Someone you know deserves to be recognised

Soldiering On Awards
2 days ago
3 min read

Across the UK, members of the Armed Forces Community are making a difference every day and often quietly, often without recognition, always with commitment and purpose. Nominations for The Armed Forces Community Awards (Soldiering On) 2026 are now open, and this is our chance to bring those stories into the spotlight.

Why nominating matters

Within the Armed Forces Community, extraordinary contributions are often seen as “just getting on with it” but recognition matters.

When someone is nominated, it sends a powerful message: you are seen, your contribution matters, and your impact is valued.

Nominations help bring stories into the light, stories of resilience, leadership, compassion and innovation. They amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard and show others what is possible when service, dedication and community come together.

Who should you be thinking about?

Now is the time to pause and think.

Who do you know who consistently goes above and beyond, without seeking praise?

Who is paving the way and lifting others along the way?

Who embodies the values of service, integrity and community in their everyday actions?

They may be a serving person, veteran, reservist, partner, volunteer, cadet, leader, employer or community champion. Their contribution may feel ordinary to them but transformative to those around them.

These are the people these awards are designed to recognise.

The award categories

The Armed Forces Community Awards celebrate excellence across the full breadth of our community, with categories that reflect its diversity and impact, including:

Animal in Partnership Award in partnership with Pets at Home
Employee Champion Award in partnership with Landmarc Solutions
Education, Training & Development Award in partnership with Reed in Partnership
Working Together Award in partnership with FiMT
Business Start-Up Award in partnership with Barclays
Healthcare & Rehabilitation Award in partnership with Redwood Technologies
Business Scale-Up Award in partnership with LSEG Foundation
Defence Inclusivity Award in partnership with Babcock International
Community Impact Award in partnership with BAE Systems
Inspiration Award in partnership with Natwest
Lifetime Achievement Award in partnership with Oracle
And new for 2026, we are delighted to announce the Integrating Society Award. Building on the legacy of the Family Values Award, this new category reflects a broader, whole-society commitment to the Armed Forces community. Supported by Cobseo and the Ministry of Defence, it recognises the vital role that organisations, communities and families play in shaping a stronger, more connected society.

Each category represents a different form of service but together they tell one powerful story: that the Armed Forces Community continues to contribute, lead and inspire at every stage of life.

Why these awards matter

The Armed Forces Community Awards are about more than celebration. They are about visibility, validation and voice. They shine a light on what works, highlight positive role models, and challenge outdated assumptions. They show the Armed Forces Community as it truly is; skilled, adaptable, compassionate and deeply embedded in society.

For those within the community, these awards affirm that their service is recognised and respected. For the wider public, they deepen understanding and appreciation of the contribution made by our Armed Forces community each and every day.