scholarly journals “The Strength behind the Uniform”: Acknowledging the Contributions of Military Families or Co-Opting Women’s Labour?

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-71
Author(s):  
Leigh Spanner
Keyword(s):  
Gender Equality ◽  
Military Families ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Division Of Labour ◽  
Military Family ◽  
Operational Effectiveness ◽  
Organizational Goals ◽  
Labour Relations ◽  
Canadian Armed Forces ◽  
The Military

Since 2008, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has called the military family “the strength behind the uniform.” The contributions and sacrifices of military families, and in particular spouses, are now formally recognized as essential to operational effectiveness, such as the ability to deploy troops quickly and easily. This represents a departure from previous eras, which took for granted the “naturalness” of a gendered division of labour in military households in support of organizational goals. Making visible and valuing this work parallels recent efforts by the CAF to improve the wellbeing of its people and advance gender equality in the organization and on operations. This article considers the gendered labour and power implications of formally recognizing the contributions of military families and spouses to the CAF. What does recognizing the military family as “the strength behind the uniform” mean for women and the gendered labour relations in military families? By drawing on analyses of policies, programs, and institutional rhetoric, alongside interviews by military family members, the article argues that in formally recognizing the family’s contribution to operational effectiveness, the CAF is co-opting the labour and loyalty of women spouses in military families. The institutional emphasis on “taking care of its people” obscures the ways in which the service required of military families is gendered and relies on women being constrained by traditional gender norms. These findings have implications for the genuine wellbeing of military families and for assessing feminist progress, or lack thereof, within the CAF institution.

scholarly journals STRUCTURE OF THE SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR MILITARY FAMILIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, GERMANY AND SLOVENIA

2020 ◽  
pp. 101-116
Author(s):  
MATEJ JAKOPIČ
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Support System ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Military Families ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Military Family ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Military Chaplaincy ◽  
The Military ◽  
Two Bodies

Povzetek V prispevku obravnavamo antropološke in sociološke lastnosti vojakov ter vojaških družin. Predstavljamo urejenost podpore vojaškim družinam v Združenem kraljestvu, Nemčiji in Sloveniji. Natančneje preučujemo pravne podlage v Sloveniji, ki so temelj urejenosti podpore tem družinam, ter dejavnosti oddelka Celostne skrbi pripadnikov Slovenske vojske in Vojaškega vikariata, ki se v Slovenski vojski edina ukvarjata z njihovo podporo. V sklepnem delu opozarjamo na razhajanje med sistemsko organiziranostjo in individualnim pristopom v skrbi za te družine. S člankom se želimo približati odgovoru na vprašanje, kateri način podpore in skrbi za družine slovenskih vojakov je najustreznejši. Ključne besede: družina, vojaška družina, Slovenska vojska, Celostna skrb za pripadnike, Vojaški vikariat. Abstract The article aims to bring forth the anthropological and sociological characteristics affecting the military personnel and military families. It presents the structure of the support system for military families in the United Kingdom, Germany and Slovenia. For the latter, legal bases are presented regulating the support for military families, and the activities of the Comprehensive Care Section and the Military Chaplaincy, which are the only two bodies in the Slovenian Armed Forces to engage in the support of military families. The aim of the article is to contribute a piece of the answer to the big question: how to find the correct and appropriate path to help the families of Slovenian soldiers. Key words Family, military family, Slovenian Armed Forces, military personnel welfare, Military Chaplaincy

scholarly journals Resilient Parents… Resilient Communities: A Pilot Study Trialing the Bounce Back and Thrive! Resilience-Training Program With Military Families

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia Mikolas ◽  
Ashley Pike ◽  
Chelsea Jones ◽  
Lorraine Smith-MacDonald ◽  
Melina Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Military Families ◽  
Role Model ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Military Family ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Canadian Armed Forces ◽  
Resilience Training ◽  
Bounce Back

