My boyfriend Kieran joined the Royal Marines as soon as he left school at the age of 17. Royal Marines training is 32 weeks long and Kieran unfortunately received a massive blow with a severe hip injury during his final exercise before Pass Out. After months of being in the Rehabilitation Centre on Camp known as Hunter Company, Kieran made the hard decision of leaving his life in the Marines before receiving a Medical Discharge, which would have ended his Military career and possibility of rejoining any Military Force. 

After a few years back in civilian life, Kieran re-joined the Royal Maines at the age of 22. For as long as I have known Kieran, he has never been happy living a civvy life.

My Creative Manifesto is to explore metal health within men in the UK Military. To understand this subject on a personal level, I will begin to look at how mental disorders in the military first became recognised and will research behaviours and attitudes within military personnel who have struggled with mental health. I will link my findings to Kieran’s behaviour and follow his Military career from start to present and speak about any signs of mental strain he has experienced.

To begin with, I feel it is important to understand when psychological struggles first became apparent within Military personnel. 

During WWI, the British Military were faced with a confusing and pressing problem which was affecting frontline troops. Increasing numbers of British Soldiers were displaying strange and unexplainable behaviours and symptoms with no visible or obvious physical injuries, including fatigue, tremors, severe confusion, nightmares and impaired sight and hearing. British Military Doctors were struggling to understand and treat the disorder, named by the Soldiers as “Shell shock”. In an effort to better understand and treat the condition, the British Military turned to psychology to find an answer. 

Charles Myers became a consulting psychologist to the British Expeditionary Force to offer opinions on cases of shell shock. In 1915, Myers wrote the first paper on shell-shock and theorised that the symptoms being experienced by soldiers most likely stemmed from internal physical injuries. He believed that repetitive exposure to blasts on the frontline caused brain trauma that resulted in this strange grouping of symptoms. Myers soon found out that his hypothesis didn’t hold up, as there were plenty of veterans who had not been exposed to the concussive blasts of trench warfare who were still experiencing the symptoms of shell shock. In addition, not all veterans who had seen this kind of battle returned with symptoms.

Eventually, Myers concluded that the symptoms being experienced by soldiers were psychological rather than physical casualties, and believed that the symptoms were manifestations of repressed trauma. Myers believed that shell shock could be treated and cured through cognitive reintegration, along with another psychologist, William McDougall. They believed that a shell shocked soldier would experience these symptoms due to an attempt to manage a traumatic experience by repressing memories of traumatic events.

Many young men suffering from shell shock were shot and killed for military crimes including desertion and cowardice. The Military recognised that war could cause men to experience psychological break downs, however a lasting episode was seen as a weakness and a symptom of a lack of character.  A stigma of mental illness quickly became widespread in the Armed Forces and many senior officers, such as Senior British Army Officer, Lord Gort, argued that shell-shock ‘must be looked upon as a form of disgrace to the soldier’.

We now know that what these combat veterans were facing was likely what today we call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We are now better able to recognise it, and treatments have certainly advanced, but we still don’t have a full understanding of what PTSD is.

At the age of 17, and, after thirty weeks of adapting to the military lifestyle and mindset, Kieran was thrown back into a world he did not want to be in, civilian life (referred to as “Civvy street” by military personnel). From joining the Marines straight after completing his GCSE’s, he was set on joining the forces from the age of 14. His discharge meant a big blow for him, and suddenly all his plans had changed. To find his feet, Kieran had to quickly find housing and a job to keep him afloat. He got a job working in a local bookmakers and lived sofa surfing at friends houses until he found someone looking to illegally sublet in the local area. Once moved in, Kieran kept his job and enrolled in the local college, where I was also attending. I had met Kieran in the smoking area at our college and was instantly fascinated with the stories he had to tell about his life in the military. Due to his discharge, Kieran was lost and extremely unhappy, with no other plans for the future. 

During the course of our friendship, I knew that Kieran enjoyed a few pints at the end of a long day, and never thought much of it, until friendship developed into a relationship. I started staying at Kierans sub-let room and began to notice a very high alcohol intake. Kieran on many occasions would wake up in the morning and casually reach for the bottle of Jamesons Irish Whiskey he used to keep by his bedside. I didn’t ask any questions in order to avoid upsetting him, until I noticed a coffee flask in his work backpack which was also filled with whiskey. I asked him about it but received nothing more than a shrug of the shoulders, so I didn’t press on.

Statistics by the UK Government have shown that the rate of alcohol intake is significantly higher in Royal Maines, this is a clear indication to me that Royal Marine Commandos are using alcohol as a coping method for any psychological struggles. 

Three months into our relationship, Kieran and I decided to move in together in a small apartment in a nice area of town. During the time we spent living together, I noticed a significant drop in his alcohol intake, but didn’t want to make him aware of it in worry that he would revert back.

We were sat with a few bottles of wine on the sofa one evening after we had both finished a long day of work, and I gained the courage to ask him about his feelings after his discharge. I spoke honestly about the worries I had about his drinking habits and had a long chat that night. Much to my surprise, Kieran told me that he had never realised how much he depended on alcohol until we had moved in together. He explained that living together gave him a purpose, something he hadn’t had since he was in Marine training. To me, this meant that all he really needed was stability and structure, something he hadn’t really had in his childhood, but found in his life as a Royal Marine. 

When Kieran turned 22, he sent off an application to re-join the Marines, five years since his discharge at age 17. A year after we had moved in together, Kieran left to give his second chance of fulfilling his goal to become a Royal Marine Commando. He was extremely excited to return to the lifestyle he so desperately loved. As his girlfriend, I was of course upset that I would not see him for weeks or months at a time, however the thought of him doing something he loved and was passionate about gave me peace. 

