Armed Forces Day 2013: Saturday 29 June
Armed Forces Day gives the nation an opportunity to show its support for the brave men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets. The national event will be held in Nottingham, but there are many more events being held up and down the country. Click here to find out what's going on in your area. Show your support by claiming your free Armed Forces Day sticker.

Notification of Army Personnel Selected for Tranche 3 of the Redundancy Programme

On 18 June 2013, Army Personnel were being notified if they had been selected for redundancy in the third tranche of the Armed Forces Redundancy Programme. The Army notified approximately 4,480 personnel, for 84% of them their selection was a result of having applied for redundancy. There is likely to be a need for one more tranche of redundancies for the Army, and there may be a requirement for a small number of redundancies for medical personnel from the RAF and Royal Navy, as the outcome of the Defence Medical Services 20 (DMS20) project is implemented. Click here for details.

Community Covenant e-Newsletter: June 2013
Click here to read the latest e-Newsletter from the Community Covenant team. This edition looks at Local Government responsibilities for supporting employment, and highlights a successful bid for the Community Covenant Grant Scheme.

Afghans Take Security Lead Across Afghanistan
NATO-led forces have formally handed over the last of Afghanistan's 95 districts to Afghan security forces. Click here for details.

 

Family Fun at RNAS Culdrose Air Day
The ever popular Air Day at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose takes place on July 24. It is the only day of the year when the public can experience the sights, sounds and smells of a working military Naval Air Station. You will be blown away by flying displays from the Red Arrows, and there will be lots to do on the ground. Visitors can meet the Aircrew, climb on-board state-of-the art aircraft, and be scrambled on a search and rescue mission, winched high into the air! www.culdroseairday.com
 

Forces Sauces
Forces Sauces are great tasting, Great British sauces that you can be proud to serve! Stocked in over 700 Tesco stores nationwide, every bottle of Corporal Ketchup and Brigadier Brown sold will donate at least 6p to the military charities Stoll and The Royal British Legion. Forces Sauces is the brainchild of veteran and Stoll resident Bob Barrett. Click here to read Bob’s inspiring story, and go grab yourself a bottle!

Radio Gold
Congratulations to the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS), who scooped up gold and silver awards at the prestigious New York Festivals International Radio Programs and Promos Competition. 

Troops to Teachers
The Government has launched Troops to Teachers; a new scheme designed to make it easier for former members of the Armed Forces to become teachers. The scheme offers graduate and non-graduate programmes. It will provide teacher training opportunities to Service leavers, with significant extra benefits, including salaries while training, bursaries and bespoke training. Click here for details.
 

Good Housekeeping Magazine: Help For Heroines
Good Housekeeping Magazine wants to hear from Service wives and mums - to star in their Christmas issue! They would like to feature a range of heart-warming stories about how our military heroines, who are supporting those serving, will be spending Christmas. Will your loved one be at home or away on deployment? If they are going away, will you celebrate Christmas early or fly out to visit them? Those interviewed will be thanked with a special treat and photo shoot. Click here for details.
 

The Queen's Birthday Honours List
 
Congratulations to the serving personnel who were honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. Click here to see the list of recipients.

 
Summer Homeport Out Now

The summer magazine is our biggest to date, and it is packed full of news and information; including our annual summary of activity - ‘A Year in the Life of the NFF’. There is information on the New Employment Model, the Help to Buy Scheme for priority house purchase, and our exclusive competition to win an annual family pass for Merlin Attractions.

Click here to read the magazine online, or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to join the mailing list and we will post you a free copy.  

New Careers Service Launched for Injured Personnel
Injured and wounded Service personnel are being given access to new career opportunities with the launch of the Recovery Career Services. The online service will ensure that injured troops have access to the most comprehensive range of vocational training, education and work placements, to give them the best opportunity to compete in the civilian employment market. Click for details.

MOD Contract Rules Changes Could Save the Taxpayer Millions
New proposals could save taxpayers hundreds of millions of pounds, by changing the rules which govern how MOD contracts are awarded. The current rules have made it difficult for the taxpayer to get value for money because of a lack of transparency and competition in single source contracts. Click here for details.  

South Coast Proms

The musical extravaganza featuring the Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines will be held in Portsmouth on 5 & 6 July. There will also be aerobatic displays and fireworks; it will be fun for all the family! Battle of the Atlantic veterans are being invited to attend the event for free. Click here for more information and to book tickets.

Listening to YOU: Service Families Accommodation
The MOD is keen to understand customer satisfaction of those living in Service Families Accommodation. An independent research company has been appointed to undertake a monthly satisfaction survey with a random sample of residents. Click here for details on the survey.

Last Type 42 Warship Decommissions
HMS Edinburgh, the last of the Royal Navy's Type 42 destroyers, has officially bowed out of service. Click here for details.

