The State’s Duty Does Not End When Service Does
New ‘One More Mission’ podcast with Lt Col Simon Barry examines the relationship between state and soldiers, the Armed Forces Covenant, military law and the trust.
If the government asks men and women to risk their lives on its behalf, what obligations does it continue to owe them once their service is over?
That question sits at the heart of our latest One More Mission conversation with former Parachute Regiment officer Lt Col Simon Barry.
The discussion ranges well beyond individual legacy cases. It examines the broader relationship between government, the Armed Forces Covenant, military law and the trust upon which an effective armed forces depends.
Among the issues discussed:
Why the state’s duty of care does not end when a soldier leaves uniform.
Whether soldiers should be judged according to the legal framework under which they served.
The retrospective application of later legal standards to historic operations.
Why many regimental associations are more willing to speak publicly.
The implications for serving personnel, recruitment and retention.
The balance between accountability, finality and public confidence.
Whether current legacy proposals strengthen—or weaken—the trust between government and those it sends into harm’s way.
As Simon Barry argues, this is no longer simply a debate about Northern Ireland veterans. It raises wider questions about the relationship between the state and those it asks to carry out military operations in its name.
Whether or not readers agree with every conclusion, these are issues that deserve careful consideration rather than slogans.
Find the full episode here:
WATCH
LISTEN
Fellow brother and sister veterans' the same old question hangs over us concerning this legacy act? Why is this government hesitating and finding difficulty in taking immediate responsibility in support of its veterans? Why has 'Lawfare' been allowed to play a prominent role? And not been stopped from the progressive hounding of soldiers in the actions of them doing the job that the Government sent them out to do? Why has this affair got anything to do with 'Human Rights? Because it hasn't! Why aren't this government focusing on bringing 'Terrorists' to justice, in the same courts that they're trying to degrade honourable soldiers? This government is overtly complicit with terrorists, their families and the dark justice system that is intent on making money to feed their own egos and for self preservation! To you the Government of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland! I say; There's no argument here it's really quite simple; Loyalty, trust total support, understanding, flexibility, 'fighting for the right side!' are some of the primary ingredients that would allow us veterans, 'To take our fingers off the triggers!' 🙏💪💪💪🇬🇧