Speed of a different kind for Sir Chris Hoy

Six-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Chris Hoy has experienced speed of a different kind with a flight in a RAF Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft of 6 Sqn during a visit to RAF Leuchars. Sir Chris said: “I am absolutely delighted to have had such a warm welcome to what is a very busy RAF station. It was also great to meet young people and families who live on the station...sometimes forget the families who are left behind...More information »

Jon Thompson is the new Permanent Secretary at the MoD

It has been announced that Jon Thompson will take up the position of Permanent Secretary of the MoD on 3 Sep 12. The appointment follows the departure of Ursula Brennan from the post in Jun. In a message to staff, Jon Thompson said: "It is a privilege to be taking over at this critical time for the MoD. As Director General of Finance I have seen the passion and commitment which Defence inspires in our people...More information »

RAF Kick Start the Paralympics

The crew of a RAF Puma helicopter have kick-started the opening of the Paralympic Games by helping to unveil the official logo in Edinburgh. Cpl Lindsey Allan from the RAF Regt's 4 Force Protection Wg and Cpl Steven Evans from the RAF Regt Training Wg performed a fast-rope drop from the aircraft to pass two arrows to Cpl Shaun Gibson who was waiting.Cpl Lindsey Allan said: "It was amazing...More information »

CONTINUING PROBLEMS with e-1132

The problems faced by DIO Ops Accom with the failure of the e-1132 system platform continues today. The problem has not been able to be resolved and it now seems likely that the e-1132 functionality will not be available again until at least 6pm (Thu 23 Aug 12). The message from DIO Ops Accommodation reads: 'Customers cannot currently access the e-1132 online application system and therefore are advised to try...More information »

IMMEDIATE - e-1132 System Failure

We have received notification from DIO Ops that the system platform used for e-1132 online applications has been affected by an IT outage in the Hemel Hempstead area. This means that, at the moment, customers and users do not have access to these systems. A further note will follow once more information becomes available...More information »

BA Business and Enterprise being offered at RAF Waddington

You are invited to study for a degree in one year with Edinburgh Napier University, currently actively recruiting for their September intake of the one year BA Business and Enterprise degree. The course recognises rank and prior qualifications for direct entry and is registered for ELCs. You attend local workshops approximately one day per month at RAF Waddington, with induction in Edinburgh on 14 Sep 12...More information »

4Children would like your views on Childcare for the under 5's

In June the Prime Minister announced a review of childcare looking at how to reduce the costs for working families, and burdens on childcare providers, without compromising the safety or quality of provision. The charity 4Children are working with the Dept for Education and the Dept for Work and Pensions to help inform the review and are running a survey. 4Children ask if RAF families will contribute...More information »

An 'Overwhelming' Thank You to the Armed Forces

Members of the public have posted messages in their thousands to thank the Armed Forces' for their contribution to the London 2012 Olympics. A MoD spokesman said: "The support and appreciation shown has been overwhelming". Natasha Peters wrote: "It couldn't of happened with out u all there. Thanks girls and guys, u did great as always, u should be very proud of urselves as should the whole of the UK...More information »

All Change at the Top

25% of military and civilian senior personnel based at the MoD Main Building will be cut over the next two years to form a new senior staff structure. Around 26 civilian and military posts equivalent of Air Cdre and above are to go. Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond said: "At a time when we are making difficult decisions about Defence spending we cannot ignore the volume of posts at the top...More information »

G4S donates £2.5m to the Armed Forces for Standing in

Private security firm G4S has donated £2.5m to the Armed Forces for their contribution in stepping in after the company failed to find enough staff for the Olympic Games. CDS Gen Sir David Richards said: "The armed forces are pleased to accept this donation... I am glad that they are receiving the gratitude and recognition for the excellent work...More information »

Air Rank and Command Appointments

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has been appointed Honorary Air Commodore of Royal Air Force Northolt; Air Commodore P A Atherton OBE to be promoted Air Vice-Marshal and to be Director Operational Airworthiness in the Military Aviation Authority; Air Commodore R W La Forte CBE to be Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands; Group Captain (Retd) D A McCafferty to be Commandant Air...More information »

Gp Capt (Ret'd) Bill Mahon is appointed as new Director of the RAF FF

Gp Capt (Ret'd) Bill Mahon has been appointed as the new Director of the RAF Families Federation. He takes over from Dawn McCafferty on 20 Aug 12. Bill Mahon left the RAF earlier this year after a career lasting more than 30 years. Bill said: "I am very much looking forward to my new role and to helping give voice to the views and welfare concerns of RAF personnel and their families...More information »

A thank you to Service Personnel from Lord Coe

Lord Sebastian Coe has visited Hainault Forest Country Park where over 3000 members of the Armed Forces are living in temporary accommodation while they are on duty at the Olympics. In the company of The Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards, Lord Coe toured the site, met with the Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors and thanked them all for their continued hard work during the London 2012 Games...More information »

RAF Families Federation give an Update on BFBS

Patrick Eade of BFBS interviews Ann Dewar, Comms Manager at the Federation, on the latest work going on on behalf of RAF Families. Subjects discussed include the latest survey results on Pay, Pension, X-factor, redundancies, the Federation survey coming up in Sep on the support to RAF Families and the Federation's magazine Envoy...More information »

The Prime Minister thanks those at RAF Northolt

The Prime Minister has visited RAF Northolt, one of the major military hubs delivering air security where RAF Typhoons are on standby. Sqn Ldr Paul 'Boomer' Ward, the Typhoon Det Cdr, said: "It was a great privilege to meet the Prime Minister... He was very interested to hear how the RAF's Typhoons are ready to scramble as part of our multilayered air security plan to provide a safe and secure Games for all to enjoy...More information »

Free Day at the Races for every Serving Member of the RAF

EVERY serving member of the RAF is being offered two free tickets to watch the horse races at Market Rasen Racecourse on Sun 5 Aug. Pip Kirkby, the racecourse’s managing director, said: “In Lincolnshire, we are very much in ‘RAF country’, and we want to help the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund who do so much to support serving and former RAF personnel and their families...More information »

Outline design of the new Armed Forces Pension Scheme

The proposed outline design of the new Armed Forces Pension Scheme has been issued by the MoD. The proposed outline design, which has been endorsed by the Service Chiefs, builds on the recommendations for pension reform brought forward by Lord Hutton of Furness, and takes account of the views of Service Personnel expressed in an extensive initial consultation on the new scheme...More information »

RAF Kinloss has Gone...

RAF Kinloss has marked the end of an era as the stn was handed over to the Army and became Kinloss Barracks. The Army's 39 Engineer Regiment officially took over the unit, which has been home to the RAF since 1939. The day was marked with a short but poignant ceremony, which saw the RAF Ensign lowered for the last time as a Tornado aircraft flew overhead and the flag of 39 Engineer Regiment raised...More information »