Your Rights as Military Service Personnel
Members of the UK Armed Forces have specific legal rights and protections under the Armed Forces Act 2006, the Armed Forces Covenant, and general employment and human rights law (as adapted for military service). The Service Complaints Ombudsman oversees the complaints system, and veterans have additional protections under the Armed Forces Covenant.
Last updated: 2026-03-09
Your Rights
Armed Forces Covenant
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that the armed forces community should not face disadvantage compared to other citizens in accessing public and commercial services. It has been placed on a statutory footing, requiring public bodies to have due regard to the Covenant in housing, healthcare, and education.
Right to make a Service Complaint
If you are a serving member and believe you have been wronged in any matter relating to your service (bullying, discrimination, pay, conditions), you can make a Service Complaint through the internal system. If not resolved, the Service Complaints Ombudsman can investigate.
Protection against discrimination
The Equality Act 2010 applies to the Armed Forces (with limited exceptions for combat effectiveness). You are protected from discrimination on grounds of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and other characteristics.
Healthcare rights
Serving personnel receive healthcare through Defence Medical Services. Veterans are entitled to priority NHS treatment for conditions related to their service.
Right to compensation for injury
If you are injured in service, you can claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). This provides lump sum payments and guaranteed income payments for injury or illness caused by service.
Common Myths
You give up all your rights when you join the military
You retain your fundamental rights under the Human Rights Act 1998 and are protected by the Armed Forces Act 2006, the Equality Act 2010, and the Armed Forces Covenant.
You can't complain about how you're treated in the Armed Forces
The Service Complaints system provides a formal route for grievances. The independent Service Complaints Ombudsman ensures the system is fair.
Veterans don't get priority for any public services
The Armed Forces Covenant requires public bodies to have due regard to the needs of the armed forces community. Veterans get priority NHS treatment for service-related conditions and priority in social housing allocation.
What To Do
Make a Service Complaint
Speak to your chain of command or submit a formal Service Complaint in writing. You must complain within 3 months of the event.
Contact the Service Complaints Ombudsman
If your complaint is not resolved or you believe it has not been handled properly, contact the Ombudsman.
Claim compensation for injuries
Apply to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme within 7 years of the injury or illness.
Access veterans' services
Contact Veterans UK for pensions, compensation, and welfare support after leaving service.
Key Legislation
- Armed Forces Act 2006
- Armed Forces Act 2021
- Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Act 2004
- Equality Act 2010
- Human Rights Act 1998
Useful Contacts
Veterans UK
Government service for veterans' welfare, pensions, and compensation.
Tel: 0808 1914 218
Website