Understanding the Military Covenant
Jun 2008, Vol. 153, No. 3
By Christianne Tipping
Over the last twelve months, media coverage of the debate over the state of the armed forces has brought the term ‘Military Covenant’ into the public consciousness. However, the term is often used in a very narrow way to encapsulate a multiplicity of welfare issues currently affecting the services which gives the impression that it is merely an agreement between the government and the armed forces. This fails to capture its true nature. The covenant is an implicit contract that exists between the nation and the armed forces. If it is in danger of being breached, then while the government and the service chains of command must bear most of the responsibility, Parliament and a hitherto apathetic public are also culpable.
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By Christianne Tipping
Over the last twelve months, media coverage of the debate over the state of the armed forces has brought the term ‘Military Covenant’ into the public consciousness. However, the term is often used in a very narrow way to encapsulate a multiplicity of welfare issues currently affecting the services which gives the impression that it is merely an agreement between the government and the armed forces. This fails to capture its true nature. The covenant is an implicit contract that exists between the nation and the armed forces. If it is in danger of being breached, then while the government and the service chains of command must bear most of the responsibility, Parliament and a hitherto apathetic public are also culpable.
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