IntroductionThe resilience of Canadian military families (CMFs) – the main support of the Canadian Armed Forces service members (SMs) – is imperative. The Canadian Armed Forces aims to ensure that SMs and their families are resilient and SMs ready to respond when called upon for combat, peacekeeping or pandemic/disaster-response. Family concerns, however, can realistically distract SMs from the mission, potentially compromising themselves, their unit and the mission. Resilience-training programs such as Bounce Back and Thrive! (BBT) can help families manage the realities of military life.ObjectiveThis pilot study aimed to evaluate suitability of BBT implementation by Military Family Resource Centers (MFRCs), including whether BBT: (1) fosters resilience-building among parents, (2) facilitates CMF resilience-building, (3) can be contextualized for CMFs, and (4) supports MFRCs in cultivating a culture of resilience.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative design was used. BBT was offered to parents face-to-face. Participants completed focus groups after the first 6 sessions, final 4 sessions, and one-year post-intervention. Data was thematically analyzed.ResultsNine military parents participated. Four major themes resulted: (1) military parent resilience-building, (2) CMF resilience-building, (3) BBT program feedback and contextualization, and (4) MFRCs as community resilience hubs.DiscussionBBT enabled parents to gain a new perspective on resilience, engage in dialogue and intentionally role model resilience skills. Military-specific BBT contextualization and online-delivery formats would increase suitability and access for CMFs. Access to resilience programs delivered through MFRCs would support CMFs. Further research is warranted.

scholarly journals Regendering the Canadian Armed Forces

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-25
Author(s):  
Victoria Tait
Keyword(s):  
Gender Equality ◽  
Military Service ◽  
International System ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Military Organizations ◽  
Gender Culture ◽  
Humanitarian Operations ◽  
Canadian Armed Forces ◽  
The Military

Although feminist scholars agree that there exists a systemic relationship between masculinity and militarism, the exact contours of that relationship are debatable. Most feminists argue that as a primary goal, the women’s movement ought to seek approaches for the abolition of militarism, rather than using women’s participation in the military as a means of enhancing gender equality. Despite admonitions about the dangers of pursuing gender equality through military service, feminists must also weigh these concerns against women’s advances within the military and the use of the military in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, both of which are essential to the Women, Peace and Security agenda. This article therefore turns a critical feminist lens on theories of military re-gendering. I explore whether military organizations that have traditionally valorized militarized masculinity can be transformed—both at an individual and systemic level—to embrace an egalitarian iteration of masculinity and contribute to a more peaceable international system. To examine the possibility of regendering in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), I review 17 interviews that I conducted with members of the CAF from 2017-2018 using theories of military regendering. My analysis indicates that servicemembers are engaging in critical examination of the military’s gender culture, and their position within that culture. By critically engaging with questions about the relationship between gender and militarism, military personnel may be participating in the incremental—and fragile—process of improving the gender culture of the CAF.

‘Healthy Relationships’ campaign: Preventing and addressing family and gender-based violence

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carley Robb-Jackson ◽  
Sandra Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Military Families ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
The United States ◽  
Military Family ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Healthy Relationships ◽  
Canadian Armed Forces ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Canadian Military

LAY SUMMARY Canadian military families face distinct challenges due to the military lifestyle, primarily due to relocation, absences and deployments, and risk of injury and death. Tied to these challenges is the intimate partner relationship and the ability of the family unit to thrive. To support families, Military Family Services (MFS) undertook a collaborative process to create a modernized campaign focused on healthy relationships for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, Veterans, and their families. The “Healthy Relationships” campaign is a unique social media campaign centred on positive behaviour change, inspiration, and sharing of real military families’ stories. The campaign sought to shift the narrative from previous anti-family-violence messaging to promoting positive, healthy, and equitable relationships. The campaign was successful in its rollout across bases and wings in Canada, Europe, and the United States.

scholarly journals Navigating health care systems for military-connected children with autism spectrum disorder: A qualitative study of military families experiencing mandatory relocation