Kieran is currently still in training, after being back trooped a few times and spending time in sick bay. He is doing incredibly well in his training despite a few set backs being thrown his way, and, of course, I am extremely proud of him. 

Most recent Statistics from 2017/18 show that Royal Marines have significantly lower rates of ill mental health than other Military Services. This surprised me as Royal Marines see more active service and more intense and longer training than other Services. Kieran has told me that the Royal Marines have launched a new initiative called Project Regain which is designed for Royal Marine Commandos to seek necessary help. This Project may have been so successful that Marines are relying on this rather than seek for support elsewhere. 

Since re-joining, Kieran has never been better in terms of physical form and general mental health while on camp, however I have noticed changes in his behaviours when back home on civvy street. 

I feel it is important to keep in mind that due to leaving the Royal Marines previously, Kieran has done over 64 weeks of intense, physical and mentally demanding training instead of 32 like most recruits. This length of time in training is bound to have some physiological impact.

The most well known trait of military personnel is “The Switch”, which refers to the ability of having controlled anger and aggression, as well as the frequent change of mindset from Civilian to Royal Marine Commando and vice versa. Kieran is easily able to switch from Civilian to RMC but struggles the other way around when he is on leave. He has adapted to the Military lifestyle like a fish to water, however struggles to change his mindset when he is in Civvy street. When back in civilian life, Kieran displays a low tolerance for things not being done quickly, efficiently and/or properly, which causes him to speak his mind and appear aggressive and rude to others. This can sometimes be quite upsetting to witness, as fights and altercations usually break out, and a big misjudgement of Kieran’s character to others. I of course know that this is how Kieran has been taught to deal with things so I am able to take this with a pinch of salt. Others however, are very quick to take offence or get angry to Kierans blunt approach. 

These forms of communication, and overall lifestyle work very well in the Military, but in civilian life, we take offence to blunt approaches and shouting commands to others is not an effective way of communication. As I have explained, Kieran’s low tolerance and blunt way of speaking causes many issues when he is off camp. Regularly fights break out in pubs between the recruits and civilian lads when the troop go into town on their Saturday nights off. 

Around six or seven months ago, I noticed Kieran had started speaking in his sleep, which was completely new behaviour. When I brought it up the next morning, Kieran had no idea he had stated doing this. A few months later, Kieran spoke to me about experiencing nightmares, which causes him to shout, kick and punch things in his sleep. He explained to me that when this happens he doesn’t wake up, but his troop mates wake him and ask if he is okay. The first time I experienced an episode like this terrified me, and after witnessing these episodes for a month or so they began to happen when he was awake. When awake, Kieran would start shouting and pacing the room but his words would make little to no sense. When this happened, I had no idea what was going on and was very upset that this was happening to him. When Kieran has an episode, he is unable to hear anyone around him so it is very difficult to help him. Over time, I have learnt that when experiencing an episode like this, Kieran only responds when I gently hug him and speak quietly. After he has calmed down, he has very little recollection of what just happened. Me and Kieran do not know what has caused this behaviour and Kieran is very reluctant to speak about it.

Knowing Kieran, I don’t think he will seek help, no matter how hard I push, which is what has inspired me to look into this subject of mens mental health in the Military for my Manifesto. Kieran’s troop mate locked Kieran in a telephone box as a joke while they were off camp. Kieran had an episode as explained above, and punched his way out through the glass, severely cutting his arm. He now has deeps scars on his arm which are around 6-8cm long. 

Kieran and our mutual friend Ben were both in troop with fellow recruit Ethan Jones. Kieran and Ben were in the Rehabilitation Centre on Camp known as Hunter Company with minor injuries from a training exercise are were later put into a different troop due the the training they missed while their injuries were treated. Ethan and the rest of the troop were practising an assault from a landing craft on Tregantle beach in Cornwall, when he went under the water. According to news reports, Ethan was immediately taken to hospital where he died the following day.

When Ethan had died, the story of his death travelled around camp and Kieran and Ben were devastated to have lost such a good mate. According to Ethans troop mates who were on the nighttime exercise with him, Ethan had jumped out of the craft as instructed to do, with approximately 55kg of additional weight including his burgeon, rifle and ammunition when he went underwater and couldn’t be located. At around 1am in the morning in such a remote area, Ethan couldn’t be seen for several minutes. A troop mate noticed Ethan in the water and immediately jumped into the water and pulled him to shore where he attempted CPR. Ethan was then taken to hospital and was in critical condition for less 24 hours before he passed. 

Ben has described Ethan as “One of the quieter lads in troop, but not in a recluse way, more that he just got shit done and absorbed it all.” Ben has also told me that Ethans death has effected the entire troop. Kieran told me that Ethan was mates with everyone and would always help people out on training exercises. Both Kieran and Ben were on a survival training exercise so were unable to attend their previous troop Pass Out Parade which also included a memorial service for Ethan.

From personal insights and extensive research, it has become apparent that mental health among male Military personnel is a pressing issue, and has been since the First World War. Although my research has shown that Royal Marines have lower rates of ill mental health than other services, I believe through personal insights that it is likely mental health among Royal Marines is either the same or higher, because less personnel are seeking help. I feel that through advertising, we can help Royal Marines seek necessary help and eradicate the stigma of mental health in military personnel. Project Regain has clearly been a huge success with Royal Marines and I will further analyse their methods and apply them to my own forms of advertising through the means of posters and magazine.

