Sister of Soldier Jaysley Beck Urges Women to Avoid Joining Military Amid Systemic Failures

Tragic Loss and Systemic Failures

The heartbreaking story of Gunner Jaysley Beck, a 19-year-old soldier from the Royal Artillery, has raised alarm bells about the British Army's handling of complaints and the treatment of women in the military. Beck was found hanged in her room at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on December 15, 2021, a tragedy that has sparked widespread concern and criticism over systemic failures within the Army.

A coroner, Nicholas Rheinberg, scrutinized the circumstances surrounding Beck's untimely death. His findings were damning, revealing that the Army breached its own policies by failing to report Beck's sexual assault allegations to the police. Beck had accused a senior colleague, Michael Webber, of sexual assault during an event on Thorney Island, but the matter was never adequately investigated externally as it should have been. Additionally, Beck faced harassment from her line manager Ryan Mason, which was not appropriately addressed by the Army.

Family's Plea for Change

Beck's sister, Emilli Beck, has taken a vocal stance, warning women against joining the military, highlighting a culture where serious allegations are often "swept under the carpet." Her mother, Leighann McCready, has accused the Army of covering up the failings and is demanding that complaints be handled with external oversight to ensure fairness and transparency. Brigadier Melissa Emmett offered an apology on behalf of the Army, acknowledging the "failings," while Veterans Minister Al Carns expressed a commitment to confront and eliminate these unacceptable behaviors within the military.

The inquest into Beck's death unveiled deeper, endemic issues, shedding light on a culture that has reportedly seen servicewomen installing door bolts for personal safety, an alarming metaphor for the lack of systemic protection. These revelations align with findings from a 2021 Defence Select Committee inquiry which highlighted long-standing systemic discrimination and inequality within the ranks. The inquiry's findings paint a grim picture of a military culture grappling with misogyny and failing in areas of accountability and support for female service members.

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for reform and accountability within the British Army. As the spotlight intensifies, it's clear that monumental changes are necessary to ensure the safety and respect of all service members, particularly women, who have historically faced such adversities.