Step 2: The Armed Forces Covenant
“The first duty of Government is the defence of the realm. Our Armed Forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the Government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty.
“Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army, and the Royal Air Force, together with their families. They deserve respect and support, and fair treatment.”
– The Armed Forces Covenant
Resources
What is the Armed Forces Covenant?
The Proudly Supporting Those Who Serve website has information about the Armed Forces Covenant – a national pledge to support those who proudly protect our nation, serving with honour, courage, and commitment.
It is a pledge that, together, we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.
Watch the short films to further your understanding of the Armed Forces Covenant and how it links with supporting learners from Armed Forces families.
Proudly Supporting Those Who Serve
About the Armed Forces Covenant
Confused About The Armed Forces Covenant?
These fact or fiction videos from Forces.net hope to explain how the Covenant can help you and your family.
Getting it Right for Forces Families
Children and young people from Armed Forces families are proud of the commitment that their parents have made to this country.
All 32 local authorities in Scotland have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and this has a direct impact on schools and education settings.
“Children of members of the Armed Forces should have the same standard of, and access to, education (including early years services) as any other UK citizen in the area in which they live.”
– The Armed Forces Covenant
Reflective questions
- How has the Armed Forces Covenant been acknowledged within your local authority and school?
- What engagement of ‘Armed Forces Champions’ is visible?
- In what ways does the ethos of your school demonstrate a welcome and appreciation of Armed Forces families (serving or veteran)?
- To what extent is your establishment aware of local Armed Forces units and locations?
- In what ways can your establishment enhance links with local Armed Forces units and locations, if appropriate?