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 478-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Cramm ◽  
Garth Smith ◽  
Dawa Samdup ◽  
Ashley Williams ◽  
Lucia Rühland
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Military Families ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Canadian Armed Forces ◽  
Children With Asd ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Canadian Military ◽  
The Military

Abstract Background Most military families experience mandatory relocation, or posting, several times during the military career. For Canadian military families who must access provincial or territorial health care systems, maintaining reasonable continuity of care is a persistent issue. Such challenges may be amplified when a child in a military family has special needs within the health and educational systems. Objective The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain a better understanding of Canadian Armed Forces families’ experiences in navigating health care systems on behalf of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the context of mandatory relocation. Methods Parents of children with ASD, where at least one parent serves in the Canadian Armed Forces and had faced military-related relocation, were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. Results Twelve participants represented 12 families and 15 children with ASD. Participants discussed two primary themes. (1) High mobility inherent in the military lifestyle can create disruptions and discontinuities to service, including delays in diagnosis or intervention, losses and gains in available services determined by the direction of posting, and the need to start health care access processes over again when relocating. (2) Navigating health systems for children with ASD creates personal stress and frustration related to relocating, and has career implications for both parents. Conclusions Military-related relocation can create significant disruption in access to health and educational services for Canadian military families who have a child with ASD, and take a personal toll on these families.

Caring for children and youth from Canada’s military families

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Cramm ◽  
Alyson Mahar ◽  
Linna Tam-Seto ◽  
Anne Rowan-Legg
Keyword(s):  
Military Families ◽  
Family Care ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Children And Youth ◽  
Surveillance Program ◽  
Canadian Armed Forces ◽  
Military Healthcare ◽  
The Military ◽  
The Impact ◽  
And Training

Abstract Introduction The lives of Canada’s military families are characterized by persistent stressors that can play a role in the health and development of children and youth. Military families are cared for by civilian physicians who may not be aware of this unique experience and risk. Our study sought to explore the knowledge and experiences of paediatricians providing care to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) families. Methods A 14-item survey was disseminated electronically by the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) to all 2799 Canadian paediatricians and paediatric specialists registered with the CPSP. Questions were focused on: knowledge of CAF families; the impact of the military on family care; confidence in providing care to CAF families; and training/education needs. Results A total of 774 (28%) completed surveys were received. Approximately one third of respondents incorrectly believed that CAF families receive services from the federal military healthcare system. Nearly one quarter did not feel that identifying for military status informed patient care. Over half of respondents do not feel adequately prepared to provide care to CAF families. Discussion Findings from this exploratory study suggest that additional resources and training would benefit the care of CAF families. Conclusion CAF families experience a collection of risk factors that may negatively affect their health and access to services. The survey findings provide evidence of a need to further military literacy amongst Canadian paediatricians and provide direction for the development of enhanced resources and supports.

Are Military and Medical Ethics Necessarily Incompatible? A Canadian Case Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 639-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane Rochon ◽  
Bryn Williams-Jones
Keyword(s):  
Medical Ethics ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Codes Of Ethics ◽  
Core Values ◽  
Dual Loyalty ◽  
Canadian Armed Forces ◽  
Military Institution ◽  
The Military ◽  
Military Physicians

Military physicians are often perceived to be in a position of ‘dual loyalty’ because they have responsibilities towards their patients but also towards their employer, the military institution. Further, they have to ascribe to and are bound by two distinct codes of ethics (i.e., medical and military), each with its own set of values and duties, that could at first glance be considered to be very different or even incompatible. How, then, can military physicians reconcile these two codes of ethics and their distinct professional/institutional values, and assume their responsibilities towards both their patients and the military institution? To clarify this situation, and to show how such a reconciliation might be possible, we compared the history and content of two national professional codes of ethics: the Defence Ethics of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Code of Ethics of the Canadian Medical Association. Interestingly, even if the medical code is more focused on duties and responsibility while the military code is more focused on core values and is supported by a comprehensive ethical training program, they also have many elements in common. Further, both are based on the same core values of loyalty and integrity, and they are broad in scope but are relatively flexible in application. While there are still important sources of tension between and limits within these two codes of ethics, there are fewer differences than may appear at first glance because the core values and principles of military and medical ethics are not so different.