Kieran’s Military history and how we met:

My boyfriend Kieran joined the Royal Marines as soon as he left school at the age of 17. Royal Marines training is 32 weeks long and Kieran unfortunately received a massive blow with a severe hip injury during his final exercise before Pass Out. After months of being in the Rehabilitation Centre on Camp known as Hunter Company, Kieran made the hard decision of leaving his life in the Marines before receiving a Medical Discharge, which would have ended his Military career and possibility of rejoining any Military Force. 

After a few years back in civilian life, Kieran re-joined the Royal Maines at the age of 22. For as long as I have known Kieran, he has never been happy living a civvy life.

Struggles and difficulties from injury:

At the age of 17, and, after thirty weeks of adapting to the military lifestyle and mindset, Kieran was thrown back into a world he did not want to be in, civilian life (referred to as “Civvy street” by military personnel). From joining the Marines straight after completing his GCSE’s, he was set on joining the forces from the age of 14. His discharge meant a big blow for him, and suddenly all his plans had changed. To find his feet, Kieran had to quickly find housing and a job to keep him afloat. He got a job working in a local bookmakers and lived sofa surfing at friends houses until he found someone looking to illegally sublet in the local area. Once moved in, Kieran kept his job and enrolled in the local college, where I was also attending. I had met Kieran in the smoking area at our college and was instantly fascinated with the stories he had to tell about his life in the military. Due to his discharge, Kieran was lost and extremely unhappy, with no other plans for the future. 

During the course of our friendship, I knew that Kieran enjoyed a few pints at the end of a long day, and never thought much of it, until friendship developed into a relationship. I started staying at Kierans sub-let room and began to notice a very high alcohol intake. Kieran on many occasions would wake up in the morning and casually reach for the bottle of Jamesons Irish Whiskey he used to keep by his bedside. I didn’t ask any questions in order to avoid upsetting him, until I noticed a coffee flask in his work backpack which was also filled with whiskey. I asked him about it but received nothing more than a shrug of the shoulders, so I didn’t press on.

Three months into our relationship, me and Kieran decided to move in together in a small apartment in a nice area of town. During the time we spent living together, I noticed a significant drop in his alcohol intake, but didn’t want to make him aware of it in worry that he would revert back.

We were sat with a few bottles of wine on the sofa one evening after we had both finished a long day of work, and I gained the courage to ask him about his feelings after his discharge. I spoke honestly about the worries I had about his drinking habits and had a long chat that night. Much to my surprise, Kieran told me that he had never realised how much he depended on alcohol until we had moved in together. He explained that living together gave him a purpose, something he hadn’t had since he was in Marine training. To me, this meant that all he really needed was stability and structure, something he hadn’t really had in his childhood, but found in his life as a Royal Marine. 

When Kieran turned 22, he sent off an application to re-join the Marines, five years since his discharge at age 17. A year after we had moved in together, Kieran left to give his second chance of fulfilling his goal to become a Royal Marine Commando. He was extremely excited to return to the lifestyle he so desperately loved. As his girlfriend, I was of course upset that I would not see him for weeks or months at a time, however the thought of him doing something he loved and was passionate about gave me peace. 

Kieran is currently still in training, after being back trooped a few times and spending time in sick bay. He is doing incredibly well in his training despite a few set backs being thrown his way, and, of course, I am extremely proud of him. 

Overall struggles during the transition from Military to civilian life:

• High alcohol intake
• General lack of enthusiasm in activities 
• Lack of motivation and interest in things

Struggles since re-joining:

Since re-joining, in some ways, Kieran has never been better in terms of physical form and general mental health while on camp, however I have noticed changes in his behaviours when back home and on civvy street. 

I feel it is important to keep in mind that due to leaving the Royal Marines previously, Kieran has done over 64 weeks of training instead of 32. 

The most well known trait of military personnel is “The Switch”, which refers to the ability of having controlled anger and aggression, as well as the frequent change of mindset from Civilian to Royal Marine Commando and vice versa. Kieran is easily able to switch from Civilian to RMC but struggles the other way around when he is on leave. He has adapted to the Military lifestyle like a fish to water, however struggles to change his mindset when he is in Civvy street. When back in civilian life, Kieran displays a low tolerance for things not being done quickly, efficiently and/or properly, which causes him to speak his mind and appear aggressive and rude to others. This can sometimes be quite upsetting to witness, as fights and altercations usually break out, and a big misjudgement of Kieran’s character to others. I of course know that this is how Kieran has been taught to deal with things so I am able to take this with a pinch of salt. Others however, are very quick to take offence or get angry to Kierans blunt approach. 

These forms of communication, and overall lifestyle work very well in the Military, but in civilian life, we take offence to blunt approaches and shouting commands to others is not an effective way of communication. As I have explained, Kieran’s low tolerance and blunt way of speaking causes many issues when he is off camp. Regularly fights break out in pubs between the recruits and civilian lads when the troop go into town on their Saturday nights off. 

Around six or seven months ago, I noticed Kieran had started speaking in his sleep, which was completely new behaviour. When I brought it up the next morning, Kieran had no idea he had stated doing this. A few months later, Kieran spoke to me about experiencing nightmares, which causes him to shout, kick and punch things in his sleep. He explained to me that when this happens he doesn’t wake up, but his troop mates wake him and ask if he is okay. The first time I experienced an episode like this terrified me, and after witnessing these episodes for a month or so they began to happen when he was awake. When awake, Kieran would start shouting and pacing the room but his words would make little to no sense. When this happened, I had no idea what was going on and was very upset that this was happening to him. When Kieran has an episode, he is unable to hear anyone around him so it is very difficult to help him. Over time, I have learnt that when experiencing an episode like this, Kieran only responds when I gently hug him and speak quietly. After he has calmed down, he has very little recollection of what just happened. Me and Kieran do not know what has caused this behaviour and Kieran is very reluctant to speak about it. Knowing Kieran, I don’t think he will seek help, no matter how hard I push. This is what has inspired me to look into this subject of mens mental health in the Military for my Manifesto. 

