Armed Forces: Retired Officers

House of Lords written question – answered at on 1 December 2010.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Lord Marlesford Lord Marlesford Conservative

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many retired officers are employed as regimental secretaries of their former regiments; what is the average pay for such appointees; and whether they will continue to make such appointments of retired officers to assist with the long-term aftercare of the families of those killed in action and those injured in recent and current conflicts.

Photo of Lord Astor of Hever Lord Astor of Hever Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip), The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence

Regimental secretaries may be either retired military officers or Ministry of Defence civil servants from the Military Support Function. There are 128 such appointments as at August 2010 incurring a cost of approximately £34,000 each (including salary, pension and national insurance contributions).

These personnel are used to provide essential support to Army Regiments. The main emphasis is on the provision of welfare support to the families of bereaved and injured personnel, support to families of service personnel during overseas deployments, fostering community links and providing support to officer and soldier recruiting. This support is needed while the soldier is serving and continues long after he has left the Army.

The Army takes its responsibility to its personnel (both serving and retired) and their families very seriously and does not underestimate the support provided by the Regimental system. The Army is looking to deliver its outputs in the most effective and efficient way possible, but there are no plans for support and aftercare services to be reduced.

Does this answer the above question?

Yes1 person thinks so

No0 people think not

Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.