Don't Forget our Pay Survey. It launches tomorrow...

Tomorrow sees the launch of the RAF FF survey on 'Pay, Pensions and other Stuff'. Please add your voice to this important debate as we prepare to engage with the AFPRB. In this era of pay restraint, allowances cuts and pensions reviews, it is all the more important that Serving personnel and families’ give their views. Your thoughts on money-related issues and general quality of life influences the Government’s thinking...More information »

Estranged RAF Wife goes Self-Sufficient

Clare Macnaughton, last year separated from her husband, a serving officer in the RAF, and moved out of service quarters with their two children to begin a new life in an old damp rented house in the Wiltshire countryside. She has no idea what she is doing but her long-term goal is to live more self sufficiently. Clare has a 30 minute pilot TV show going out on on Sky Channel 200 at 9pm this Sat- 9 Jun 12...More information »

Wg Cdr Stubbs writes Fanfare fit for The Queen

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee will be celebrated with a national service of thanksgiving in St Paul's Cathedral. A newly written trumpet fanfare has been composed by Wg Cdr Duncan Stubbs. The piece is called Jubilate and inspired by the cathedral's prominent nine-second echo. Wg Cdr Stubbs said: "A fanfare is a glorified hello". The RAF musicians who performed at William and Kate's wedding will play the piece...More information »

Further Delay on Self-Preference

DIO staff have been forced to impose a further delay on their introduction of the Self-Preference SFA Scheme - this time indefinitely. Originally scheduled for introduction on the 8 May 12, the system allowing those moving into SFA to show a preference for a particular quarter was postponed until the 29 May in the hope of ironing out technical problems. These are worse than was first feared...More information »

Jubilee Flypast Print

An impressive print featuring the aircraft that took part in Queen’s Diamond Jubilee flypast on 19 May 12 is available from the RAF Benevolent Fund. The print was kindly produced by Squadron Prints and proceeds from the sales will go directly to the Benevolent Fund's charitable work supporting the RAF family. The print measures 43.8 cm x 29.2 cm and cost £20.00...More information »

Roots of Recovery at the Chelsea Flower Show

Patients at Headley Court are growing stronger through a gardening project which has culminated in the creation of a display garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. Philip Hammond said: “Exhibiting here shows the determination of our injured personnel. By using innovative ways to provide rehabilitation, the staff at Headley Court have shown time and time again the facility gives first-class treatment for those who need it...More information »

Redundancies made with 'No long-term Plan'

It has been reported that the MoD has made military and civilian personnel redundant without a long-term plan in place to retain key skills. The claims are made in a critical report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which also concludes that the cost of consultants has risen from £6m to £270m.The MoD said: "This is a serious distortion of the facts. See full details

The Queen writes 'Thank You' to her Armed Forces

Her Majesty The Queen has written a letter of thanks to the Armed Forces for the Parade and Muster for her Diamond Jubilee. In her letter, Her Majesty writes: 'I send my thanks, admiration and pleasure for the Parade and Muster for my Diamond Jubilee and my congratulations to all who took part including the bands for their music, and those in the very impressive fly past. It was a very moving tribute from all three Services...More information »

Celebrating the Life and Achievements of Guy Gibson

Exactly 69 years to the day after the Dambusters Raid, the people of the Cornish fishing town of Porthleven, with the support of personnel from RAF St Mawgan, celebrated the life and achievements of Wg Cdr Guy Gibson, who led the famous and incredibly dangerous attack on the Ruhr Dams in May 1943. Gp Capt Robertson said: "He was, as 'Bomber Harris' described, as great a warrior as this island has ever bred...More information »

Offer your SFA for Roof Insulation and Save ££££s

And there is no catch! DIO has secured funding for the insulation of roof spaces and in some instances cavity wall insulation as well. It will not cost occupants of SFA a penny and there is the potential for a warmer house and £s saved on heating bills. If you are interested in offering your SFA to have this work carried out please say so as soon as the letter drops through your door. Work will be completed before Oct 12...More information »

Armed Forces Diamond Jubilee Parade and Muster

The Armed Forces Diamond Jubilee Parade and Muster took place on Saturday at Windsor. It was the first major national event of the Diamond Jubilee and honours the Queen's 60-year reign and marks the unique relationship between the Armed Forces and their Commander-in-Chief, Her Majesty The Queen...More information »

‘Help for Heroines’ - Your chance to talk to 'Good Housekeeping'

For the last two years Good Housekeeping magazine has received wonderful letters from readers moved and inspired by the military heroines. Moya Sarner of the magazine writes:"We would now like to show the respect and gratitude felt by us at Good Housekeeping, our readers, and the whole country, to more inspiring service wives and mums, by inviting them to star in our Christmas 2012 issue...More information »

