The Armed Forces Pay Review Body, in its report published today, says that morale generally appears to have fallen compared with previous years. The move from a campaign footing has actually increased issues like uncertainty, with some personnel still held at high readiness and so unable to take leave, or had it cancelled at short notice. Personnel felt that the "offer" had continued to decline, with many feeling "demotivated and not valued by their senior leadership or Government." One of the most powerful messages the AFPRB heard on visits was that personnel were losing trust in their employer.
Read more: AFPRB: personnel 'losing trust in their employer'
In the midst of the furore about the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) and a so-called "witch-hunt" against troops who served in Iraq, media are now reporting that hundreds of British troops who served in Afghanistan have been referred to investigation over "allegations of war crimes". In response, the British Armed Forces Federation (BAFF) has negotiated free legal advice for any of its members approached by investigators in connection with allegations from either Iraq or Afghanistan.
Read more: 'Witch-hunt' now turning to British operations in Afghanistan (2016 article)
In today's Prime Minister's Questions, the PM replied to a question about the Military Covenant from SNP Parliamentary Group Leader, Angus Robertson MP. Mr Cameron said that "We are the first Government to put the military covenant properly into law and to deliver almost every year big improvements in the military covenant ... and we report on it every year." So in what way is the Covenant in fact legally enforceable?
Read more: The Armed Forces Covenant - legally enforceable?