Benefits >> Browse Articles >> British Armed Forces Reservists Deployment
Reserve Deployment: The Worst-Case Scenario
HMForces.co.uk
It’s not nice to think about, but it must be prepared for. If you die while you are on duty, you will want to make sure that those closest to you are taken care of, financially and legally. Be sure to take care of these steps before you are deployed:
Get your family care plan in order: This includes writing your will and taking care of power of attorney, should your spouse or family need to have authority in legal affairs in your absence. For more, see our guide to producing a Family Care Plan..
Choose your Emergency Contact (EC)
You are required to provide details of someone you wish to be contacted should you become injured, killed or involved in an incident of public interest. This does not have to be your next of kin, but if it’s not your partner you should tell them who you have chosen.
Your choice of Emergency Contact does not give them any legal rights so issues like funeral arrangements can be covered by your will, or if you have not made one, by the wishes of your next of kin. You next of kin is your spouse or civil partner if you are married, or if you are single, a widow, widower or divorced it is your eldest child, a parent, sibling, or other relative. If you have no relatives it can be a friend.
While a partner or fiancée can be your Emergency Contact they are not your next of kin until you are married, or if you are a same-sex couple who have had a civil partnership ceremony.
It is your next of kin who has rights concerning the funeral or inheritance unless you state otherwise in your will. The MoD provides support and assistance following a service member’s death and this will be directed towards your next of kin, unless you request otherwise. Do make a will. It can prevent a lot of stress for the people you care about.
What happens for my loved ones if I die on duty?
The MoD will appoint a Visiting Officer (VO) who will visit your Emergency Contact or next of kin and offer advice about important issues like funerals, accommodation, pension entitlements, benefits and allowances and issues concerning your estate.
If you die overseas your body will be brought back to the UK by the MoD and if you live in a country other than the UK it will be transported to your home country at your family’s request.
The MoD pay for your funeral within certain limits and this can involve a full military ceremony or be a private funeral. The MoD pay a grant towards the cost of a private funeral.
Back to: Deployment Centre
Previous Section: Reserve Deployment: Your Children and Separation
Next Section: Family Deployment: Guides and Resources