Behavioural changes since re-joining:

• Low tolerance and patience 
• Regular pub fights/altercations 
• PTSD like symptoms such as nightmares, impaired hearing and sleep difficulties 

Ethan Jones

Kieran and our mutual friend Ben were both in troop with fellow recruit Ethan Jones. Kieran and Ben were in the Rehabilitation Centre on Camp known as Hunter Company with minor injuries from a training exercise are were later put into a different troop due the the training they missed while their injuries were treated. Ethan and the rest of the troop were practising an assault from a landing craft on Tregantle beach in Cornwall, when he went under the water. According to news reports, Ethan was immediately taken to hospital where he died the following day.

When Ethan had died, the story of his death travelled around camp and Kieran and Ben were devastated to have lost such a good mate. According to Ethans troop mates who were on the nighttime exercise with him, Ethan had jumped out of the craft as instructed to do, with approximately 55kg of additional weight including his burgeon, rifle and ammunition when he went underwater and couldn’t be located. At around 1am in the morning in such a remote area, Ethan couldn’t be seen for several minutes. A troop mate noticed Ethan in the water and immediately jumped into the water and pulled his to shore where he attempted CPR. Ethan was then taken to hospital and was in critical condition for less 24 hours before he passed. 

Be has described Ethan as “One of the quieter lads in troop, but not in a recluse way, more that he just got shit done and absorbed it all.” Ben has also told me that Ethans death has effected the entire troop. Kieran told me that Ethan was mates with everyone and would always help people out on training exercises. Both Kieran and Ben were on a survival training exercise so were unable to attend their previous Troops Pass Out Parade which also included a memorial service for Ethan.

My boyfriend Kieran joined the Royal Marines as soon as he left school at the age of 17. Royal Marines training is 32 weeks long and Kieran unfortunately received a massive blow with a severe hip injury during his final exercise before Pass Out. After months of being in the Rehabilitation Centre on Camp known as Hunter Company, Kieran made the hard decision of leaving his life in the Marines before receiving a Medical Discharge, which would have ended his Military career and possibility of rejoining any Military Force. 

After a few years back in civilian life, Kieran re-joined the Royal Maines at the age of 22. For as long as I have known Kieran, he has never been happy living a civilian life. 

My Creative Manifesto is to explore metal health within men in the UK Military. To understand this subject on a personal level, I will begin to look at Kieran’s Military career from start to present and speak about any signs of mental strain he has experienced. Along with my findings I will also do concrete research and present any evidence that will help me understand Kieran’s mental wellbeing, including behaviours, attitudes and personality traits common in Military Personnel who  have struggled with their mental health. 

For this project, we have ben asked to create a cultural manifesto. The components of this project include the following:

• Word Document with text chosen by student
• At least x1 Blog Post with 1500 words, including media (images)
• 10 Minute Video with documentary style explanation of the significance of cultural manifestos
• Research Portfolio
  • Instagram Photos
  • Tweets
  • Vision Board
  • Sketches
  • Conceptual Experiments with Artefacts

In addition to these components, we have been told to create our manifesto based on a subject we are passionate about. For me, this meant making it personal. I always create my best work when it is based on something I really care about, so, for my cultural manifesto I will be focusing on mens mental health in the UK Military. I have chosen this subject as my boyfriend is currently a Royal Marines Commando. Seeing the impact of training and deployment first hand has inspired me to research and create a manifesto of the mental impact the Military has on serving personnel.

To begin with, I have created two mood boards to kick start my research and ideas. The first mood board consists of generic images of the Royal Marines, depicting their everyday life, while the mood board below are personal photographs either taken by me or sent to me from my boyfriend while training or on deployment. I felt that two separate mood boards would give me a better idea of where to begin and maybe highlight any differences of what the public see, and the reality. My own images are also here for me to reference back to and keep in mind to keep referring to personal experiences. For security reasons, I have had to blur Kieran’s face from photos.  

Checklist for Research:

• What historical narratives inform your choices to create?
• What human themes are relevant?
• What do your personal experiences bring, that makes a difference and is valuable?
• What is the point of creating?
• Why are ‘manifestos’ worth doing?
• Who are the movers, shakers, thinkers that inform the way we think, see, do and behave?
• Why should you care?
• Why does creativity and the cultural matter?
• Who are other people who have done creative work and are important for cultural heritage?
• Who are you making things for? Who should your audience be?
• Whose point of view is worthy?
• Who should pay attention to what you want to do with your life?
• Where does culture happen?
• Where is culture not happening?
• How does cultural change happen?
• How are you applying yourself? 
• How do other people do it?

Response to research checklist: 

The historical narratives that will inform my choices to create in this project are The First World War, Mens mental health & stigma, which I will be specifically looking at Cowardice in the First World War and Shell Shock. I will be paying close attention and research to the Military Lifestyle, both historical and present, including social stigma around mens mental health, particularly in the Royal Marines, which is an example of a very tough, masculine environment. 

By bringing my personal experiences into this assignment, I aim to make people more aware of the effects and struggles PTSD and other mental health issues have on Military personnel and the people close to them. My personal experiences make this topic a reality, not only to me, but hopefully to others who read it; it’s not just a story.  The point of creating my cultural manifesto is to try to make people aware of the issue, which I feel is important, in the hopes to inflict change and awareness. 

