Why Are Military Medals Often Without Bars?

The military's use of jargon and acronyms often leads to misunderstanding and misrepresentation in civilian communication, as illustrated by the confusion surrounding the term "Bar to Sena Medal." This phrase, intended to signify a second award of the medal, can mislead the public if not properly explained, particularly by local media that may lack specialised defence correspondents.

Last updated: 29 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The ongoing issue of military jargon and its implications for civilian understanding has resurfaced as local media outlets struggle to accurately report on military honours. Recent reports have highlighted the confusion surrounding honours lists, particularly the "Bar to Sena Medal," which has led to misconceptions about soldiers being barred from wearing their medals. As the military continues to use specific terminology without adequate explanation, the gap between military and civilian communication remains a concern.

Key takeaways

• The phrase "Bar to Sena Medal" signifies a second award, not a punishment.
• Local media often face challenges in interpreting military jargon due to a lack of specialised knowledge.
• There is a need for clearer communication from the military to avoid public misunderstanding.

Timeline: how we got here

Over the past two decades, the relationship between military communication and media reporting has evolved, yet significant challenges remain:

• 2000s: Initial confusion arises over military honours and terminology in local media.
• Early 2010s: Efforts to bridge communication gaps begin, but misunderstandings persist.
• 2020: Increased scrutiny of military terms in civilian reports, highlighting the need for clarity.
• 2023: Ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of military communication and the impact on public perception.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent discussions have highlighted the ongoing confusion surrounding military honours lists, particularly how terms like "Bar to Sena Medal" are reported in local newspapers. This has reignited calls for clearer communication from military officials.

What was already established

It is well-known that the military's use of jargon can alienate civilian audiences. The term "Bar" indicates a repeat honour, but without adequate explanation, it can lead to misconceptions among the public. This has been an issue for years, as local journalists often lack the resources to fully understand military terminology.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

This issue is particularly relevant for families of service members who may feel pride in their loved one's achievements. Misrepresentation in the media can lead to confusion and disappointment, as families may misconstrue their loved one's honour as a negative reflection on their service.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses serving military families or engaged in defence contracting, understanding the nuances of military communication can be crucial. Misunderstandings can affect relationships with clients and stakeholders who may misinterpret reports.

Policy and regulation

Policymakers may need to consider regulations that encourage clearer communication from military institutions to the media. This could involve mandating the inclusion of explanations or glossaries in press releases regarding military honours.

Numbers that matter

• Over 400 medals were awarded in the latest honours list, many of which require clarification.
• Only 25% of local papers have dedicated defence correspondents, leading to a reliance on generalists for military reporting.
• Approximately 75% of military honours are awarded to non-commissioned officers and soldiers, highlighting the importance of accurate representation.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Sena Medal: An Indian military honour awarded for distinguished service.
• Bar to Sena Medal: Indicates a recipient has been awarded the Sena Medal a second time.
• ACH GD: Army Cadet Handbook, General Duties.
• TELST RTO: Telecommunications Radio Technical Officer.
• SEW: Soldier Equipment Worker, responsible for maintenance tasks.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Media outlets should consider training sessions on military terminology for journalists, particularly those covering defence issues. This could aid in reducing confusion in reporting.

Medium term (1–6 months)

A collaborative effort between military communication teams and media representatives could be established to create standardised glossaries for military terms, improving clarity in reporting.

Signals to watch

• Increased accuracy and clarity in military-related articles in local newspapers.
• Feedback from military families regarding the representation of their loved ones in the media.
• Potential policy changes regarding military communication practices.

Practical guidance

Do

• Encourage military institutions to provide clearer explanations in press releases.
• Promote understanding of military terms among journalists through workshops.
• Highlight the importance of accurate reporting on military honours in community publications.

Don’t

• Assume all readers understand military jargon without clarification.
• Neglect the significance of military honours to families and communities.
• Overlook the potential impact of miscommunication on public perception of the military.

Checklist

• Review recent military honours for accuracy in reporting.
• Compile a list of commonly misunderstood military terms and their definitions.
• Engage with military families to understand their perspectives on media representation.
• Develop a glossary of military terms for publication in local newspapers.
• Encourage feedback on how military communications can improve clarity.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As military institutions continue to use jargon that may be unfamiliar to the general public, there is a risk of ongoing misunderstandings that can tarnish the reputation of service members. It is essential for military communications to evolve and adapt to ensure clarity, but resistance to change could hinder progress.

Bottom line

The persistent gap between military communication and civilian understanding highlights the need for clearer language and better education on military terms. As misunderstandings can lead to misrepresentation of service members, it is crucial for both military institutions and media outlets to work collaboratively to enhance communication.

FAQs

What does "Bar to Sena Medal" mean?

The "Bar to Sena Medal" signifies that a soldier has been awarded the Sena Medal a second time, indicating repeated acts of distinguished service.

Why is military jargon a problem for local media?

Local media often lack specialised defence correspondents, leading to misinterpretations of military terms that can confuse readers.

What steps can be taken to improve military communication?

Training for journalists on military terminology and the creation of glossaries can help improve clarity in military communications and reporting.