You could complain formally to your immediate superior, or informally, for example for the company chaplain ('padre') - you wouldn't have to be religious to talk to the padre. There is also a confidential helpline and there is the independent advice service, At Ease - www.atease.org.uk - both of which can help you to decide how best to make your complaint.

The armed forces have been criticised for having a culture that discourages complaint. About a quarter of soldiers have complained at some point in their careers about unfair treatment (either on their own behalf or for the sake of others). Of those who make a complaint, just over half believe that it is not dealt with fairly, and just over half feel that it takes too long to sort out. Senior people in the army are trying to change this culture but it has yet to make a big difference on the ground.

[Sources: House of Commons Defence Committee, 2005; Army Continuous Attitude Survey, 2006]

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