E61: Toughening Up: Bullying in the British Army during the First World War by S Walker

"Toughening Up: Bullying in the British Army during the First World War" by S Walker explores the pervasive role of bullying and hazing within the British Army during World War I, framing these behaviors as tools for indoctrination and social control. The author examines how systemic humiliation was utilized by recruiters, officers, and the public to pressure men into service and enforce military discipline. Personal testimonies illustrate that while some soldiers viewed harsh treatment as a necessary part of "toughening up," others experienced profound psychological trauma or were driven to violent mutiny. The study further highlights how prejudice based on race, religion, and sexuality provided additional pretexts for the victimization of those perceived as different. By connecting historical abuses to modern military scandals, the text suggests that the struggle to distinguish between rigorous training and targeted abuse remains an unresolved institutional challenge. Ultimately, the source argues that coercive mistreatment was a fundamental, if damaging, component of the British soldier's experience during the Great War. You can read the original article here: https://jmvh.org/article/https-doi-ds-org-doilink-03-2023-43656364-jmvh-vol-31-no-1/ #podcast #militarymedicine #AMMA #JMVH #veteranshealth #militaryhealth