Army dismisses 'swearing guidelines' after BBC documentary showing bad language

Abusive or threatening behaviour has never been condoned in the Army

British soldiers stand to attention (EPA)

The Ministry of Defence has said it does not condone abusive language, but denied reports that it has drawn up a specific policy banning swearing as a result of a BBC documentary.

Concerns about swearing in the Army were aired after a Newsbeat documentary, which followed new recruits going through army training, showed officers cursing at trainees.

An Army spokesperson said: “It is a long-held policy that the British Army does not condone the use of abusive or insulting language towards its recruits. We are always trying to reduce and eliminate unacceptable behaviour of all kinds."

The Army has explained how putting recruits under some pressure is important to make sure they can deal with future challenging situations, and does not say swearing is prohibited. However, the Army launched a leadership book in October last year that underlined how abusive leadership is not tolerated. There is no mention of swearing or lack of it in the guidebook.

The MoD dimissed reports that meetings would be held this week to discuss toning down bad language.

The Army has reported that it needs more troops yet for the last nine out of ten years it has fallen short during the recruitment process.

The documentary, filmed in 2015, showed new recruits being put through their paces and doing physical training and inspections. One scene included the following communications between an army officer and a recruit:

"Seriously, I ask you to do one ****** thing, it was to do that ****** list on the board which I had the kindness to write down for you lot.

"Well that didn't work. Right now, you lot have got me ****** raging! Mr ****** Nice Guy is not coming back."