Summary
The Armed Forces Act 2006 created a single system of service law for all three armed forces (Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force), replacing the Army Act 1955, Air Force Act 1955, and Naval Discipline Act 1957. It defines service offences, establishes the Court Martial and Service Civilian Court, and provides the framework for service discipline, complaints, and the Service Justice System.
Key Points
- Single system of service law for Army, Navy, and RAF
- Service offences include both criminal and purely disciplinary offences
- Court Martial: the standing court for serious service offences
- Summary hearing by commanding officers for minor offences
- Service complaints system and Service Complaints Ombudsman
- Must be renewed by Parliament every 5 years (Armed Forces Act continuation)
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2021 — Armed Forces Act 2021
Established the Service Police Complaints Commissioner, reformed serious crime jurisdiction, and introduced a duty of the covenant.