My interpretation of a Manifesto is a written document and/or discussion to help shape culture and behaviours within a group. As previously discussed, my manifesto is to make people aware of the psychological difficulties men face in the Military to help eliminate stigma and to initiate a support system to give Military Personnel the encouragement to seek help.

The movers, shakers and thinkers that I will be looking at to help inform the way people think, see and behave towards my manifesto are as follows:

• Charles Samuel Myers, ‘A Contribution to the Study of Shell Shock’, The Lancet, first military psychiatrist to help with PTSD
• Veterans who are available most days on camp to speak to struggling personal – offer to have a chat with a cup of tea. 
• Royal Marines Charity – offer support
• Project Regain – offer help and support

I feel that people should care about the subject of my manifesto as UK Military Personnel are responsible for keeping us and our country safe. These young men risk their lives as well as their physical and mental wellbeing to help provide a secure and safe community for us. They deserve our support and respect. Due to the intense and difficult conditions, our Military Personnel need to be on their top form 24/7. 

In terms of creative work, I will look at the official Royal Marines Adverts, as I feel they are a string example of creative work which successfully represent the Royal Marine culture. (Links below):

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF1F0urb8-w
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvBH38WsNA
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5yQWK8h42U

The creative aspect of this project will be primarily targeted to Royal Marine Commandos who are experiencing psychological difficulties. Aimed at young personnel who are still seeing active service or are in the process completing their training. This is because young men are less likely to ask for help as they feel that they are not entitled to it due to not yet experiencing active service or knowing people who have “worse” symptoms or “a better reason” to be suffering than them. Due to this, the point of view from young Royal Marine Commandos on my project is very important as they are the ones who will receive the help and support. 

Speaking in a cultural sense, Militarisation and adopting the Military Lifestyle, is a culture in itself. On camp, militarisation starts from day one and is enforced 24/7. Many people from around the world travel to Lympstone Commando to be part of the “Elite”, however their personal cultural beliefs and behaviours are left behind and they must adopt the Royal Marine lifestyle, discipline and attitude. Militarisation – The process of turning a civilian into a Royal Marine Commando (being an RMC is its own culture). Cultural change happens when Social and Cultural norms are challenged and ideas are spoken of and/or enforced. In the Royal Marines cultural changes happen when Officers and Commanders are unhappy and/or displeased with something and believe changes need to be put in place to achieve better outcomes in terms of performance, time management, discipline etc.

I will be applying myself to this project by including personal experiences and stories, making this project personal and meaningful. I will also be including first hand information and stories with Kieran and Ben, who will all play a big roll in this project. I will also speak about Ethan Jones, a close troop mate of Kieran and ben who has sadly passed away a month ago on a survival exercise.

Research Plan 

To organise myself and my research, I have written a list to follow of essential research to keep on track. 

• How did it begin? Look into Shell shock in WW1.
• What are the most common mental health issues experienced by Royal Marine Commandos in present time/ within the last few years?
• Statistics for above points. These can be found on the gov.uk website and through the Royal Navy website. 
• What help is currently available for Real Marine Commandos suffering with psychological issues? For this I will speak to Kieran directly and research using the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Charity websites. 
• Royal Maines Commando School Documentary
• Kieran 
• First hand case studies – Ethan Jones’ death and how it has effected Kieran, Ben (tribute tattoo) and other troop mates. (Reeder who tried to resuscitate him)  
• The effects on Ben who has recently been medically discharged (Tried to follow in his fathers foot steps and make him proud)

Shell Shock and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has been around for hundreds of years, but has been known by different names. In WWI PTSD was known as “shell shock’, during WWII, as “War Neurosis”, and during the Vietnam War, “Combat Stress Reaction”.  It was in the 1980s when the term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder we know today was introduced by the American Psychiatric Association. So, how did it all start? 

During WWI, the British Military were faced with a confusing and pressing problem which was affecting frontline troops. Increasing numbers of British Soldiers were displaying strange and unexplainable behaviours and symptoms with no visible or obvious physical injuries, including fatigue, tremors, severe confusion, nightmares and impaired sight and hearing. British Military Doctors were struggling to understand and treat the disorder, named by the Soldiers as “Shell shock”. In an effort to better understand and treat the condition, the British Military turned to psychology to find an answer. 

Charles Myers became a consulting psychologist to the British Expeditionary Force to offer opinions on cases of shell shock. In 1915, Myers wrote the first paper on shell-shock and theorised that the symptoms being experienced by soldiers most likely stemmed from internal physical injuries. He believed that repetitive exposure to blasts on the frontline caused brain trauma that resulted in this strange grouping of symptoms. Myers soon found out that his hypothesis didn’t hold up, as there were plenty of veterans who had not been exposed to the concussive blasts of trench warfare who were still experiencing the symptoms of shell shock. In addition, not all veterans who had seen this kind of battle returned with symptoms.

Eventually, Myers concluded that the symptoms being experienced by soldiers were psychological rather than physical casualties, and believed that the symptoms were manifestations of repressed trauma. Myers believed that shell shock could be treated and cured through cognitive reintegration, along with another psychologist, William McDougall. They believed that a shell shocked soldier would experience these symptoms due to an attempt to manage a traumatic experience by repressing memories of traumatic events.

Many young men suffering from shell shock were shot and killed for military crimes including desertion and cowardice. The Military recognised that war could cause men to experience psychological break downs, however a lasting episode was seen as a weakness and a symptom of a lack of character.  A stigma of mental illness quickly became widespread in the Armed Forces and many senior officers, such as Senior British Army Officer, Lord Gort, argued that shell-shock ‘must be looked upon as a form of disgrace to the soldier’.

We now know that what these combat veterans were facing was likely what today we call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We are now better able to recognise it, and treatments have certainly advanced, but we still don’t have a full understanding of what PTSD is.

