The Ministry of Defence (MoD) must show that it has learned the lessons of the lamentable record, in managing Service accommodation, of the contractor CarillionAmey, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and itself.
So says the Defence Committee in its latest report, published on the 2018 Armed Forces Day, into the Armed Forces Covenant. That’s the moral obligation that the UK Government owes to those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and to their families. Mark Francois MP, Defence Committee member is a former infantryman. He says: “For years, Service personnel have received a sub-standard accommodation service from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and their contractors. This has gone on long enough and simply has to change. The DIO is a frankly dysfunctional organisation and the committee is now calling on MoD Ministers to get a grip — and come up with a radical action plan to reform the DIO and show Service personnel and their families that they are indeed valued and will be treated as such in the future.”
The report welcomed the creation of a Veterans Board, even though it lacks formal Cabinet Sub-Committee status. The Committee said that the accommodation contract was ‘not fit for purpose’ and called it unacceptable that there are no enforcement measures that can be imposed on CarillionAmey for their shortcomings. The report called MoD’s agreement with Annington Homes a disastrous failure.
The committee supported the Covenant and said veterans should suffer no disadvantage as a result of their current or former choice of career. For more visit Parliament.uk.
Meanwhile a survey of more than 1,000 veterans helped by the charity SSAFA, and other members of the veteran community, as well as members of the public found:
– 81pc felt that US veterans were more respected than veterans in the UK
– 75pc felt that they were not as respected by society as the UK emergency services
– 67pc felt there was less respect for veterans when the Armed Forces were not in conflict
– 62pc felt undervalued by society.
SSAFA calls for a nationwide support and mentor service for all service leavers; education of employers to help relate military qualifications to civilian qualifications; and a national Veterans ID card, for major retailers and businesses to provide incentives and discounts to recognise the contribution of veterans.
It warns that it is dealing with a younger generation of veterans who feel increasingly alienated from society. The charity says that a disturbing disconnect between younger veterans and the rest of nation, cannot be simply left to the Government or the military to resolve and must be addressed by society as a whole. Two thirds of veterans (67pc) felt they were less respected when the Armed Forces were not in active conflict, as shown by only 18pc planning to attend an Armed Forces Day event this year. This has led to an alarming 44pc of veterans saying that at times, they had not felt proud of having served in the Armed Forces with almost nine in ten (89pc) feeling civilians do not fully understand their needs.
Whilst many veterans transition successfully after military service, it can be a challenge; three in four, 77pc of those surveyed reported they were not fully prepared when they left the Armed Forces. This growing cohort of veterans can struggle when it comes to managing their finances, finding employment and suitable housing.
Sir Andrew Gregory, Chief Executive of SSAFA, said: “Too many veterans feel undervalued and it’s our duty as a nation to rectify this. Support for the Armed Forces means more than just supporting them during active duty, it means creating a welcoming environment for them to re-enter when their time is served. The British public claims they do respect our Armed Forces but, our research shows this respect dips the moment that their uniform is hung up.
“Valuable skills are being brushed aside by civilian employers; to the extent that some veterans hide their service history altogether. They experience discrimination against a part of their life that should be a source of the utmost pride. We owe these brave men and women more than this. We need a new national mindset, promoting the advantages veterans bring to society – courage, discipline, selflessness and respect for others. As a Nation, we must overcome society’s mistrust, apathy and alienation of the new generation of service leavers.”
