Following media coverage in The Times and elsewhere, several families have been in contact seeking reassurance of the future provision of Service accommodation. Chairman of the RAF Families Federation, said: "As far as I know, no decisions has been made and the MoD staffs are working on the New Employment Model, which could potentially make recommendations regarding the future provision of Service accommodation. These are still at a very early stage, with many options still being considered... Any major policy proposals associated with accommodation provision are likely to take some considerable time, with estimates that elements of the New Employment Model, assuming it is adopted by the MoD, could take ten years to implement in full...I would like to reassure all RAF families that their independent Federation is actively engaged with the policy staff...More information »
The BFBS Operation Ice-Cream van is deploying again this year, travelling around the UK dispensing a generous dollop of morale to Forces families and topped with a sprinkling of hundreds and thousands… Free ice-creams! Stuart Whitby, MD of Whitby Morrison, who created the bespoke ice-cream van said: “We are delighted to team up with BFBS to support the families of our servicemen and women...More information »
Reservists are to be called out for permanent service as part of Defence's overall contribution to security at the London Olympics. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond today informed Parliament that a call-out order has been made under the Reserve Forces Act and that call-out notices will soon be issued. Defence will contribute 13,500 personnel of which up to 2,100, around 15%, will come from the Reserves...More information »
This news item explains the arrangements for electoral registration and voting for members of the Armed Forces, their spouses and civil partners under the Electoral Administration Act 2006, which came into effect in Nov 06. It also details the changes made under The Service Voters’ Registration Period Order 2010 which came into effect on 19 March 2010...More information »
The Court Martial Centre at Bulford and at other centres at Portsmouth, Catterick, Aldergrove, Colchester and Sennelager use victim support workers but are short of those who know the Armed Forces. Lt Col David Rainey, Court Officer, Military Court Centre, Bulford said: "During my tenure here, I have noticed that with the exception of retired military personnel the broader service community may not be aware...See full details
In a move which is predicted to revolutionise RAF flying training, 4 (Reserve) Sqn, based at RAF Valley, is gearing up for its first student course in Apr 12. Through a combination of synthetic training and 28 Hawk T2 aircraft, the training syllabus is considered to be world-leading. Sqn Ldr Rob Caine said: "I've been to Australia and the USA and seen how they train fast jet pilots and in my view we've leapfrogged them...More information »