Currently, around 4 – 7% of frontline troops will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and around 20% of service personnel are suffering with a mental health disorder at any one time.

Current Statistics on Mental Health in UK Armed Forces 

From researching and reading through many different sites, it appears that Alcoholism, depression and PTSD are the most common forms of mental illnesses within the British Armed Forces. On the UK Government website, I have found some useful statistics to gain a better understanding of mental health within the British Armed Forces. 

Firstly, I looked at how many service personnel were diagnosed with a mental health issue. The graph above shows that 3.1% of UK Armed Forces personnel were assessed with a mental disorder in 2017/18. The number of personnel diagnosed with a mental health disorder is much higher than those without, and, in addition the government say that 4 in 5 of UK Armed Forces personnel seen at the MOD Specialist Mental Health in 2017/18 were assessed with a mental disorder. This is an extremely high number of personnel who are seen and diagnosed, which for for me, raises the question if personnel wait until their mental health has gotten almost unmanageable before seeking any help? 

The second graph I looked at, showed the statistics of personnel assessed with a mental disorder by service. Interestingly, Royal Marines have significantly  lower rates of ill mental health than other Military Services. This surprised me as Royal Marines see more active service and more intense and longer training than other Services. This information led me to investigate on why this may be. My boyfriend told me that the Royal Marines have launched a new initiative called Project Regain which is designed for Royal Marine Commandos to seek necessary help. This Project may have been so successful that Marines are relying on this rather than seek for support elsewhere. In addition to this point, I have discovered on further reading that the rates of alcohol intake are significantly higher in Royal Maines (Figure below). This is a clear indication to me that Royal Marine Commandos are using alcohol as a coping method for any psychological struggles. 

From these findings, I have decided to further into Project Regain to see why it has ben so effective. 

Project Regain 

Project Regain aims to improve the mental health awareness of serving marines, allowing all ranks to receive a basic education about worrying symptoms and behaviours and to seek help. Regain aims to reduce the stigma and barriers to treatment and enable ranks to present themselves without fear of being labelled by peers or command.

Project regain had noticed that one of the greatest obstacles to effective treatment is the individual failing to recognise that they have a problem that can be treated to avoid negative outcomes, without detriment to their career. Regain aims to help sufferers identify a problem. Knowing how to seek help is also an obstacle which Regain aims to tackle.

Regain recommend that any recruits who recognise these behavioural changes in themselves or others, should seek help;

• Isolation and withdrawal (just sitting in your grot or replacing social activities with solitary activities)
• Feeling distant and cut of from friends and loved ones
• Constant relationship problems
• Being excessively aggressive and irritable
• Drinking excessively
• Neglecting work or a drop in professional standards
• Excessive phys

When these symptoms become a consistent presence:

• Low mood and mood swings
• Irritability
• Sleep problems
• Poor concentration
• Anxiety
• Nightmares or flashbacks about traumatic events
• Constantly feeling on edge or in danger
• Easily startled by loud noises

In addition to this, Project Regain also have self tests available on their website:

The Royal Navy website has a lot of clear and straight forward information available. The structure of the layout is very clear to navigate and is kept minimal. I think the self tests are a brilliant tool to get recruits on the right path of seeking help, as there is no record, they can do it themselves, and get a clear idea of what to do next. The overall page for Project Regain appeals to Royal Marines in particular due to the structured layout, which is something RMCs have on a daily basis (for example the “step by step process of seeking help”). They have managed to make something which is quite daunting into something familiar and straight forward and have tailored the project specifically to serving Royal Marine Commandos. 

Royal Marines Commando School Documentary

Notes:

As my boyfriend Kieran is in the Royal Marines, I have already done a lot of research in my own time to understand what he does. As well as doing my own research, I also have a lot of knowledge based on my boyfriends stories and information he has given me. Although I believe that this is the best way to understand the Military lifestyle, I feel that it is also important to do some reattach online from websites and articles. 

Firstly, I decided to watch Royal Marines Commando School, which is a documentary following the 180 Troop through their first phases of training. During my boyfriend’s training, I watched this documentary to help me understand what he was doing on a weekly basic as communication between us was very limited. I have decided to re-watch this series to refresh my memory on the intense first stages of training these young men endure. My written notes are shown below. Throughout this project I will keep referencing back to these notes. 

The Royal Marines Commando School Documentary follows a new set of recruits on their journey towards pass out. This documentary is made from very raw footage, showing the ups and downs of recruits during their 32 week training. When Kieran had first rejoined, I followed this documentary in my free time to understand the training process he was going through, and to gain an inside of what life on camp is like for a recruit. For this this project, I have decided to rewatch this documentary series to try and ind possible case studies to support Kieran’s behaviours and personality. 

Militarisation

Watching the Royal Marines Commando School documentary gave me the insight of the process of militarisation, turning a civilian into a Royal Marines Commando. Every two weeks, a new group of 60 recruits arrive at Lympstone Commando to embark on the worlds toughest Military training. A third won’t make it, but the ones who do will become Royal Marine Commandos. 

The Militarisation process begins from day one, as new recruits are taught the very basics of housekeeping, Etiquette and personal hygiene. All aspects of privacy is taken away when the recruits are told they must sleep naked and shower together in shared facilities. This already begins to take way embarrassment and begin a bond between the recruits and begins to form the Royal Marines Brotherhood.

Swearing, insults, shouting and threats are commonly received by recruits from the Training Team. It is seen s character building and used as a tool to get the job done. Communication between the training team and recruits are very straight forward and basic. Group and personal punishments are a common form of discipline. 

