Flexible Service - Further Information

Principles 

Maintaining operational capability is a central part of military service and will be crucial to decisions about Flexible Service (FS) applications.  

The reduction in commitment and liability for duty under FS is protected under law and can be relied upon. Your FS arrangement is protected from unwarranted variation by your Chain of Command.

If you take up FS you will see a proportionate reduction in your pay, pension and leave, which will reflect your lower commitment. That variation will be fair and reasonable, both for those on FS and to those who are not.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

You have a right to apply for FS and if granted, there are legal protections that limit both you and your Chain of Command changing that arrangement.

You remain subject to Service Law at all times, even under a FS Arrangement (and so would be subject to a lawful order on a non-working day) and subject to the normal Service standards and regulations.  

You will require your Commanding Officer's (CO’s) permission if you wish to take up another job to avoid a conflict of interest or affect your military duties.  Your other employer will have no protections if you are recalled (as they would with Reserves) and before you start that work, you must let them know that MOD can terminate the FS arrangement and recall you to full time duty at no notice (in an emergency). 

When you are working part time, you will not be required to attend for duty on agreed non-duty days and you will continue to be paid monthly.  While your pay and some other benefits will be reduced proportionately, all days during FS count towards qualifying service. 

Making an application

More information on how to apply is available on the 'Applying for Flexible Service' Card.

Changes to FS Terms

You cannot be required to change to FS terms and you do not have a right to do so. There is no break in service and no single period of FS normally last for more than 3 years. 

Don’t Forget…

• if you choose to work part time, your pay, pension and leave will be reduced proportionally

• if you choose to restrict your separation, your X-Factor rate will be reduced

• if you choose to work part time and restrict your separation your pay, pension, leave and X-Factor will be reduced proportionally