Whether you’re serving in the Armed Forces or supporting a loved one who is, one simple action can make a big difference: declaring your military connection when registering with your GP, local council, or other public services.
It may seem like a small tick in a box, but this information is crucial—not only for you and your family, but for the wider Armed Forces community.
Why It Matters for You
Declaring your military status ensures that you and your family can access the right services, at the right time. The NHS and local authorities recognise that the needs of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families can differ from those of the general population—particularly around mobility, deployment, mental health, and continuity of care.
By identifying your military connection, healthcare professionals and service providers can take these unique circumstances into account. This could mean faster access to treatment (Dependent on personal circumstances), for a better understanding of your housing and educational needs during a posting or resettlement.
We Know Not Everyone Is Based on or near a Military base
It is fully acknowledged that not all military personnel or their families are registered with MOD-commissioned GP practices or local authority services near military bases. Many families maintain homes in other regions, away from their posted units, and access services in entirely civilian settings.
That is exactly why it is so important to declare your military connection when registering with any NHS provider or public service—not just those close to military installations. Without this information, you and your family could miss out on the full range of support available, simply because the system isn’t aware of your circumstances.
Why It Matters for the Forces Community
Your declaration helps shape the way services are planned and delivered. It provides vital data that informs future policy, funding decisions, and service design—ensuring that Armed Forces families are considered in local and national plans. This work is done in close collaboration with the Ministry of Defence to create joined-up, meaningful support.
When serving families do not declare their status, their needs become invisible in planning and commissioning processes—making it harder for public services to adapt or advocate for resources that truly reflect the military experience.
A Simple Step That Makes a Real Difference
We know that military life often involves complexity, change, and transition. Declaring your military connection takes seconds, but it enables a lifetime of more tailored, responsive support—from healthcare to education, from housing to employment.
So next time you are asked if you or your family have a military connection, say yes. Help us see you, support you, and serve you—just as you and your loved ones have served us.