- Phrases such as ‘mankind’, ‘chaps’ and ‘sportsmanship’ have been banned
- The guidelines have been pinned to walls at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham
- Bosses hope to encourage leaders to treat women and minorities with respect
Military chiefs have ordered troops to use gender-neutral words in a bid to avoid upsetting women and minority groups.
Phrases such as ‘mankind’ and ‘sportsmanship’ have been banned amid fears they discourage trans, gay and lesbian people from joining the forces.
The new guidelines have been found pinned to the walls of toilets at the Defence Academy at Shrivenham which trains the Army, Navy and RAF.
Bosses hope to encourage leaders to treat women and minorities with respect and dignity.
Phrases such as ‘mankind’ and ‘sportsmanship’ have been banned amid fears they discourage trans, gay and lesbians from joining the forces
‘It’s the daftest thing ever,’ said one soldier. ‘We’re building leaders not politically-correct droids.’
‘We should be spending more time on tactics than worrying about the niceties of modern language,’ said another soldier to The Sun.
The Ministry of Defence commented: ‘We are promoting a modern, inclusive, working environment to ensure individuals are recognised and feel valued.’
The new guidelines have been found pinned to the walls of toilets at the Defence Academy at Shrivenham which trains the Army, Navy and RAF
The guide suggests the word ‘chaps’ be swapped for the words ‘people’, ‘friends’, ‘folks’ or ‘you all’.
The phrase ‘gentleman’s agreement’ has also be banned. Now, soldiers must use the term ‘unwritten agreement’.
Instead of ‘sportsmanship’ members of the force are encouraged to say ‘fairness’.
The two-page guide was compiled by the Joint Equality Diversity and Inclusion unit – which has earned the nickname of Jedi.
This comes after events last week in which Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson dramatically blocked plans to scrap the Army’s famous ‘Be the Best’ motto because top brass said it was elitist.