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Kinko:
Why arent you out having a good time with your mates on a Saturday night instead of worrying about being bullied?
Life is for enjoying.
Im willing to be contradicted here but I can honestly say during my time in the service there was absolutely no bullying of youngsters / new recruits in the RN.On the contrary most young, new recruits might find they have a "Sea Daddy" to look out for them.
Plenty of good natured leg pulling but no bullying.

Why aren't you out having a good time with your mates on a Saturday night instead of replying to this thread?

Originally Posted by Kinko

Why aren't you out having a good time with your mates on a Saturday night instead of replying to this thread?

Don't bite the hand that feeds you.

To be honest, the procedures in place for dealing with bullying (should it ever happen) do have the required result. The effectiveness of a professional military force depends on its servicemen not living in intimidation.

Originally Posted by Kinko

Why aren't you out having a good time with your mates on a Saturday night instead of replying to this thread?

Ive got the duty watch baby sitting my Grandson.
Ill make up for that tomorrow lunchtime.
But I think you've missed the point anyhow. Why are you worrying about being bullied?
Life is for enjoying not for worrying about something that probably will never happen.

Originally Posted by Kinko

For all those who have done basic training, how often does it happen? I've heard there has been a lot of problems in the past with young people being bullied during basic.

Not just during basic actually, but being in the armed services in general. Is the selection mixed with chavs/older people?

Can anyone give their own experiences of basic?

Is this the sort of wimp joining today? (hey chief he took my nutty bar), just get in there and stop whinging.

Certainly nowadays there is a robust system in place to minimise, if not eradicate bullying, sexism & racism. Things are most certainly getting better.

Nowadays you can speak to the following people for advice and assistance:

Your line managers/DO/CO/OC & the Equal Opportunities Advisor can be contacted and will offer confidential and impartial advice and support as required .

There is a Confidential Supportline. It is an independent, confidential and anonymous supportline, manned by trained professionals who can give advice on a range of topics. Confidential Supportline: Military Personnel 0800 731 4880 9380 31 4480 ++44 1980 630854 (Open 1030-2230, 7 days a week) Civilian Personnel 020 7218 2666 9621 82666 (Open normal office hours, Monday to Friday)


ROYAL NAVY'S POLICY ON BULLYING AND HARASSMENT

_ The Royal Navy is committed to upholding the right of all personnel to work in an environment free from intimidation, humiliation, harassment or abuse.

_ This commitment is enshrined in the RN Diversity and Equality Policy and Strategy.

_ Behaviour such as bullying or harassment is manifestly unfair, undermines confidence and reduces morale.

There is zero tolerance to bullying and harassment in the Royal Navy.

_ Any allegation of discrimination, harassment, victimisation or bullying will be investigated and disciplinary or administrative action taken where there is sufficient and reliable evidence.

_ All individuals who are in a position of authority are to be aware that they are to (a) promote an environment conducive to harmonious working, (b) become aware of any developing conflicts and take positive action to ensure that these are resolved early, fairly and amicably, and (c) have the moral courage to take firm action against any inappropriate behaviour.

_ There are two avenues of redress open to Service personnel who believe that they have been the subject of inappropriate behaviour such as bullying and harassment.

_ The first is informal where the person approaches the alleged perpetrator directly - either in person, in writing or via a third party. Often this solves the problem, as the perpetrator may not be aware that his/her
actions are causing distress.

_ If such an approach is not suitable or its does not succeed, individuals can submit a formal complaint to their Commanding Officer under the Royal Navy's laid down complaints procedures. It will then be investigated immediately, impartially and thoroughly, with fairness and sensitivity to all parties involved,
and both the complainant and the alleged perpetrator will be kept informed throughout the process.

Assistance can also be provided by EO qualified personnel from the Special Investigations Branch.

_ Where the complaint is upheld, a range of sanctions can be deployed, from an apology by the perpetrator through to administrative or disciplinary action. The redress requested by the complainant will be taken into account as well as the severity of the incident.

_ Should the complaint not be upheld by the Commanding Officer, individuals can appeal and they have a right for their case to be considered by a higher authority outside their ship/establishment; this process can
be progressed as far up as the Admiralty Board.

_ Where the alleged incident of bullying or harassment is unlawful under the Sex Discrimination Act, Race Relations Act, Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations or the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations, complainants also have the right to submit their complaint to an Employment Tribunal, at the same time that it is being considered through Service channels.

_ Advice and support is available at any stage to both victims and alleged perpetrators from many sources. There include the person's Divisional Officer, a chaplain, the ship/establishment Equal Opportunities Adviser, legal advisers, the Naval Personal and Family Services organisation or the Confidential
Supportline.

_ Divisional Officers provide a link between the Commanding Officer to the most junior sailor. They are part of the Divisional system which is a personnel management system that provides a structure within a ship/establishment to supervise, develop, and train the members of its company. Of note is that it is also the means by which the welfare of personnel can be addressed and it is to a Divisional Officer that a rating will turn if he/she has family, financial or work problems.

Personally, I'd rather experience bullying from blokes who could become my mates than some foreign t**t who intends me and mine harm. People are bullied for various reasons. Sometimes it's because blokes don't want to serve with someone they can't trust. Bullying isn't very nice but it could be a subtle way of explaining that one has tried to join the wrong family.

I've been bullied and I learned from it. I believe (could be wrong) that I'm the stronger for it. It's still not very nice. though.


edited 091327Z NOV08 for mong typing.

The only people who think bullying doesn’t happen in the Navy live above two deck, though I think it is greatly reduced now a days. I agree that if anyone is being bullied then they should report it. Bullying in the mess deck makes for a bad atmosphere and should be stamped out as soon as possible.