Family matters
When you join the Army, you leave one family but gain another one in your regiment or corps. And although it's hard to think of another job where such close friendships develop, we understand that family provides a vital support network for every soldier and officer.
That's why the Army doesn't just look after you, but your family as well. For example, we will provide accommodation for married soldiers and officers at subsidised rents. And we'll take care of your family when you are overseas. From making sure your spouse/partner and children are OK to delivering mail to you in the heat of the desert, the Army will be there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
And this support doesn't finish the moment you stop being a soldier or officer. Your regimental association will keep you and your family in contact with your regiment or corps through social events. These groups are dedicated to charitable work, which includes supporting families. And because they are run by the Army, you know they will always be around to help.
Healthcare
Your health and wellbeing are very important to the Army. You'll be looked after throughout your career with regular medical examinations and fitness tests. Army doctors and dentists are always on hand to look after your healthcare needs. You won't pay for any of the treatment you receive and, best of all, if your family are living with you abroad, they will enjoy the same healthcare entitlements. Free health and dental care are not available to Territorials unless they are serving on operations.
Wellbeing
The Army recognises that recruits, Officer Cadets and serving officers and soldiers can encounter personal problems from time to time. If you do ever have a problem, you don't have to suffer in silence. There are plenty of different people you can talk to.
Your first point of contact should be your training staff or colour sergeant. Chances are they will have encountered a similar problem before and will be able to help you resolve any issues. However, if you feel uncomfortable talking about your problems with your training staff or colour sergeant, there are other people you can turn to.
The Padre
Every Army Training Regiment and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst has a chaplain or vicar known as the Padre. Padres are always available to talk to, regardless of your problem and religious beliefs. Their responsibility is to help you - and their advice is always confidential.
Confidential support line (CSL)
The CSL is a free service which offers the Army community complete confidentiality and non-judgemental guidance on any issue from anywhere in the world. The line operates seven days a week from 10.30am to 10.30pm (UK time). The CSL gives support on all personal issues including sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying, racism, drugs, depression, alcohol, debt, relationship counselling and suicide.
The CSL may be contacted on:
- From UK and Bosnia/Kosovo: 0800 731 4880
- From Germany: 0800 1827 395
- From Cyprus: 800 91065
- Rest of the World: Phone +44[0] 1980 630854
The Army Welfare Information Service (AWIS)
The AWIS provides free confidential information and advice to single Service personnel and families. Staff will point you in the right direction for help and advice on all Army welfare matters. If you require advice or information on any point you may contact AWIS direct or via the people shown below:
The AWIS may be contacted on:
- Email: awis@hqland.army.mod.uk
- Telephone: (01722) 436569/436461 (working hours)
- Post: Army Welfare Information Service, HQ LAND, Erskine Barracks, Salisbury, SP2 0AG
Compassionate leave
If an emergency arises at home, you can be released from training or your unit on compassionate leave. Don't be afraid to tell your Corporal or Platoon Commander if something has happened.
Emergency contact
You will be given a contact number that you should forward to your parents or family. This is so that they can get hold of your training staff if there is an emergency, or if they have any concerns they wish to discuss.
Civil partnerships
From December 2005, the Army has recognised the new legal status of same-sex couples who form a civil partnership, that of 'civil partner'. Personnel who meet the eligibility criteria and register under the terms of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 will be entitled to the same range of benefits as personnel who are married, including pension and housing rights.
Single parents
You can still join the Army if you are a single parent. But you have to be ready for the separation required and have the childcare resources available to support your full-time career. You will be away for at least six weeks during initial training, after which you will be posted to your unit where you can apply for a house close to or in the barracks. Please note that you cannot share the military accommodation provided with a partner unless married. You will have to arrange your own childcare when on duty both day and night and also long-term care for when on exercise (1-4 weeks) and on operational tours of duty overseas (4-6 months).