The issue of union representation for servicemen and women was addressed for the first time by the Brett Report, published in 1995. However, though much of the other issues addressed in this report have been implemented, the MoD seems not to have given much serious consideration to the question of unions in the military. Major Eric Joyce highlighted the issue again in 1997 calling for servicemen to voice their opinion on the matter. In this article Richard Bartle looks at recent research carried out by Cranfield University at the Royal Military College of Science which examined the need for an independent representative body for the members of the British Armed Forces. The study looked at the potential to develop already existing bodies to perform the function of a union for military personnel, such as the Royal British Legion. The study conducted a survey which revealed that for a significant cross section of the Army, independents representation is an issue of great concern to many serving soldiers. Mr Bartle therefore argues that the Army must address the issue of independent representation if it is to retain the confidence and loyalty of service personnel.