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Thursday 29 November 2012

RAF awards for work at the Olympics

ACM Sir Stephen Dalton has presented 17 awards and personally thanked 100s of personnel for their work a the games. He said: "With the Olympics, Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and our round-the-clock operations, overseas and at home, I could not be more proud of the dedicated and professional young men and women of the RAF and of course the families and friends that support them – well done and thank you all...More information »

CDS Praises the role of RAF Personnel in Defending the UK

General Sir David Richards, has praised Air Cmd personnel for their role in defending the UK and supporting overseas ops. He said: “The breadth and importance of their work on behalf of Defence is truly impressive...Whether through the delivery of world-class training, keeping a round-the-clock vigil to protect UK airspace, or as a rapidly deployable HQ to deliver air power in support of our interests overseas, they can all be very proud of their invaluable contribution...More information »

Wednesday 28 November 2012

RAF Leeming's Agile Eagle

A RAF Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) has been declared ready to support NATO following a series of grueling tests which culminated in Exercise Agile Eagle held at RAF Waddington. Gp Capt Tony Innes paid tribute to those who had made it happen: "During the exercise the EAW HQ performed superbly and the deployment allowed the station to test its ability to continue to support the plethora of operationally-focused...More information »

BFBS to host Radio 1's Greg James in Afghanistan

Greg’s drive-time show will come live from the BFBS studios in Camp Bastion every day from 10 -14 Dec 12. The programmes will be simulcast on BFBS in Afghanistan and on BBC Radio 1 in the UK, enabling Greg to link families, friends and the Radio 1 audience to troops in theatre. Greg said: “I’m really excited to be bringing Radio 1 out to the troops and show them how much we appreciate their hard work...More information »

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Telephone Problems at RAF Wyton - Tue 27 Nov 12

We have received the following message from the DIO Communications Team: "RAF Wyton – Telephone problem. Because of a technical problem with the telephone system, Ops Accommodation staff based in the Swales Pavilion at RAF Wyton are unable to receive or make phone calls. Military numbers also appear to be affected. When calling in or out a permanently engaged signal is being received. The matter...More information »

What will be in George Osborne's Autumn Statement?

The Chancellor, George Osborne is due to give his Autumn Statement next Wed, 5 Dec 12. Many commentators are expecting him to extend the Public Sector pay freeze or to cap it until 2017...More information »

Battle Back Adaptive Sports Centre Opens

A Battle Back adaptive sports and adventure training centre to enhance the recovery of injured and sick personnel from all three Services has opened at Lilleshall. Beth Tweddle, the Olympic gymnastic said: "The Battle Back Centre is a fantastic facility...It's wonderful that servicemen and women, who have given so much for our country, can use their experiences at the Centre to build their motivation and their self-belief...More information »

Monday 26 November 2012

RAF Dependants Fund increase its Death Benefit

Following an Extraordinary Meeting of the Trustees of The Royal Air Force Dependants Fund it has been decided to increase the benefit payable on the death of a subscriber to the scheme from £10K to £15K. This increase was effective from 0001 hrs on Fri 26 Oct 12. The scheme is open to all members of the RAF & FTRS (RAF) on payment of a monthly subscription of 50p through salary. Members of the RAuxAF may subscribe...More information »

Looking for Volunteers to go to Lourdes at Easter

The RAF HCPT Pilgrimage Trust Group takes children aged 7-18 with disabilities and/or special needs on a weeks holiday to Lourdes every Easter. The group is made up of CRB-cleared RAF personnel including medical staff. If you know of a child from the RAF community who would like to join them for Easter 13 or you are able to volunteer (they are especially men at the moment!) for this rewarding cause please contact...More information »

£46m investment in Foxhound

The MoD is investing £46m in acquiring fifty-one new Foxhound patrol vehicles for troops serving in Afghanistan. Members of No 5 RAF Force Protection Wg based at Camp Bastion, were amongst the first within the defence community to use the Foxhound protected patrol vehicle in an operational environment and were extremely impressed. Cpl Fraser Bruce, RAF, said: "This is a cracking bit of kit...More information »

Save £14 on Air Tattoo Tickets

Organisers of next year's Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on the weekend of 20-21 Jul 13 are offering reduced ticket rates for those who are prepared to purchase their tickets before 7 Jan 13. The Air Tattoo’s Head of Marketing Helen Webb said: “We’ve introduced the new pricing structure to reflect the growing number of people who are looking for extra-value in these challenging times...More information »

Friday 23 November 2012

The Tongans really understand RAF Force Protection...

