military Leadership ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Joint Force ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Strong Commitment ◽  
G5 Sahel Joint Force ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Military

Significance The deployment of the UK troops comes at a time when jihadists attacks are intensifying across the Sahel amid an escalating internecine conflict between the al-Qaida-affiliated Group for Supporting Islam and Muslims (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). Impacts Mali’s coup is likely to distract the military leadership away from its core mandate to improve national security. The G5 Sahel Joint Force may continue to struggle to curb jihadist cross-border operations. The deployment of UK troops underscores the still strong commitment of Western governments to improving the security situation in the Sahel.

Reflex syncope in the UK Armed Forces

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2021-001945
Author(s):  
Iain Parsons ◽  
J Ellwood ◽  
M J Stacey ◽  
N Gall ◽  
M Grundy-Bowers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Information ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Well Being ◽  
British Army ◽  
Royal Air Force ◽  
Reflex Syncope ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Case Rate ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Military

IntroductionReflex syncope is the most common subtype of syncope and, despite not being associated with increased mortality, often results in significant morbidity and costly diagnostics. Reflex syncope can be of concern for certain occupational groups and may be exacerbated by some occupations. Reflex syncope in the military is anecdotally common but the extent in the UK Armed Forces (UKAF) is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and prevalence of reflex syncope in the UKAF.MethodsA retrospective search of the Defence Medical Information Capability Programme using prespecified read-codes was performed at defence primary healthcare centres over the period of 1 January 2019 to 1 January 2020. Data were obtained on 76 103 service personnel (SP) (53% of the UKAF).ResultsThe overall syncope case rate for the UKAF was 10.5 per 1000 person-years (p-yrs). In comparing services there was a significantly increased risk of syncope in the British Army (10.7 per 1000 p-yrs) compared with the Royal Air Force (8.6 per 1000 p-yrs) (p=0.0365), SP who served overseas (16.7 per 1000 p-yrs) in comparison with UK medical centres (10.3 per 1000 p-yrs) (p<0.0001), and British Army units that regularly took part in State Ceremonial and Public Duties (15.8 per 1000 p-yrs vs 10.2 per 1000 p-yrs) (p=0.0035). Army training units conferred a significantly reduced risk of syncope (p<0.0001).ConclusionsThese data are the first to define the incidence and prevalence of syncope in the UKAF. Orthostasis and heat are probable triggers, although recruits are potentially protected. These data offer opportunities to improve the health and well-being of SP, with economic, logistical and reputational benefits for the UKAF. Further research to identify personnel at risk of future syncopal events may allow for targeted use of countermeasures.

Introduction: critical reflections on research impact

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Katherine E. Smith ◽  
Justyna Bandola-Gill ◽  
Nasar Meer ◽  
Ellen Stewart ◽  
Richard Watermeyer
Keyword(s):  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Research Impact ◽  
Research Impact Assessment ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Critical Reflections

This chapter briefly explains what we mean by ‘the impact agenda’ and what the UK approach to research impact assessment involves. This chapter also makes the case for why an empirical investigation of the recent changes associated with research impact assessment is required and provides key definitions and an overview of the rest of the book.

The Reconstructive Trauma Surgery Interface Fellowship and its applicability to military and civilian trainees

2018 ◽  
Vol 164 (5) ◽  
pp. 360-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Hammond ◽  
J Breeze ◽  
D Evriviades
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Training ◽  
Major Trauma ◽  
Complex Trauma ◽  
Trauma Surgery ◽  
Queen Elizabeth Hospital ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Multidisciplinary Management ◽  
Leadership Experience ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Military

The Reconstructive Trauma Surgery Fellowship is a based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, and focuses on the multidisciplinary management of major trauma from presentation to discharge. It is unique to the UK in that it provides both management and leadership experience as well as operative surgical skills particularly in terms of reconstruction on complex trauma patients including those from the military. This paper describes the relevance of fellowships in modern surgical training, composition of the reconstructive trauma fellowship and the relevance for both civilian and military trainees.

Evolution of military medicine literature: a scientometric study of global publications on military medicine between 1978 and 2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 166 (E) ◽  
pp. e25-e33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Engin Şenel
Keyword(s):  
Military Medicine ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Academic Field ◽  
Novel Studies ◽  
Publication Patterns ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Developed Nations ◽  
The Military

ObjectivesScientometrics is a popular statistical discipline providing data relevant to publication patterns and trends in a certain academic field. There are no scientometric analyses of publications produced in military medicine literature. The present study aims to perform a holistic analysis of military medicine literature.MethodsAll data of this study were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection. All indexed documents between 1978 and 2017 were included. Countries, authors, institutions, citations and keywords relevant to the military medicine literature were comprehensively analysed. An infomap revealing global productivity and infographics of scientometric networks were generated.ResultsA total of 48 240 published items were found, 82.29% of which were original articles. USA, covering 56.66% of all literature dominated the military medicine field followed by the UK, China, Canada and Israel. We found that 18 of 20 most productive institutions in the world were from USA and the US Department of Defense was the most contributing institution in the literature with 9664 documents. The most used keywords over a 40-year period were ‘military’, ‘veterans’, ‘posttraumatic stress disorder’ and ‘military personnel’. A scientometric network of keywords showed a complicated ‘starburst pattern’.ConclusionAll most contributing countries except Turkey, China and Israel were developed nations. Only one institution (Tel Aviv University) from developing countries was noted in the list of 20 most productive institutions. The researchers from developing and the least developed countries should be encouraged and supported to carry out novel studies on military medicine.

scholarly journals Factors associated with poor self-reported health within the UK military and comparisons with the general population: a cohort study

JRSM Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 205427041769272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah C Jenkins ◽  
Sharon AM Stevelink ◽  
Nicola T Fear
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
History Of ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Military

Objective To investigate the self-rated health of the UK military and explore factors associated with poor self-rated health. Compare self-rated health of the military to the general population. Design A cohort study. Participants A total of 7626 serving and ex-serving UK military personnel, aged between 25 and 49; 19,452,300 civilians from England and Wales. Setting United Kingdom (military), England and Wales (civilians). Main outcome measures Self rated health for both populations. Additional data for the military sample included measures of symptoms of common mental disorder (General Health Questionnaire-12), probable post-traumatic stress disorder (post-traumatic stress disorder checklist Civilian Version), alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), smoking behaviour, history of self-harm and body mass index. Results In the military sample, poor self-rated health was significantly associated with: common mental disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder symptomology, a history of self-harm, being obese, older age (ages 35–49) and current smoking status. However, the majority of military personnel report good health, with levels of poor self-rated health (13%) not significantly different to those reported by the general population (12.1%). Conclusions Self-rated health appears to relate to aspects of both physical and psychological health. The link between poor self-rated health and psychological ill-health emphasises the need for military support services to continue addressing mental health problems.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document