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Navigation Title:<\/b><\/td>Introduction<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
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Conditions of Service Introduction

  • This part of the Serving Soldier web site is designed to help you understand the Conditions of Service which apply to you, as a soldier, wherever you are serving.

  • They apply to soldiers serving in both the Regular and Territorial Army (TA) and to Reservists on Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS), except those serving on a Military Local Service Engagement (MLSE). If you are serving on another engagement (e.g. Home Service or Local Service), you should enquire at your Administrative Office for further details, as some of these guidelines will not apply to you.

  • Throughout, Conditions refer to pay, allowances, pensions, accommodation, leave, etc. These have been divided into two areas - Entitlements and Guidelines.

    • An Entitlement is something that you, as a soldier, have a right to receive, and your entitlements can only be changed by the Army Board, or by a change in the law. For example, you are entitled to accommodation at your place of duty, if none is available, accommodation will be found for you by an agency.

    • A Guideline represents something the Army will try to provide but may not always be able to guarantee. For example, once you are trained, the Army aims to provide you with at least 4 months’ warning of a posting, but sometimes this may not be possible.

  • Sometimes you need an official ‘Authority’ to be able to do something. As Conditions of Service can change, this guide cannot be seen as an ‘Authority’. So if you need further information on any subject, you should consult either your Platoon/Troop Commander or your Regimental Administration Office (RAO) for up to date detailed information.

Note:

  • The terms officer and soldier refer to both male and female members of the Army.

  • Wherever possible, references to the appropriate official documents are given.

  • Every soldier in the Army operates within the Chain of Command. Normally, you belong to a Platoon or Troop, which is part of a Company, Battery or Squadron. These in turn are part of a Battalion or Regiment, which is part of a Brigade, in a Division, and so on right up to the Army Board.