‘Worthless’ pact that fails all our Services heroes needs overhaul

AN URGENT review of the treatment of ex-soldiers was demanded last night following the shocking revelations of decorated bomb hero Wayne Owers.

Experts called for the Armed Forces Covenant, introduced in 2000 to define the country’s relationship with its military, to be re-examined.

Lawyer Hilary Meredith, who represented more than 200 soldiers hounded by a disgraced inquiry into claims of abuse in Iraq, said Major Owers’ case showed the Covenant was worthless.

The chief exec of Hilary Meredith Solicitors said:

“A Parliamentary inquiry would be a good starting point into the realities of the Military Covenant and what is being done and what is not being done.

“The reality is everybody knows once you’re out of the military you’ve got nothing. In the US they have very good support for veterans but here we do absolutely nothing.

“I don’t think the MoD understand what it’s like when you’re medically discharged and you’ve got no way back in. You’re just out, that’s it.

“There’s no commanding officer you can request help from. That’s why I think the Covenant needs to

be very seriously thought through.” General Sir Richard Dannatt, who as Chief of the General Staff was head of the British Army from 2006 to 2009, said: “I worry that despite progress made in recent years surrounding the reduction of the stigma associated with mental health illness, the MoD still does not fully understand the extent of the problem.

“The MoD admits that possibly 50 per cent of serving personnel who may have PTSD do not come forward for treatment. If they had physical injuries, many would still have a career

but those with mental health injuries seem not to be treated so well.”

The general, now Lord Dannatt, said he believed the number of soldiers who needed help but did not seek it was even higher in Explosive Ordnance Disposal units like those Major Owers served with.

Labour MP Nia Griffith MP, the Shadow Defence Secretary, said: “Our Armed Forces make immense sacrifices to keep us safe.

“The very least they deserve is the best possible treatment when their service has left

them with conditions such as PTSD. But sadly the promises enshrined in the Armed Forces Covenant are not always a reality for the Forces’ Community. The Government must do much more to ensure that the Covenant works effectively and that every serving member and veteran gets the support they deserve.

“This case highlights why it is so important that attention is drawn to the treatment of mental health within the Armed Forces and in society as a whole.”