The Commander of the Tonga Defence Services, Brig Gen Tau'aika 'Uta'atu,was guest of honour at the handover ceremony from the 4th to the 5th Tongan Contingent at Camp Bastion. A society known for its tribal traditions and passion - fierce and emotive, the Tongas support RAF FP. Sqn Ldr Stewart Beekman said: "The Tongans really understand the importance of force protection. They work seamlessly with the RAF Regiment and RAF Police...More information »

The Secretary of State delivers his Vision for Defence

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has outlined the vision for delivering value for money and innovation in Defence at the Reform Defence Conference in London. Mr Hammond said: "Our Armed Forces exist to protect our country and provide the ultimate guarantee of its security and independence. This must be the first duty of Government, and everything we do in Defence is directed at supporting that objective...More information »

A Day in the Life of Flt Lt Wales

A new Royal website has been set up to feature the public life and work of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The pages include a section on the Day in the Life of Flt Lt Wales. Unfortunately, some of the photographs used have already caused embarrassment. In shots showing the Prince at work on the sqn at RAF Valley there is sensitive information on show. As a precaution RAF staff have reset passwords...More information »

RAF Marham's 'Shiny Two' arrive Home

The families of II(AC) Sqn personnel gathered at RAF Marham to welcome their loved one’s home from their deployment in Afghanistan. The personnel flew directly into the Norfolk base. OC II(AC) Sqn, Wg Cdr Nick Tucker-Lowe said: "This has been a tremendously successful deployment for ‘Shiny Two’. With an operational pedigree that is ‘Second to None’ the Sqn always strives for operational excellence

British use of Drones

In The Times there is a report that MPs are to open an inquiry into Britain's use of drones to kill militants in a move that could prompt the US to reveal more about its 'secret war'. On the subject, the MoD said:'The headlines 'British use of drones at heart of secret war' and 'MPs to test British use of drones at heart of secret war' are factually incorrect. RAF Reaper Remotely Piloted Air Systems only operate

007 walks into the cinema at Camp Bastion

800 soldiers, sailors and airmen serving at Camp Bastion were about to watch Skyfall when 007 star Daniel Craig walked in to introduce it. Sgt Dave Hammond RAF, who was one of those lucky to get a ticket for the film said: "It was great to be able to see the film here and to have James Bond himself to introduce it was brilliant! It was like a return to the old James Bonds. There was a bit of humour and some spectacular

Consultation on Future Reserves 2020

The MoD has launched a formal, written, public consultation on the future of the UK’s Reserve Forces, ‘Future Reserves 2020: Delivering the Nation’s Security Together’. The consultation period will run from 8 Nov 12 until 18 Jan 13. Anyone with an interest in Reserve Forces is able to register their views and it is being asked that individuals engage and provide feedback before the close on 18 Jan 13

The First War in the Air

With the centenary of the First World War just 18 months away, the RAF Museum is asking members of the public which objects from its archives they would like to see on display to explain the role of aviation in this momentous event. Peter Dye, Director General of the RAF Museum, said: "The RAF Museum is justifiably proud of its First World War collection, which contains the most comprehensive collection of aircraft

Our Stories in RAF News - Not expecting to leave the RAF so soon...

