The Military Covenant is a special agreement between the Armed Forces and the Nation (Government and society). Its underlying principle is that because service personnel make sacrifices and ultimately risk their lives in the service of their country, it is incumbent on the Nation, including the Government and society, to ensure that they and their families are well cared for.

The Covenant reads:

‘Soldiers will be called upon to make personal sacrifices – including the ultimate sacrifice – in the service of the Nation. In putting the needs of the nation and the Army before their own, they forgo some of the rights enjoyed by those outside the Armed Forces. In return, British soldiers must always be able to expect fair treatment, to be valued and respected as individuals, and that they (and their families) will be sustained and rewarded by commensurate terms and conditions of service.’

The Covenant is crucial because it is the bond between this country’s Armed Forces and the Crown, Government, and People. It is a promise to our Armed Forces that:

• They will receive the best training and the best equipment that money can buy and enough of it.
• If they are hurt, they will have the fastest casualty evacuation facilities possible. In hospital they will have the best clinical and surgical services known to medicine. And then convalescence, rehabilitation and compensation for their injuries.
• While they are away, we will look after their families with decent housing schooling and ever-present support. They will have adequate family time and leave. And they will have generous and fair payment, clothing and victuals.
• Above all, in life we will never ignore or abandon them; and if they have to make the supreme sacrifice, we will never forget you.

History

An early example of society’s obligations to those who have served in the Armed Forces can be found in the reign of Elizabeth I in the Act for the Necessary Relief of Soldiers and Necessary Relief of Soldiers and Mariners.

Passed in 1593, the law laid down that each parish should contribute some money to help sick and wounded veterans. An updated version of the Act in 1601 makes very clear society’s obligations towards those who have served in war:

‘And forasmuch as it is found more needful than it was in the making of the said Acts, to provide Relief and Maintenance to Soldiers and Mariners that have lost their limbs, and disabled their Bodies in the Defence and Service of her Majesty and the State, in respect the Number of the said Soldiers is so much the greater, by how much her Majesty’s just and honourable defensive Wars are increased.

To the End therefore that the said Soldiers may reap the Fruits of their good Deservings and others may be encouraged to perform the like Endeavours. Be it enacted…That from and after the said Feast of Easter next, every Parish within this Realm of England and Wales shall be charged to pay a weekly Sum of Money towards the Relief of Sick, Hurt and Maimed Soldiers and Mariners.’