https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/b...oman-wlpwlk9hr
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Bullies’ force out Red Arrows woman
A female member of the Red Arrows has claimed she quit the display team after making a complaint about bullying and harassment, it can be revealed.
The officer, in her early thirties, joined the elite team this year but after six months lodged a complaint to senior ranks about behaviour that made her feel “uncomfortable”, an RAF source said. They said the woman had raised concerns about a “toxic” environment and that the complaint covered the period up until this summer.
The claim comes after The Times revealed that more than 40 personnel, several of them young female recruits, have given evidence to an inquiry into the
Red Arrows in the biggest scandal in the team’s 57-year history. As many as four personnel are now subject to investigation by the RAF and could be thrown out of the force.
Allegations included at least 13 instances of alleged misconduct, including misogyny, harassment, sexual assault, bullying and indecent exposure. It is unclear when the inquiry will conclude and whether it will be made public.The RAF source said: “Although things have happened since
the last story came to light, the toxic behaviour is still going on and not enough is being done about it.”
In the latest case, the woman is said to have complained to senior officers about a series of issues within the unit of about 130 people.
Her case is particularly significant because it details bad behaviour from this year, at which point several servicemen had already been moved out of the elite force amid allegations they had acted inappropriately. It also casts doubt on suggestions by individuals in the RAF that problems in the Red Arrows were historical.
Philip Ingram, founder of the Independent Defence Authority (IDA), said he was “aware of the issues highlighted by this young officer”, adding that he “remains concerned that there is no real change in the culture in the Red Arrows”.
He said: “I intend to write to Sir Mike Wigston [the air chief marshal who is head of the RAF] with my concerns around this case, as it continues to highlight a failure in command and culture suggesting nothing has changed from what the IDA brought to his attention over a year ago.”
In August two individuals came forward who had given evidence to the ongoing inquiry into the Red Arrows.
One told The Times that individuals in the squadron “got away with everything” before an inquiry was launched last December by Wigston.
Another source said new female recruits were considered “fresh meat”. She said in August: “At the moment many females are at risk because there are numerous toxic pockets within the air force but there is no urgency to act.”
A third source helping with the inquiry said the allegations about the Red Arrows were the “tip of the iceberg”…..
The defence select committee, which in 2020 carried out a landmark inquiry on women in the armed forces, has reopened its inquiry following a series of scandals. The committee has asked for any new evidence as part of a follow-up after 4,000 women came forward to give evidence to the first inquiry. The women said they had experienced bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination in the armed forces.
There was also said to be “truly shocking evidence” of rape and sex for promotion or advancement.
The RAF said: “The RAF has a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviour and will complete thorough investigations into any allegations, and take appropriate action. However, we will not offer comment on the circumstances of individual personnel moves.”