HC Deb 21 May 2002 vol 386 c166W
Dr. Murrison

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his assessment is of the way in which military ethos has changed since 1997. [56530]

Mr. Ingram

The core values of the armed services have not changed since 1997.

Dr. Murrison

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his assessment is of the benefits of a distinct military ethos to the effectiveness of the British Army. [56529]

Mr. Ingram

Military ethos may be defined asThat spirit which inspires soldiers to fight. It derives from, and depends upon, the high degrees of commitment, self-sacrifice and mutual trust which together are so essential to the maintenance of morale". This was articulated in the pamphlet "Values and Standards of the British Army", which was published in March 2000, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

We believe that the constituent values of military ethos contribute significantly to military effectiveness.