Does the British military need an Armed Forces Commissioner? It can't afford not to!
Former soldier and Conservative MP Sarah Atherton, who served on the Defence Select Committee and as the Minister for Defence People, Service Families and Veterans, says the new Government's plan for an Armed Forces Commissioner is a good move for the military.
Our Armed Forces personnel are the military's finest asset. While advanced technological weaponry may help protect our borders and interests, it is ultimately the dedicated men and women in uniform who ensure our national security.
Unfortunately, the Ministry of Defence has been remiss in this quarter.
Despite the increased focus on strategies and investment in certain areas, like improving service accommodation, many service personnel and their families remain disillusioned with military life.
The Continuous Attitude Survey continually highlights low morale, recruitment challenges and the loss of experienced personnel, which is impacting on operational effectiveness.
As a former member of the Defence Select Committee, a former MOD Minister and the Chair of the groundbreaking parliamentary inquiry into the lived experiences of female personnel, I have witnessed, far too often, how our service personnel feel disempowered and undervalued.
Why? Well, the answer is multi-barrelled.
Sub-standard housing, unsatisfactory pay rates and often a poor work-life balance all play a part.
In addition, personnel can suffer harassment, bullying, intimidation and abuse, which all contribute to the disillusionment of our Armed Forces personnel.
Sadly, many are choosing to vote with their feet.
As a result of the defence committee's work on the experiences of women in the military and their wider critique of the current state of our Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence has made several well-intended policy changes.
Flexible working practices, wrap-around childcare, uniforms and equipment which fit female shapes have been introduced. However, nearly three years on, many service personnel still struggle to access these services, and the rollout has been too slow.
The persistent issues within the service complaints system have only deepened dissatisfaction with service life, with terms like career-fouling, toxic pockets of behaviour and a bystander culture doing little to encourage longevity of service.
Patriotism, excitement and adventure will only hold service personnel for so long, before they are seduced by a more stable home life and better pay in civvy street.
While honourable attempts have been made to address these concerns by ministers in the past, progress has been moribund. Service personnel have nowhere to go to raise concerns without fear of repercussions.
This has gone on too long and we are now seeing the detrimental effects.
It is clear that our Armed Forces personnel deserve better. They deserve an advocate to uphold their basic rights of service.
The defence committee has brought a spotlight on some of these problems but an Armed Forces Commissioner could bring a much more robust approach to some of the issues facing our military today.
What would the role look like? Well, that is for ministers to decide. What it must be is independent. Without this, the role would be tokenistic.
I would hope the Commissioner would report to the Secretary of State for Defence.
Any concerns would therefore be dealt with at the highest levels.
In addition, I would envisage the Commissioner being involved in day-to-day military life, so they have a granular understanding of the issues facing rank and file personnel and their families.
As a former social worker, I understand the value of announced and unannounced field visits in order to get an unfiltered view of unit life. This would be something I would advocate.
The appointee would also need to hold the respect and trust of the military family. They would also know the workings of the Ministry of Defence, acting as a critical friend.
An independent advocate, holding a special status within Parliament, is needed to speak truth to power and rebuild trust, ensuring the welfare and fair treatment of service people and their families.
An Armed Forces Commissioner would work collaboratively with the Ministry of Defence, ministers and the Defence Select Committee to help maintain and improve welfare, morale and conditions of service.
I foresee the Commissioner being the voice of our military, from private to general, feeding that voice into future MOD policy.
The appointment of an Armed Forces Commissioner is essential in addressing the persistent issues plaguing our service personnel.
By prioritising the wellbeing of our finest assets, our people, we can foster a culture of trust and respect within the British military, improve their lives and safeguard our national security in an increasingly unstable world.
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