← Useful information

How Family Members Can Submit a Complaint on Behalf of a Service Member

Family members of a service member may submit a complaint to the Office of the Military Ombudsman. Below are some important guidelines on when and how to do so.
When family members may submit a complaint
The Office of the Military Ombudsman considers complaints submitted by family members only if:
01

the complaint is filed on behalf of a service member;

02

the issue concerns the service member's military service.

If the service member is available and able to submit a complaint independently, they are encouraged to do so personally.
What to consider before submitting a complaint
Before submitting a complaint, family members should discuss it with the service member.

We regularly encounter situations where:

  • the service member is unaware that a complaint has been submitted;
  • the service member does not agree with its content;
  • or the circumstances are described inaccurately.

This complicates the review process and may create unnecessary difficulties for the service member.

There are also cases where family members insist on certain actions (such as hospitalization or reassignment), while the service member does not believe that their rights have been violated.

In such cases, the service member's own position is taken into account.
Information to include in the complaint

The complainant's details
(full name, email address, and phone number);

The service member's details
(full name, military unit, and phone number);

A description of the complaint
(what happened, when, and where).

The following documents must be attached:

documents confirming the family relationship or the authority to act on the service member's behalf;

where available, copies of documents supporting the facts described in the complaint (orders, official responses, certificates, or other relevant documents).

If your relative has been mobilized and you have no information about them
i

In such cases, you should contact the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centre (TRSSC) responsible for the place where the individual was mobilized. The Centre can provide information about the service member's assigned place of military service. The Office of the Military Ombudsman is not responsible for matters related to the organization or administration of the mobilization process.

A complaint may be submitted

or through the online form on the website