The most well known aspect of Militarisation is “The Switch”, controlled anger and aggression, as well as the frequent change of mindset from Civilian to Royal Marine Commando and vice versa. Kieran is easily able to switch from Civilian to RMC but struggles the other way around when he is on leave. He has adapted to the Military lifestyle like a fish to water, however struggles to change his mindset when he is in Civvy street. When back in civilian life, Kieran displays a low tolerance for things not being done quickly, efficiently and/or properly, which causes him to speak his mind and appear aggressive and rude to others. This can sometimes be quite upsetting to witness, as fights and altercations usually break out, and a big misjudgement of Kieran’s character to others. I of course know that this is how Kieran has been taught to deal with things so I am able to take this with a pinch of salt. Others however, are very quick to take offence or get angry to Kierans blunt approach. These forms of communication, and overall lifestyle work very well in the Military, so I believe Kieran is reluctant to change his ways in civilian life, as he knows these processes get the job done quickly and effectively. 

References

General information and statistics:

• Royal Marines Charity, Royal Marines Mental Health – Working Towards Good Mental Health <https://theroyalmarinescharity.org.uk/RMmentalhealth/>
• Royal Marines Charity, Support That Leaves No One Behind <https://theroyalmarinescharity.org.uk/news/support-that-leaves-no-one-behind/>
• Ministry of Defence, UK Armed Forces Mental Health:Annual Summary & Trends Over Time, 2007/08 – 2018/19 <https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/809561/20190620_Annual_Report_18-19_O.pdf>
• Royal Navy, (03 April 2019) New Royal Marines Project To Support Royal Marines <https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2019/april/03/190403-mental-health-regain>
• Royal Navy, (2019) Regain Marines: When Strength Alone Just Isn’t Enough <https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/features/project-regain>
• SAFFA The Armed Forces Charity, (2020), Joining CIVVY Street, <https://www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help/joining-civvy-street>
• Mental Health Foundation, (2020) Armed Forces Mental Health, <https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/a/armed-forces-and-mental-health>
• Hunt J, Wessely S, Jones N, Rona R.J, Greenburg N, (2014) Mental Health Of The UK Armed Forced: where facts meet fiction, <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4138705/
• Benjamin R.B, (11-11-2014) What WWI taught us about treating PTSD <https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/world-war-centenary-armistice-day-post-traumatic-stress-soldiers-ptsd-a8628481.html>

Ethan Jones Death

• Timms K, Britten E., Kings J, (31-01-2020) Touching tributes to Royal Marine Ethan Jones who drowned in training <https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/local-news/ethan-jones-royal-marines-inquest-3796927>
• BBC News, (30-01-2020) Royal Marine who died after training incident named <https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-51315550>
• Telegraph Reporters (31-01-2020) Marine recruit died during beach training after spending five minute underwater <https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/01/31/marine-recruit-died-beach-training-spending-five-minutes-underwater/>
• Forces Net (31-01-2020) Royal Marines Recuit Who Dies After Training Incident Is Named <https://www.forces.net/news/royal-marines-recruit-who-died-after-training-incident-named>

Royal Marines Commando School – Channel 4 (08-06-2014)

• Episode One <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYVbxJR2ffs&list=PLgAfZdKiJiYGludVHxocQv8HqHYCi61le>
• Episode Two <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZZmOgojpuU&list=PLgAfZdKiJiYGludVHxocQv8HqHYCi61le&index=2>
• Episode Three <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VakCrvp0a6U&list=PLgAfZdKiJiYGludVHxocQv8HqHYCi61le&index=3>
• Episode Four <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l209YKHfzog&list=PLgAfZdKiJiYGludVHxocQv8HqHYCi61le&index=4>
• Episode Five <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_XgzSJVsYw&list=PLgAfZdKiJiYGludVHxocQv8HqHYCi61le&index=5>
• Episode Six <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxJSFDXa8aE&list=PLgAfZdKiJiYGludVHxocQv8HqHYCi61le&index=6>
• Episode Seven <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1hqjgoWU0A&list=PLgAfZdKiJiYGludVHxocQv8HqHYCi61le&index=7>
• Episode Eight <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5P_A35bzyY&list=PLgAfZdKiJiYGludVHxocQv8HqHYCi61le&index=8>

Royal Marines Adverts

• Royal Marines Recruitment, (04-09-2018) The Mist <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF1F0urb8-w>
• Royal Marines Recruitment, (04-09-2018) Spider <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpvBH38WsNA>
• Royal Marines Recruitment, (24-08-2019) Pirates <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5yQWK8h42U>

The task: Find at least two contemporary advertisement examples dated between 2015 and 2019 that you believe could be relevant to some of the concepts, movements or images covered in the relationships lecture.

1930’s Surrealism: Salvador Dali, “The Persistence of Memory”:

Surreal art has been well known for it’s way of being able to shock it’s viewers with unrealistic imagery. Most surreal artwork dating between 1900 to the 1930’s depict obscure compositions which appear to be irrational and unable to make logical sense or understanding. In many Surreal paintings the viewer is able to recognise several objects even if they have been changed in an irrational or dream-like way.  The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali is a clear example of Surrealism in the 1930’s with a recognisable setting and images. Although not realistic, the viewer is able to recognise the melting clocks clearly and the setting of the painting is quite ordinary.

IKEA “Beds” Advertisement 2015

Contemporary Surrealism has changed since the 1900-1930’s. Surrealist art now, does not have to be shocking or outrageous, it can simply depict a person or thing out of its ordinary context. Images are displayed more in a dream-like way, making it a little more rational to us. The IKEA Beds advertisement is a strong example of this. The idea of taking a bed and putting it where it doesn’t belong is very simple to understand. The viewer instantly recognises the idea. We know beds don’t float in the sky, yet we rationalise and associate this idea with peaceful sleep and dreaming. In the top image, the viewer understands the statement the advertisement is trying to make; that the beds are so comfy it feels like you are sleeping on a cloud.

