‘Inappropriate’ use of punishment in Defence Forces

There is "inappropriate" use of training punishments in some parts of the Defence Forces, but morale generally is "very high", according to a top-level supervisory body.

The Independent Monitoring Group also said it was concerned at an “uneven level of awareness of bullying”, particularly within the Air Corps.

In its 2014 report, the IMG said there was a general acceptance of corrective action (training sanctions) among recruits, but found in some training locations the use of it was “inappropriate”.

It said previous IMG reports, in 2004 and 2008, had noted concerns about the use of corrective action, which generally involves physical exercise, essay writing, and reduction in time off.

“Again in 2014, this IMG came across some inappropriate corrective actions: in general these bore no relationship to what had caused its use,” said the report.

It said examples included “digging holes” and “emptying a store”.

It said these should not constitute corrective action, nor should they unfairly focus on individual trainees.

The IMG said that even one improper instructor could do “irreparable damage” to personnel.

The report said it was “essential” that there should be training logs detailing records of correction action and signed by both the instructor and the recruit.

Defence Forces chief of staff, Lieutenant General Conor O’Boyle said the top brass were “most concerned” at this finding and said they would be taking their own “corrective action” to ensure there is no inappropriate use.

Eileen Doyle, chair of the IMG, said most young recruits they spoke to were “good humoured” about corrective action and recognised they had to do it.

She said the group did have concerns at the “gaps” in the levels of awareness about bullying.

Ms Doyle said that while the official figures showed bullying complaints were low — with less than a handful, on average, annually — she said she had long ago shied away from trying to quantify it as people tended not to admit to being a victim.

Defence Minister Simon Coveney said this was why there were now structures in place — such as dedicated contact persons who could be talked to in confidence, counselling services and systems so that those who did report were not victimised.

Ms Doyle said that, overall, she rated as “very high” the level of morale.

“In so far as one can gauge morale, the seeable and non-seeable — the things you sense — I would say it is of an extraordinary high standard.”

She said this could be taken from the “good humour” of the young people, “the ease with which they spoke” about issues, including matters they were finding difficult, and the “energy” in them.

Lieutenant General O’Boyle said morale was a “key ingredient” to their success.

The military boss admitted they were “struggling” to get more females to join, despite their efforts in recent years, and had appointed a gender adviser. Even though there has been a 17% increase in females (472 in 2002 to 552 in 2013), their overall percentage has remained at 6%.