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The end of 'name, rank and serial number'

British soldiers can now reveal sensitive information if captured by enemy forces

A new traffic light information release system has been adopted

CAPTURED UK troops will no longer have to reveal only their name, rank and serial number.

Top brass have accepted that expecting PoWs to withhold military information under threat of torture by terrorists like ISIS is unrealistic.

 Troops will now work on a, ‘Need to know basis.
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Troops will now work on a, ‘Need to know basis.Credit: AP:Associated Press

The old expectation was introduced 67 years ago by the Geneva Convention.

Those at risk of seizure will now be trained to yield less sensitive information first and hold back classified material for as long as possible

The move comes after a study by military psychiatrists found that a huge majority of those captured will eventually give away secrets, especially if a colleague faces being killed.

 Controlled release has been used in America for decades already
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Controlled release has been used in America for decades already

SAS hero Andy McNab, caught and tortured in the Gulf War, said last night: “It potentially saves the prisoner’s life and also other troops because the command structure has time to decide what to change and what to adapt relating to the information that could be released.

“Controlled release has been used in America for decades, I don’t know why the Brits stuck with the old legislation. We are finally catching up with the times.

“All troops work on what you call a, ‘Need to know basis.’

“You are only told what you need to know so if you’re captured you have to keep that information as long as possible through controlled release.”

Troops are now being taught a "traffic light" system with information given a colour grading.

 

 Military psychiatrists found that a huge majority of those captured will eventually give away secrets
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Military psychiatrists found that a huge majority of those captured will eventually give away secretsCredit: Army

Green intelligence can be released by PoWs relatively early during the interrogation, but orange and red should be withheld for as long as possible.

Special Forces personnel, pilots and other aircrew are given "resistance to interrogation" training, which prepares them for the kind of beatings, humiliations and other physical abuse they may suffer after capture.

 Troops are under threat of capture from groups like ISIS and al Qaeda
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Troops are under threat of capture from groups like ISIS and al QaedaCredit: Reuters

Under the Geneva conventions, all PoWs are expected to give only their name, rank, date of birth and serial number so they can be identified as lawful combatants and be treated in accordance with their rank.

British troops are also advised that they can give their blood group and religion.


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