Plymouth Armed Forces Community Covenant conference brings military relations to attention

The relationship between the military and civilian society in Plymouth – and the question of its closeness – will be the focus of a one-day conference in the city this week.

Military Communities: a Reconnaissance in Research is set to bring together representatives from across the military, civilian and academic groups and explore ways in which they might work together more closely.

The event, hosted by the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at Plymouth University, and organised in partnership with the Plymouth Armed Forces Community Covenant group, will look at the research needs of segments of military society such as Veterans, families, young people, and military charities.

Dr Richard Yarwood, conference organiser, said: “Plymouth is a city that is surrounded by the military, from the Royal Naval dockyard to Dartmoor, and has been shaped by it to a huge degree. Whether it is the legacy of the wars, or the service men and women from the city who are deployed across the world, the relationship is embedded at many levels.

“The question we’re asking is whether we’re working together closely enough and are there areas we should be tackling together that will strengthen our Community Covenant?”

The conference will hear from the Commanding Officer of 29 Commando Royal Artillery, who will present a service person’s perspective. There will also be speakers from the Ministry of Defence Covenant Team and the Royal British Legion.

The conference will further address the question of research, and highlight potential areas for joint enquiry, as well as sources of funding.

“As social geographers, we are fascinated with the impact that the military has on a place,” added Dr Yarwood. “This is the first time in higher education that a university and an Armed Forces Community Covenant have collaborated in such a fashion.”

Chair of the Plymouth Covenant group, Councillor Pauline Murphy, added: “We are delighted to participate in this joint research initiative that will strengthen our work, as a city, on behalf of our serving, veterans and civilian communities. We have always enjoyed a positive relationship with our military community, many of whom choose to stay in Plymouth at the end of their armed forces careers.

“The Covenant seeks to ensure equity across communities and we welcome the opportunity this conference will bring to make sure this can happen.”

Military Communities: a Reconnaissance in Research will take place on Tuesday 10th December, in the Rolle Building on the University campus.