Army Rumour Service

Overview and Background

ARRSE, standing for Army Rumour Service, hosts a prominent online community primarily focused on the British Armed Forces. Originating potentially as early as 1997 as an email list and evolving into a website around 1999/2000, it serves as a long-standing virtual gathering place. Its primary audience includes serving members of the UK military, veterans, reservists, cadets, civilian staff associated with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and individuals interested in military affairs. The core purpose is to facilitate discussion, information sharing (both formal and informal, hence the "Rumour" in the name), camaraderie, and support among this community. It often cultivates an atmosphere of robust debate and characteristic "gallows humour."

Core Functionality

The heart of ARRSE is its internet forum. Key functions include:

• Discussion Boards: A wide array of categorized forums covering topics such as:
  • Specific Arms and Services (Infantry, Royal Navy, RAF, etc.)
  • Military News and Current Affairs
  • Recruitment and Training
  • Kit and Equipment
  • Veterans' Affairs
  • General chat areas (like the well-known "NAAFI Bar" for off-topic discussions)
• User Interaction: Members can create threads, post replies, send private messages, and customize their profiles.
• Information Exchange: Serves as a platform for sharing news, experiences, advice, and unofficial information ("rumours" or "dits") related to military life.

Distinctive Features

• Military Focus: Deep specialization in topics concerning the UK Armed Forces, offering a unique space for niche discussions not easily found elsewhere.
• Community Culture: Known for its specific brand of humour, directness, and strong sense of community among military personnel and veterans.
• "NAAFI Bar": A significant and popular section for general, non-military related chat, reflecting the social function of the real-world NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes).
• Longevity: As one of the older forums of its kind, it holds a historical archive of discussions and a well-established user base.

Social Media Presence

The following official social media presence for ARRSE was identified:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/arrse

Summary

ARRSE is a large, established online forum dedicated to the UK's military community, encompassing serving personnel, veterans, and enthusiasts. It functions as a primary hub for discussion, news sharing, peer support, and social interaction related to the British Armed Forces. Characterized by its specific focus, long history, and distinct community culture often featuring robust debate and humour, it remains a significant online destination for its target audience.