Longleat offer 33% Discount for 2012

Longleat Safari and Adventure Park have new animals, shows and attractions and is offering a 33% Forces Discount for the whole of the 2012 season - Daily until Sun 4 Nov 12 - on their All In One Day Ticket. The discount is available to members of the RAF, Navy and Army but need to be purchased online and validated on arrival with an ID card...More information »

Lord Ashcroft's Report on 'The Armed Forces & Society'

Lord Ashcroft, himself a former serviceman, has conducted the biggest ever survey of British troops, which explores the relationship between Service personnel and wider society. Amongst the findings are that the public rate the Armed Forces very highly, and personnel felt public support has increased. However, some feared the relationship with the public could deteriorate as current high profile conflicts end...More information »

Service Personnel Killed in Afghanistan Named

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence confirm that Cpl Brent John McCarthy, from the Royal Air Force, and L Cpl Lee Thomas Davies, from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, were killed in Afghanistan on Sat 12 May 12. The two were serving as part of an advisory team providing security for a meeting with local officials when they were shot and killed by members of the Afghan Police Force...More information »

Defence Budget Black Hole has Disappeared says Minister

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond is expected to announce today that he has balanced the Defence budget books and removed the £38 billion deficit. But questions are being asked as to how exactly he has achieved this - He has been keen to point out that there would be no new redundancies beyond those already announced...More information »

A Member of the RAF and Army killed in Afghanistan

It is with great sadness that the MoD has confirmed the death of a member of the Royal Air Force and a soldier from 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in Afghanistan on the 12 May 12. The two were serving as part of an advisory team providing security for a meeting with local officials near patrol base Attal, in the Lashkar Gah district when they were shot and killed by members of the Afghan Police Force...More information »

Chinook to the Rescue of Sea King

An RAF Sea King has had to be rescued by a Chinook after a fault caused its crew to make an emergency landing near Aonach Mor. The aircraft and crew had been on their way to rescue a walker who had fallen into a Corrie. Members of RAF Leuchars Mountain Rescue Team guarded the grounded aircraft until a Chinook from RAF Odiham could airlift the Sea King...More information »

Our Stories in RAF News - Child Benefit Double Blow

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. This case tells of an unhappy spouse who is worried enough to write to ask about the changes to Child Benefit payments. They wonder if the Government is really going to double punish supportive partners of the military who struggle to have careers and make pension contributions by taking away the entitlement to Child Benefit too. They already feel partners are penalised because most are only able to take up minor, low-paid jobs because of moves every 1-2 years – and are certainly not in a position to have two £40k incomes. They believe this is a serious disadvantage us in comparison to civilians...More information »

Prince William to make a Choice: Flying or Royal Duties

Several newspapers are reporting that the RAF has given Prince William until the end of the year to decide whether he wants to continue his flying or pursue his Royal Duties. Prince William's aide said: “The Duke has to make a decision during this year. He has not yet made a decision...More information »

Why Mental Health matters to Service Families - Woman's Hour (Thu)

The Centre for Mental Health has been invited to contribute to a piece on BBC Radio 4's 'Woman's Hour' tomorrow (Thu 10 May 12). Being discussed is Matt Fossey’s report, 'Unsung Heroes: Developing a better understanding of the Emotional and Psychological needs of Service Families' The programme is on the air from 10-11am...More information »

Delay to SFA Self Preference

DIO has announced a delay in the Allocations Service Programme and have issued a new go-live date for the E-1132 enhancement (self-preference) of 29 May 12. When the system does go live there may be little choice in some areas where SFA are in short supply. Also, the information available online ie photos, floor plans etc, will be limited at launch but will be enhanced over the coming months...More information »

Exercise Olympic Guardian is in Full Swing

Typhoon fighter jets have taken up position at RAF Northolt and are engaged in a nine day military exercise to test security for the Olympic Games. Codenamed Olympic Guardian, the exercise will put the three Services through their paces in the skies over the South East. There will be increased air activity on 5 and 6 May. AVM Stuart Atha said: "We hope people will understand...More information »

Armed Forces Community Covenant in action in Wales

An agreement has been signed between the RAF and the Isle of Anglesey County Council to support the development of the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path. It has being made possible through the Anglesey Armed Forces Community Covenant which will be signed on 24 May 12 at RAF Valley. This new partnership forms the basis of the upcoming Community Covenant...More information »

Quick Vote

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Help with Travel plans during the Olympic Games

With less than 100 days to go until the London 2012 Games begin,Transport for London, have announced new website information. It is hoped it will help individuals plan their journeys and avoid those times and places when it is expected to be exceptionally busy. The website gives information on which stations and/or lines most affected with predicted day by day impact along with advice on the options...More information »