Tabasco Printed Advertisement “Beware The Heat”:

Unlike the IKEA advertisement, Tabasco has used a more traditional approach to Surrealism. Rather than place a recognisable image somewhere it doesn’t belong, the Tabasco advert has made a recognisable image out of something new.  The tabasco sauce is so hot, that they have made the bottle appear to be a fire extinguisher and grenade. This idea is instantly recognisable like the Ikea advertisement. 

This technique of using images to create something else can also be seen in Salvador Dalí’s Lobster Telephone created in 1936.

Comparison:

For this task, we have been asked to pick one of the two Rene Magritte images, The Therapist (1937), or The Threatened Assassin (1926), and to follow these steps in the same order:

I have chosen to look at “The Therapist” (1937)

First, I studied the image for 5 minutes, just looking at it and then wrote down three different possibilities of what this painting might be about. 

My first response to the painting was that it may be about being trapped in your own mind, as the cage replaces the body of the figure apart from legs and arms. I then felt that this painting could be about the hidden innocence of therapists themselves, that they have their own problems too. I came to this idea as doves traditionally symbolise innocence and are hidden behind a cloak, as well as the actual title of the painting. My third thought was that maybe it’s about having to hide away certain elements of yourself to succeed or do your job. Therapists have to hide their own feelings to do their job. 

Next, I made a list of all the ‘objects’ I could see in the painting;

• Cane/walking stick
• Sack – Could be a sack of money or a physical depiction of “emotional baggage”.
• Doves – Traditionally symbolises purity and innocence.
• Cage – Adds a trapped feeling.
• Cloak – Adds secrecy to the image.
• Straw hat – Adds a human quality to the figure. 
• Trousers – Adds a human quality to the figure and implies the figure is male. 
• Black boots – Adds a human and masculine quality to the figure.
• Sand
• Sea
• Grass
• Sky

The next task was to write down five emotions/feelings you can associate with this image;

• Feeling hidden, caged and trapped
• Secretive
• Feeling empty 
• Sadness 
• Innocence

Actions and happenings in the painting

The figure is sat on a sand dune, and is holding two items, one in each hand, a cane or walking stick and a sack. The two doves are in an open cage. One of the doves is laid quiet comfortably in the opening, but the other is stood with its head down at the back of the cage. Other than this there are no actions or movements in the painting

Three things in the background:

• The Sky – The sky is quiet dark but clear, with no clouds and gets lighter to the horizon.
• The Sea – The sea appears to be still and calm, with no movement or obvious waves. It is dark blue in colour, similar to the top of the sky.
• The Sand – The sand is uneven, in small mounds or hills. In the sand some grass grows, and looks straw-like in texture and is an off, dirty, green colour. 

The first things I see in the middle of the image

The first thing I notice in the middle of the painting are the caged doves. The next, is the unexpected open door of he cage which, for me, adds some confusion and contradiction. It makes me question why the cage is there in the first place if the door is left open? I then notice the bright red cloak which appears to be sheltering, hiding or protecting the birds.

Covering the left-half of the image, I looked at the visible part. Not much is shown apart for half the figure, the sack, and very little of the birds. I then covered this side and revealed the left of the image. Now, what was visible was much more of he birds and the walking stick/cane.

Why is this here?

Ask ‘why is this here’ for three different things in the image – then write down some possible answers;

• The cane. People use canes to help them to walk. Maybe this has been painted to show age or weakness
• The Sack. On closer inspection, I have noticed the sack has a rip in the side which has been poorly stitched up. This could be a metaphor for emotional baggage and trying to keep it closed up and private or even trying to fix or repair problems. 
• The doves. I can only think about the symbolism behind the doves, purity and innocence.

Give this painting three new alternative titles; 

• “Hidden”
• “The Caged Man”
• “Hidden Innocence”

I have taken a break from the painting, around 15 – 20 minutes, and have come back to the image, to write at least 300 words of my own analysis of the scene, focusing on the greater meaning it generates for me:

After looking at and deconstructing Magrette’s work, I feel that I have gained more of an understanding for Magrittes’ painting. From my observations, I feel that Magritte depicted the “therapist” as a bodiless and faceless figure sat on sand dunes with a cane in one hand, and, what I assume, is a money sack in the other. I feel that the money sack signifies how expensive therapy is, while the cane can be a symbol for hard work taking it’s toll on the “therapist”, putting the idea of mental illness into a physical difficulty that can be seen by others. 

The cloak the “Therapist” is wearing, is open, exposing the caged doves. I feel that the open cage is a depiction of a therapy session. The cage is open, with one dove sat in the opening and the other stood deeper inside. Maybe the dove sat in the opening of the cage is trying to help the other get out or be free, much like a therapist trying to help their client find peace or freedom within themselves. 

I believe that nothing in a piece of art is there by accident, and that every aspect of a painting or artwork is there to represent or add something to the composition. In the background, the sky and sea are both quite dark, but clear and calm, with no movement or obvious waves/clouds. Both are quite dark blue in colour, which probably symbolises that the “therapist” is calm and un-phased by things, but very much understands and acknowledges the “darkness”. The sand the “therapist” is sitting on is uneven, maybe a symbol for the ups and downs of therapy. In the sand some grass grows, and looks straw-like in texture and is an off, dirty, green colour, this could be a symbol for the imperfections of people, the rough parts of ourselves.