Periodically in RAF News the Federation uses the evidence someone has provided to illustrate a topic of concern. The cases illustrate where policy is deemed as not quite fair or is outdated, or where there is disadvantage purely because that someone is a member of an RAF family. In this edition we hear from a couple. He has not received the extension of service he was hoping for and is now faced with leaving the Service sooner than anticipated but is too busy at work to take resettlement. And she is concerned at the substantial debt they already have and is worrying at the thought of possibly ending up without a home...See full details

Thursday 15 November 2012

Typhoon over Murrayfield this Saturday (17 Nov 12)

A Typhoon from 6 Sqn based at RAF Leuchars will fly over Murrayfield this Saturday (17 Nov 12) just before the 2.30 pm kick. The match, hosted by the Scottish Rugby Union, sees the Armed Forces Charity Test Match between Scotland and South Africa. It is hoped the match will raise funds for military charities. Weather permitting the flypast will be at 1,000ft...More information »

Wednesday 14 November 2012

Pension Tax Charge for some Service Personnel

Changes to Government pension tax policy introduced in 2011 means some Service Personnel leaving the Service during this tax Year, Apr 12/13, may attract a pension tax charge. Most Service Personnel will not be affected, however, officers at OF4 level or above or Service Personnel who have recently been promoted or received a significant salary increase may see changes...More information »

Community Covenant proved a Towering Success...

In a Defence article Lorraine McBride reports on the swapping ideas and experiences and sharing best practice that were themes of the 2012 Armed Forces Community Covenant Conference. Rebecca writes: "Eighteen months after its launch, the Community Covenant has proved a towering success. The Covenant aims to remove any disadvantages and, secondly, to ensure special treatment where it is justified...More information »

Keeping an eye on Christmas Posting Dates

The latest recommended posting dates for Christmas 2012 have been issued. For UK to Op Herrick, Op Kipion & BFPO 622 the date is 3 Dec 12 for other BFPOs it is 14 Dec 12. Latest Recommended dates of posting from BFPO to UK (Surface) is 7 Dec 12 and from BFPOs to UK (Airmail) it is 20 Dec 12. For children letters to Santa should be sent by 7 Dec 12. The address is Santa's Grotto, Reindeer Land, SAN TA1...More information »

Tuesday 13 November 2012

Funeral of Flt Lt William Walker

The funeral has taken place of retired RAF Flight Lieutenant William Walker, thought to be the oldest veteran from the Battle of Britain and one of those whom Churchill called "The Few”. His funeral took place at St Clement Danes, attended by his friends, family, senior serving and retired members of the RAF, and surviving members of the Battle of Britain Fighter Squadron. The 99 year old Spitfire pilot...More Information

Monday 12 November 2012

Downton's Daisy dishes up with the RAF Field Kitchen

Sophie McShera, who plays Daisy in the series Downton Abbey serves her colleague Allen Leech (Branson) in the RAF Field Kitchen of No 3 Mobile Catering Squadron during the Centrepoint annual Sleep Out. Celebrities and members of the public spend one night on the street to raise awareness and sponsorship money for the charity. WO Willie Dixon said: "At our busiest we could feed 100 people in 10 minutes...More information »

MHS introduce text alert reminders

MODern Housing Solutions (MHS) are now offering customers text message reminders to confirm appointments. Introduction of the new service on 12 Nov 12 follows the successful introduction of the option of an email to confirm appointments, rather than a letter, earlier this year. This new text message service will mean that customers calling in to raise a job will have the option to receive a text alert the day before...More information »

The eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month

Sun 11 Nov 12 the Nation (wherever they were) paid tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and remember those they have left behind. HM The Queen, members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and dignitaries, attended the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. They were joined by hundreds of veterans from previous conflicts, as well as Service personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force on parade...More information »

Monday 5 November 2012

Service Pupil Premium Extended

It has been announced that the Service Pupil Premium is being extended to state-maintained schools in England. Children of military personnel who have died in service will be eligible and children of military personnel will continue to qualify up to six year after their parents have left the Armed Forces. The amount paid to schools for each eligible child will increase to £300 in 2013-14. Let the school know by 17 Jan 13...More information »