A Military Covenant has existed since the reign of Henry VIII as an expression of the mutual obligations which exist between the Nation, the Army and each individual soldier. At the time of its issue it made clear that those who serve should expect to be treated fairly, to be valued and to be respected in recognition of the extraordinary commitment and sacrifices which they were called upon to make.
The Armed Forces Covenant, published by the Government in May 2011, updated and formalised the historic national pledge and expressed the enduring general principles that should govern the relationship between the Nation, the Government and the Armed Forces community.
It is a “promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly”. The Covenant focusses on helping members of the Armed Forces Community “have the same access to governmental and commercial services and products as any other citizen”.
The Covenant also states that:
“The Armed Forces Community should not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of services”; and that “Special consideration is appropriate in some cases especially for those who have given the most”. (For example, those injured or bereaved).
There are a number of services within local government which particularly impact upon the Armed Forces community, such as housing, revenues and benefits, family support services, education and training, social care etc. Other public-sector bodies have a key role to play – National Health Service,
Police, Department of Work and Pensions and the voluntary, community and faith sector.
The Covenant is a commitment by local authorities to support members of the armed forces community in their area. The aim is to embed and sustain activity, to ensure that members of the armed forces community receive the support they need in their local communities in recognition of their dedication and sacrifice; nurture public understanding and awareness of the issues affecting the armed forces community; and encourage activities, which help to integrate the armed forces community into local life.