Soldiering - The Military Covenant

(Army Doctrine Publication Volume 5)

Introduction and Contents

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 forego 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.  In the same way the unique nature of military land operations means that the Army differs from all other institutions, and must be sustained and provided for accordingly by the Nation.   This mutual obligation forms the Military Covenant between the Nation, the Army and each individual soldier; an unbreakable common bond of identity, loyalty and responsibility which has sustained the Army throughout its history.  It has perhaps its greatest manifestation in the annual commemoration of Armistice Day, when the Nation keeps covenant with those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in action.

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GD&D/18/34/71 Army Code No 71642, February 2000, Prepared under the direction of the Chief of the General Staff

Copyright

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This document is issued for the information of such persons who need to know its contents in the course of their official duties. Any person finding this document should hand it into a British Forces unit or to a British police station for its safe return to the MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, D MOD SY, LONDON SW1A 2HB, with particulars of how and where found. THE UNAUTHORISED RETENTION OR DESTRUCTION OF THIS DOCUMENT COULD BE AN OFFENCE UNDER THE OFFICIAL SECRETS ACTS OF 1911-1989.

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This publication is issued under the overall direction of the CGS . It is an MOD Approved Code of Practice (ACOP). Where issues of health and safety are concerned it takes into account the provisions of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

Status

The contents provide clear military information concerning the most up to date experience and best practice available for commanders and troops to use in their operations and training.

Distribution

As directed by DGD&D, RO1 Author who is the sponsor and to whom comments and queries concerning this publication should be addressed.

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