'Diversity networks' now outgunning battle tanks at our ever-shrinking Armed Forces

THE Armed Forces now has 105 separate diversity networks - more than its number of deployable Hawk trainer jets or main battle tanks.

- By Marco Giannangeli DEFENCE EDITOR

Hawk jets are the kind used by the Red Arrows display team, seen at Trooping the Colour last weekend.

The groups include a “Defence Pagan Network” and “Vegan and Vegetarian Network”, as well as overlapping initiatives such as a “Women’s Inclusive Network” and a “Gender Network”, and a “Race Network” on top of a “BAME Women’s Network”.

A breakdown shows there are nine gender networks, nine LGBT, 12 race, 14 faith and belief, eight family-focused, 20 disability and carer groups, 29 “wellbeing and support” clubs, and five dedicated to “social mobility”.