Vox Pop: Should the military be involved in running schools?

YES

Stephen Twigg, Labour shadow education secretary

As part of Labour’s policy review, we are examining three ideas. First, expanding cadet forces in state schools, as most are in private schools.

Research suggests that being a cadet increases respect for authority, self-esteem and aspiration.
Second, a mentoring scheme for former and reserve service personnel would provide young people with a range of soft skills, as well as challenging disruptive behaviours. Third, service schools would have a service ethos, employ qualified ex-forces teachers and could be developed in partnership with the armed forces or a service charity.

Spreading a service ethos is about giving state school pupils the same opportunities as in private schools and the kind of guidance and skills that come from a career in the forces.

NO

Alison Ryan, education policy adviser, Association of Teachers and Lecturers

Politicians are quick to recognise the qualities developed by the military, yet worryingly slow to perceive the unique skills needed to educate children.

Schools should be run by education experts, and staffed by trained teachers who understand how children learn and develop. Other sectors do not have this expertise and transfer their own agendas and strategies to pupils.

The idea of the military having a stronger involvement tends to be mooted to improve discipline and behaviour management. Yet, the military has little training in the behaviour of children and young people or in special educational needs. Promoting good behaviour and learning in schools is about far more than rule compliance; there must be room for diversity, creativity and questioning.

YES

Dr Patricia Kaszynska, senior researcher, ResPublica

We recognise that ex-military personnel across our reserve forces have a skills base that could be utilised in schools.

That being said, they would obviously have to be properly supported to work with young people. It is not just a question of diverting them from a battlefield into a school. It is much more complicated than that.

In terms of the technical ability to teach, that is something that has to be addressed.

The proposal from the Labour Party has taken this into account and it is a sensible approach. The main point is not to under-utilise this tremendous skill base that currently exists.

NO

Ian Toone, senior professional officer, Voice

Newspaper headlines such as “why the military must invade our schools” are typical of the chauvinistic language of “war” and “battle” that accompanies any association between the military and education, and fails to recognise the contribution that people from a wide variety of backgrounds bring to education.

While military service has much to offer many young people, it is not the only form of service to the nation. There are alternative programmes that can teach young people about teamwork, dedication and service. We need more good teachers and support staff from a variety of backgrounds, but schools are not the army and children are not troops.

Politicians should encourage people to enter the teaching profession from a variety of backgrounds – including the services.