The Devastating Impact of the British Armed Forces’ Policy of ‘Closing Ranks’: Military Sexual Trauma, Institutional Abuse, and Systemic Failure
/When individuals join the British Armed Forces, they do so with the expectation of serving their country with honour and receiving protection, respect, and equality from the institution they pledge to defend. Yet, for many service members, this experience is marred by an insidious culture of bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual assault, and violence. What is more disturbing than these incidents themselves is the institutional response—or lack thereof. When victims come forward to report abuse, they are often met with the infamous "closing of ranks," where the system prioritises its reputation over justice and welfare.
This pervasive culture of cover-ups and silencing has devastating consequences. The refusal to address abuse adequately not only retraumatises victims but also allows perpetrators to operate with impunity, perpetuating a cycle of harm. Central to this crisis is the experience of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and institutional abuse, which remain grossly underreported and poorly addressed, leaving countless victims without justice.
The term "closing ranks" refers to the practice of individuals within an institution banding together to protect one another and the organisation’s image, often at the expense of transparency, justice, and accountability. In the British Armed Forces, this culture has taken deep root, particularly in cases involving serious allegations of abuse.
Victims who report incidents of sexual assault, bullying, or harassment frequently find themselves isolated, disbelieved, or even punished for speaking out. The institutional response is often one of minimisation and denial, where senior officers close ranks to protect colleagues and shield the organisation from scandal. This practice mirrors the systemic failures seen in other large institutions, such as the police or the Catholic Church, where abuse is covered up to preserve institutional reputation.
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) a term that refers to sexual assault or harassment experienced during military service—exemplifies this crisis. While MST is an acknowledged issue within armed forces around the world, its prevalence and impact within the British military remain under-recognised. The institutional response to such allegations frequently compounds the trauma of survivors, creating an environment where victims are left powerless and silenced. Survivors of MST and institutional abuse in the military often face severe psychological, emotional, and professional consequences. Beyond the initial trauma of the abuse itself, the aftermath can be equally devastating. Many victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Feelings of betrayal, helplessness, and isolation are common, particularly when the very institution they relied upon for protection turns against them.
The professional consequences are just as dire. Whistleblowers and survivors are often ostracised, passed over for promotions, or pushed out of the military altogether. Careers are destroyed, and the reputational damage inflicted on survivors by false narratives, victim blaming or institutional smear campaigns can be impossible to recover from affecting both survivors and significant others. In some cases, survivors face direct retaliation, including threats, disciplinary action, and even dismissal from the service. Such reprisals serve as a powerful deterrent to others who might consider coming forward, ensuring the cycle of abuse remains hidden in the shadows.
Institutional abuse occurs when a system or organisation allows or perpetuates harm, either through direct action or through negligence. In the context of the British Armed Forces, this abuse is systemic. Policies and procedures that should protect victims are either nonexistent, ignored, or actively manipulated to serve the interests of those in power. Instead of acting as impartial investigators, senior officers and those in positions of authority often prioritise damage control. Internal investigations lack transparency and impartiality, with a focus on protecting the institution rather than delivering justice for victims.For instance, cases of sexual assault are frequently dealt with through internal military procedures rather than being referred to civilian police and judicial systems. This internal handling not only undermines the chances of justice but also raises serious questions about impartiality and competence. Reports of evidence tampering, witness intimidation, and sham investigations are disturbingly common.
The lack of external oversight further compounds the issue. Unlike in civilian life, where victims of serious crimes have access to independent investigative bodies and legal avenues, military personnel are often trapped within a closed system where those in power act as judge, jury, and executioner. The culture of silence within the British Armed Forces is not just maintained by institutional policies but also by deeply ingrained stigma. Many service members are reluctant to report abuse because of fear—fear of being labeled weak, of career repercussions, or of not being believed. For women in the military, these fears are magnified.
While the British Armed Forces have made strides in recent years to promote gender equality and inclusivity, the reality for many female service members is that they remain in a male-dominated, hyper-masculine environment that often trivialises or dismisses their experiences. Survivors are frequently subjected to victim-blaming, with questions about their behaviour, clothing, or alcohol consumption taking precedence over the actions of their abusers. LGBTQ+ service members face additional layers of discrimination and stigma. For them, reporting abuse may mean confronting not only the assault or harassment itself but also deeply entrenched homophobia or transphobia within the military ranks. Change must come from the top. Leadership within the British Armed Forces has a critical role to play in dismantling the toxic culture of closing ranks and replacing it with a system rooted in accountability, transparency, safeguarding and support for victims. While some leaders have publicly acknowledged the need for reform, meaningful change has been slow and inconsistent.
In summary, the devastating impact of the British Armed Forces’ policy of closing ranks in response to allegations of bullying, harassment, discrimination, and sexual assault cannot be overstated. For too long, victims have been silenced, their trauma compounded by an institution that prioritises self-preservation over justice. The time for meaningful reform is long overdue. The British Armed Forces must break free from its culture of institutional abuse and take bold, decisive steps to support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. Anything less is a betrayal—not only of the individuals who have suffered but also of the very values the military claims to uphold. Until then, the silent crisis will continue, leaving countless lives shattered in its wake.
Tony Wright CEO Forward Assist
