Soldiers accused of 'gang-raping' male recruits in barracks as part of alleged bullying tactics 

• One case saw troop targeted by seven others in 'assault by penetration'
• Figures reveal at least 25 alleged sexual assaults in Army over two years
• And one former officer says male rapes are 'pretty routine' and 'predictable'

By JACK CRONE FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 11:03 GMT, 20 December 2014 | UPDATED: 19:06 GMT, 20 December 2014

Shocking new figures show that rape and sexual attacks are commonplace in the British armed forces - with one soldier reporting an 'assault by penetration' at the hands of seven colleagues.

The appalling incident, which reportedly took place last February, involved a 20-year-old soldier being targeted by a gang of troops aged 21 to 33.

According to data obtained by The Times, there were at least three reported rapes and 22 sexual assaults between men across the armed forces over a two-year period to October. 

One former officer admits troops have been known to use sexual assaults as a method of intimidation.

Major Ross McLeod said servicemen use penetration of fellow soldiers with an object such as a broom handle as a way of bullying - and claimed he was not surprised by the figures.

Speaking to The Times, he said: 'Sexual assault and male rape are, unfortunately, pretty routine Army bullying tactics.

Dailymail