

History of corporal punishment in British Army

-Obedience is essential in any military setting.In 1867, offences such as insubordination in the army were punished by confinement.They were either in separate or mixed detention camps.

-In solitary prison, the prisoners were only allowed to get out for fresh air in limited times.On the other hand, mixed prison was marked by forced labour such as breaking stones and cleaning barracks

-In 1881, flogging was introduced as a form of corporal punishment.This was an inhumane way that saw the Duke of Cambridge intervene.He classified the soldiers into two during admission.The first group were not to receive corporal punishment unless due to interrupted proper conduct.

-Lashing was also used where lashes were used to incur bruises on the skin.It was done in phases, and just when the skin is about to heal, it would be redone.

-Caning is a common form of punishment even today.Whipping of disobedient soldiers is done by designated officials

Benefits of the corporal punishment in British Army

-The discussion on the success of harsh punishments to soldiers has been a subject of debate for a long time now.

-Some citizens are not impressed with the form of pain inflicted by this punishments.The argument is that the result can be achieved in more humane ways.

-Other quotas, however, feel it has been a success and that it has raised discipline levels among soldiers.

Discipline in the British Army is necessary.While the method used is debatable, there should be mechanisms to ensure that the best methods of instilling a high level of discipline in the soldiers are discovered and implemented.

Corporal Punishment in the British Army, is it the moral right?

The desire to belong to the Army connotes a readiness to inculcate respect, discipline, ruggedness, dedication to service, amongst other things to one’s everyday life. The exalted stool of being a military office holder comes with a blend of years of highs and lows, servitude and freedom, and brokenness and pride.

Corporal punishment aptly describes the infliction of deliberate physical pain on parts of the body as a way of taming unruly attitudes and instilling discipline for military offences. Hence, corporal punishment in the British Army is dependent on place and time, and varies according to the verdict of a court martial. It includes, but not limited to flogging, solitary confinement, field punishment and imprisonment.

Moreso, corporal punishment in the British Army are administered based on military ranks, as Officers and Troops are not subjected to similar physical punishment. Corporal punishment for Officers come in the form of additional duties, fines and solitary confinement.

Around the 1800’s, troops and Officers were governed by military and civil rules and were at the risk of falling short of both offences at the same time. Punishments were stiffer and at the time could degenerate into capital punishment. From the mid 1980s, things however changed, and corporal punishments in the British Army have since been watered down.