Written question asked by Jason McCartney (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 May 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 13 May 2011. It was answered by Lord Robathan (Conservative) on Tuesday, 17 May 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Casualties

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice his Department provides for service personnel in respect of the preparations of their wills prior to operational duties overseas.

Answer: At least three months prior to a deployment all service personnel are briefed by their Chain of Command on the benefits of having a will, as well as a Lasting Power of Attorney. This powerful legal document gives another person or persons the power to make decisions with regard to service person's financial affairs and/or their health and personal welfare. These can be drawn up privately, in advance of a deployment, and can be revoked at any time.Service personnel are advised that wills can be drawn up privately or by use of a Ministry of Defence (MOD) Will Form (Form 106). Complete MOD Will Forms can be stored at the Wills Library in Glasgow at no cost to the individual.

Secondary information