About the commission

Stories of Armed Forces personnel being abused and of poor accomodation and inadequate support for service families have led many to conclude that the military covenant has been broken. In March 2008, David Cameron set up a commission to examine the health of the military covenant and how Government and society can better support the Armed Forces.

The Commission spent six months looking at a variety of issues. In September the Commission published its final report outlining a series of policy recommendations.

Documents relating to the commission can be found here.

Launch day – multimedia

Terms of Reference

1. The Commission will be constituted as a Standing Commission that will offer advice to the Leader of the Opposition on the health of the Military Covenant.

2. The Commission will have no fewer than six members appointed for renewable terms of twelve months. A Chairman will be appointed by the Leader and there will be a secretariat provided by the Conservative Party. It will have representation from the three Services and from commissioned and non-commissioned ranks. Appointments will be unpaid.

3. The Commission will focus on the following areas:

• The overall health of the Military Covenant – how to ensure that the Armed Forces are treated with the respect and gratitude they deserve for the unique role they play in society.
• Armed Forces and public services – how the provision of housing, health and education services for Armed Forces personnel and their families can be improved.
• Respecting veterans – how to improve the treatment of those who have served in our Armed Forces and fought for their country.
• Care of bereaved families – how to ensure that the Government and its agencies can provide suitable services for the families of those who have lost their lives serving our country.

4. Any recommendations made by the Commission must be paid for within existing and planned defence budgets.