Army must honour the covenant

MAJOR Wayne Owers is a hero.

He joined the Army in 1990 and rose quickly through the ranks, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, defusing almost 100 bombs and saving countless lives. And during his 27-year career he was decorated three times by the Queen.

But when he revealed he had PTSD, he felt abandoned by the institution to which he had given his life. During treatment for a knee injury he told doctors about his nightmares.

They sent him for help, but eventually he was put on permanent sick leave. Maj Owers said he had no support. He felt forgotten about.

Finally, bosses told him he would be given just £6,000 compensation. This is a shocking case. At the very least, the Army had a duty of care.

Any other employer would have made sure Maj Owers and his family were cared for with personal – as well as financial – support.

Maj Owers’ treatment is a clear breach of the Military Covenant. Introduced in 2000, it was supposed to set in stone the bond between country and Armed Forces.

It says: “British soldiers should always expect the Nation and commanders to treat them fairly, to value and respect them as individuals, and to sustain and reward them and their families.”

Our Armed Forces put their lives on the line for us. The least we can do is make sure they get the respect, dignity and care they deserve.