Spouses Give their Views

The Families Continuous Attitude Survey for 2010 was sent to married Service personnel who were asked to pass them on to their spouses for completion. For the first time, the survey was co-ordinated on a tri-Service basis. Some common questions were included but there were also single Service-specific questions. The data was collected at the beginning of the year. Here is what was said...

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Do You Know about the Pupil Premium?

From Sep 11 schools will receive an additional sum of £200 for every Service child on their roll. This payment is in recognition of the unique challenges and stresses facing service children. The trigger for this payment to schools however, will be taken from the roll from the Annual School Census of January 2011. So please, ensure the school is aware of your child's Service connection...

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Christmas Message from the Chief of the Air Staff

"...my thoughts are focused on those of you who will be spending Christmas on duty, but especially for those who will be on operations in or over Afghanistan, the Falkland Islands and the Arabian Gulf more widely and for your forbearing families who are waiting for you at home...The past year has demanded much from you...I know that we can, together, continue to be the high performance air force that this country needs and wants...

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The Harrier Flies into the History Books

"Today has been a tribute to everybody involved with the Harrier family." Gp Capt Gary Waterfall's words as 16 Harriers took to the skies for their final flight of their 41 years service. The aircraft flew over seven RAF bases, Lincoln Cathedral and the towns of Stamford and Oakham. "The Harrier is a true icon and stands testament to the innovation and excellence of British design and engineering and the skill and courage of our airmen...More information »

The Rules Change for 'Boarding School Allowance'

Changes to the Continuity of Education Allowance (Board) (CEA) have been announced by Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey. The allowance is paid to ensure that the children of mobile service families receive a continuous education. Rates have not been cut but there are changes to the eligibility rules. Those in receipt of CEA will retain the support as long as they meet the new rules. The new rules come into effect on 1 Apr 11...More information »

Christmas Messages from the Secretary of State for Defence

"I would like to express my gratitude to all the Service personnel and their families..."This year has seen many changes; we have had to make some difficult decisions and more will have to be taken in the future. Whilst this is likely to mean that we will all face some tightening of belts I am committed to making sure that our Service personnel and families continue to be well looked after...Thank you all for your support for and commitment to our Servicemen and women and a particular thanks to those who will be separated from their loved ones over the holiday period. We are all very proud of our families...

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RAF Say 'PR Nightmare' is Not the Reason

Many media reports cite avoidance of a 'PR Nightmare' as the reason why repatriation flights are being moved away from Lyneham. The MoD state 'The decision to close RAF Lyneham was announced in 2003. Its use as a base for the airbridge to and from Afghanistan was never a permanent arrangement'. The statement goes on to say, ' We continue to be grateful for the support Wootton Bassett shows in paying tribute...More information »