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About AOLB

The AOLB is the British Armys pastoral lead for those involved in legal proceedings arising from any past operational deployments, including those related to Op BANNER (Northern Ireland), Op TELIC (Iraq) and Op HERRICK (Afghanistan).

AOLBs main role is to provide information and coordinate welfare support to any serving member of the army, or any veteran involved in these matters. This includes supporting those who may be involved in a prosecution, criminal investigation, civil litigation, inquest or public inquiry.

AOLB also works closely with the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) to support any serving personnel or veteran who is involved in an ICRIR investigation. It can also help enable personnel to access free legal support.

What support is available?

Pastoral

The AOLB provides dedicated pastoral support for those involved in operational legacy matters. This includes a contact helpline, and military support officers who can visit serving personnel or veterans involved in these legal processes to provide welfare and pastoral support throughout the duration of their involvement.

The branch can also arrange access to other specialist welfare services through its close links with Vets UK, Regimental Headquarters and other welfare organisations.

Legal

Free legal support is often available to serving personnel or veterans contacted as part of operational legacy processes. This is not provided directly through AOLB, but veterans are invited to contact the branch who can put them in touch with the relevant organisation to determine their eligibility and provide assistance.

Support for Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel

Personnel from the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force affected by operational legacy matters should contact the AOLB, who can provide details of the support available for their respective single services.

Contact us

If you have been contacted regarding an inquest, investigation or other legal matter relating to a past operational deployment, you can contact the Army Operational Legacy Branch (AOLB) by:

Telephone: 07813 007392 - 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Email: ArmyPers-APSG-AOLB-0MAILBOX@mod.gov.uk

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