scholarly journals The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members' experience with social services in the military: an exploratory study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felisha K. Khan
Keyword(s):  
Social Services ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Utilization Of Services ◽  
Perceived Need ◽  
Canadian Armed Forces ◽  
Regular Force ◽  
The Military ◽  
Depth Interviews

The aim of this study was to critically explore the strengths, limitations, barriers and gaps in social services within the CAF in relation to delivery, access and uptake of social services while employed in the CAF. The study provided CAF members an opportunity to express their thoughts, ideas and opinions based on their lived experiences, and to explore creative responses and solutions to issues members face with social services in the CAF. Presented are the findings from data collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with recently released CAF members. Themes that emerged from the research captured the lived experiences of the participants and were related to: differences between components (Regular Force vs. Reserve Force), perceived need and its effect on utilization of services, significant improvements in services post 9/11 and Afghanistan, organizational and systemic influence, impact of service providers, and better promotion of social services to the greater CAF community.

Respect for gender equality as a component of civilian democratic control over the military organisation of the state

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-60
Author(s):  
Yuliia Yu. Bobrova ◽  
Yuriy O. Bobrov
Keyword(s):  
Gender Equality ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
The State ◽  
Public Attention ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Gender Balance ◽  
Democratic Control ◽  
The Military ◽  
The Impact

The analysis of numerous scientific publications demonstrates the great relevance of gender studies at the current stage of Ukrainian social development, in almost all spheres of social relations. As for ensuring equal participation of men and women in the functioning of the military organisation of the state, the implementation of such a gender balance contributes to improving civilian control over it through the possibility of developing the capacity of regulatory bodies in gender issues, promoting dialogue between the community and control bodies, and drawing public attention to the problems of accountability of institutions of this organisation. The main purpose of this study is to highlight the state of gender equality in the military organisation of the state through the lens of civilian democratic control. The study determined the state of legislative regulation of the concept of military organisation of the state and civil democratic control. The study analysed the introduction of a gender perspective in Ukraine in the subject matter and the dynamics of establishing a gender balance in the military organisation of the state; the impact on existing trends of legislative initiatives. It is stated that the modern Ukrainian army is mostly “male”. Despite the fact that women are allowed to serve in the military, they do not take part in making socially important decisions, they do not hold high military positions, and career growth is challenging for them. The study identified the main problems of implementing gender equality in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other structures of the Defence Forces of Ukraine, which are more based on social stereotypes of pre-defined roles for men and women. Civil control over the Armed Forces is described as a socio-political process in this area

Working together to address sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Brown ◽  
Heather Millman ◽  
Bethany Easterbrook ◽  
Alexandra Heber ◽  
Rosemary Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Discrimination ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Sexual Misconduct ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Canadian Armed Forces ◽  
Military Members ◽  
Physical Health Problems ◽  
Working Together ◽  
And Gender ◽  
The Military

LAY SUMMARY In 2015, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) implemented Operation HONOUR to eliminate sexual misconduct (SM) in the military. Sexual assault, inappropriate sexual behaviours, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination are all types of SM. Experiencing SM can result in depression, substance abuse, physical health problems, and even posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite Operation HONOUR, SM still happens in the CAF. At this time, many groups are working together to address SM and to support those who have experienced SM. Canadian-based researchers, policymakers, military members, Veterans, and clinicians are collaborating to identify new approaches to training, culture change, research, and treatment relating to SM in the CAF. The end goal of working together is to minimize SM in the CAF and ensure the health and safety of all CAF members and Veterans.

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