Sister of Soldier Issues Stark Warning to Women Considering Joining the British Army Due to Systemic Failures
The sister of Jaysley Beck, a young soldier who tragically took her own life, has delivered an urgent message to potential female recruits: think twice before joining the British Army. Emilli Beck's stark warning comes after an inquest revealed that systemic failures within the military might have contributed significantly to her sister's death.
Jaysley Beck, who was only 19 years old, was found dead in her room at Larkhill Camp in December 2021. A recent inquest highlighted critical lapses in how the Army handled her complaints. Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg noted the Army's failure to take appropriate action on allegations of harassment and sexual assault made by Jaysley, ultimately linking these failures to her decision to end her life. Rheinberg pointed out breaches in policy, where Beck's complaints against her manager, Ryan Mason, and a separate sexual assault claim against another superior, Michael Webber, were grossly mishandled.
The Harsh Realities
The coroner's findings were a stark reminder of how important it is to deal with such allegations seriously. He criticized the internal handling of Beck's complaints, stating the Army's choice to manage a sexual assault claim internally without involving the police directly contradicted its own policies. This mishandling, Rheinberg emphasized, more than minimally contributed to Beck's tragic outcome.
Emilli Beck's plea to potential recruits underscores the anguish her family continues to endure. She described the inquest's revelations as an eye-opener into how such complaints might be 'swept under the carpet.' Her chilling words, 'they've got blood on their hands,' echo the gravity of the situation and the need for profound cultural shifts within the military.
A Call for Reform
The Army, recognizing these failings, issued an apology through Brigadier Melissa Emmett. Emmett extended 'deepest condolences' to the Beck family and promised to address the mistakes identified during the inquest. Veterans Minister Al Carns also assured the public that the Army would work to 'learn lessons' from these tragic events.
Meanwhile, the cultural issues within the military aren't new to those who have served. A social media campaign spearheaded by Fill Your Boots (@militarybanter) has been drawing attention to the experiences of many current and former servicewomen. They have shared stories highlighting pervasive harassment and assault, pointing to deep-seated cultural problems.
As the British Army grapples with these revelations and promises change, the reality for potential recruits remains uncertain. While officials pledge reforms, the urgency for immediate action underscores the critical nature of these findings. For now, Emilli's warning serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that may lie ahead for women considering a career in the military.