
Probe launched at military sites following allegations of sexual misconduct at Army college

An independent investigation is being carried out across 10 military sites following allegations of rape and sexual assault at the Army Foundation College (AFC).
In August, the BBC spoke to four women who previously attended the college in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, who allege they were victims of sexual assault, including one former recruit who said she was raped by multiple junior soldiers.
Led by Armed Forces Commissioner Polly Miller-Perkins, she told the BBC her investigations would aim to identify any systemic issues and make recommendations to the government to "ensure the welfare and safety of all personnel".
Independent of the MOD, the Armed Forces Commissioner serves as a champion for military personnel and their families and as a channel for raising general welfare concerns that affect their service lives, such as housing, service quality, equipment adequacy, and unacceptable behaviour.
In her role, Ms Miller-Perkins has the authority to visit UK defence sites unannounced and request information from the government.
The former air commodore can also compile reports and voice issues she feels need exposure to the Defence Secretary and Parliament.
Ms Miller-Perkins told the BBC she plans to visit 10 establishments in November and will speak to staff, recruits, and families. She aims to establish early findings in the new year.
The 10 sites are:
:: Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
:: Britannia Royal Naval College
:: Army Foundation College
:: RAF Halton
:: RAF Cranwell
:: HMS Raleigh
:: CTC Lympstone
:: ATC Pirbright
:: ATR Winchester
:: ITC Catterick
Full engagement and cooperation from MOD
An MOD spokesperson said it welcomed the independent scrutiny – the reason the Armed Forces Commissioner role was created.
"We look forward to engaging fully and cooperatively with the commissioner's work," they said.
"We are committed to ensuring everyone beginning their military career receives the highest standards of training, welfare and support in a safe and professional environment."
In relation to the Army Foundation College allegations, the spokesperson added: "Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces, and we encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed unacceptable or criminal behaviour at the Army Foundation College to come forward.
"We know this can be difficult and that's why changes have been made in recent years to support victims, including the right to report crimes directly to civilian emergency services.
"The college welcomes external scrutiny and challenge and has received an outstanding report from Ofsted."









