Exclusive: Royal Navy HIV+ role model medically discharged from Armed Forces

A prominent Royal Navy officer, who played a pivotal role in the changing of policy surrounding HIV positive personnel serving in the Armed Forces, has been medically discharged from the military.

Lieutenant Commander Oli Brown MBE led a publicity campaign aimed at tackling stigma and was central to the MOD's decision to change the rules surrounding HIV and military service.

Lt Cdr Brown is seeking compensation from the MOD for mental health injuries and discrimination.

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Lt Cdr Brown's case has prompted an intervention from the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key, who has written to the former naval officer personally on the matter.

In his letter, which Forces News has seen, Adm Sir Ben expresses his regret that Lt Cdr Brown had felt that he had not "received the support that you deserved".

The First Sea Lord also acknowledges the "profound effect that you have had on enhancing HIV policy within Defence".

Prior to a change in policy - announced by the MOD on World Aids Day 2021 and brought into effect in 2022 – HIV positive personnel faced automatic discharge from the UK's Armed Forces.

Following the rules change, those who are serving and who discover they are HIV+, are now able to continue their military service if they are able to prove certain conditions are met medically.

HIV+ military personnel must be on effective treatment with their condition being medically classified as "undetectable", meaning the HIV in their blood is so minimal it is untransmittable.

That means it is impossible for them to pass HIV on. Almost all people who are HIV positive and on treatment in the UK are classed as being undetectable.

It was due to this medical fact that the MOD altered its rules on military service and HIV in 2022, with Lt Cdr Brown at the centre of publicity surrounding the move.

The officer was later awarded an MBE for his work on the subject.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: "We are unable to comment on individual cases, however, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all whilst retaining our edge as a first-class fighting force.

"We ensure mental healthcare support is available whenever and wherever needed, for both serving personnel and veterans."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, links to support are available here.