• The Armed Forces make sacrifices on behalf of the Government and the citizens.

• Society therefore has a moral obligation to treat current and ex-service personnel fairly

• All of those who have served in the past should not be disadvantaged in any way in the provision of public and commercial services. In some cases special consideration may also be appropriate for example in the case of those who were injured while serving.

‘The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty. Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment.

Those who serve in the Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve, those who have served in the past, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services. Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given most such as the injured and the bereaved.’

See Jack of Diamonds

UK Ministry of Defence, The Armed Forces Covenant

www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/49469/the_armed_forces_covenant.pdf