Money Saving iPhone App

A new iPhone app, from the Defence Discount Service, is set to help the Defence community save cash. Whether it’s cheap cinema trips, a bargain outfit or the latest deals on laptops, the app allows users to get the most up-to-date savings. Click here for details.

Revised Pension Calculator NOW AVAILABLE & an Update on the Future Armed Forces Pension Scheme

The new pension calculator is now available. It is a useful tool that allows you to see the benefits you will accrue under the new Armed Forces Pension Scheme 15 (AFPS15). Click here for details, including some useful You Tube videos, and to read a message from the Chief of Naval Personnel & Training and Second Sea Lord, which provides an update on pensions, focusing on the new Early Departure Payment (EDP) point.

www.parentchannel.tv

This website offers a wide range of short videos for parents and carers. From hard hitting issues such as drugs and bullying, to the normal themes of growing up; peer pressure, sex education and homework. The videos offer useful and realistic advice from professional experts. Each video signposts to in-depth information and support help lines.

Young Singers Wanted!
Do you know a child who can sing? Are they aged 9–16 years old, with a parent or sibling currently serving in UK Armed Forces? The Royal British Legion and Decca Records are looking to give a group of talented young people the opportunity to perform a new song at this year's Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, in front of The Queen. The group will have the opportunity to record a single and shoot a music video – all in aid of The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal. Click here for details.

Royal Navy submarine returns from longest patrol
Trafalgar-class nuclear-powered submarine HMS Trenchant has returned home from a record-breaking 11-month deployment. Click here for details.

New Online Update Service for CRB Checks

Waiting for criminal record (CRB) checks can cause Service spouses/partners, who move frequently, delays when seeking employment in a new area. From 17 June 2013, a new online Update Service will be introduced for these checks. Please note that CRB checks are now called Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. Click here for details.

What’s on Near You?
Click here to visit the Royal Navy Events Calendar and find out about events happening in your local area. 

Camo Day: June 2013
Dress up, blend in…put your pennies in the tin! SSAFA's Camo Day is a nationwide non-school uniform day in support our Armed Forces and their families. It's part of Armed Forces Day celebrations, and takes place on 28 June in England and Wales, and 21 June in Scotland. Click here for details.

Improved Flexibility with Overseas Travel Allowances

Earlier this year, amendments were made to the tri-Service policy on overseas allowances, which benefit families living overseas. The amendments help harmonise and widen eligibility for the following allowances: Get You Home (Overseas), School Children's Visits, and Concessionary Travel for Families. Click here for details.

Kings Camp: Portsmouth

Kings Camp is coming back to Portsmouth! The summer holiday camps provide the children of Service personnel with an action packed week of fun and sports activities. The camps will run from 29 July - 2 August at HMS TEMERAIRE, and 5 - 9 August at HMS Collingwood.

Final funding is still to be confirmed; at this stage we are asking people to register their interest. E-mail WO1 PT Nash on: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The serving parent/guardian is encouraged to be a member of the RNRMC Payroll Scheme.

 

Introduction of the Naval Nanny Service
The Naval Nanny Service provides Naval Service parents with a reliable option for childcare, to be used when the regular childcare solution is insufficient to enable them to carry out their professional duties. It provides flexibility that regular childcare is often unable to provide. Click here for details.

Free Carvery to Celebrate Armed Forces Day
Following on from the success of last year, national restaurant group Crown Carveries, is once again supporting Armed Forces Day by offering a free carvery or breakfast to all serving personnel and veterans. The offer runs from Monday 24 - Saturday 29 June. To claim the free meal simply visit: www.crowncarveries.co.uk to download the ‘Free Forces Meal’ voucher and present it along with a current ID card, or veteran lapel badge, to staff at your local Crown Carvery restaurant.

Battle of the Atlantic 70th Anniversary

To mark the 70th anniversary of this historic event, the Royal Navy, supported by
the Merchant Navy and other maritime organisations, is holding a series of events across the UK during May 2013. The main focus will be in Liverpool, with a number of events elsewhere in the country, including London and Londonderry. Visit the Royal Navy website for further information.

Royal Marine: “My Wife Definitely has the Harder Job”

Click here to watch a short video on the BBC website, in which Colour Sgt Dominic Conway from 40 Commando, and his wife Rebecca, share their experiences of what it's like being apart for months at a time.
 

Op HERRICK: Extended Tours

The Defence Secretary has announced that the pattern of Brigade rotations for Op HERRICK will change from October. As a result, some Service personnel will be required to serve extended tours in Afghanistan, of up to 8 and potentially 9 months. A new HERRICK Drawdown Allowance is being introduced for affected personnel. Click here for details.

Offers to Improve Energy Efficiency: Such as the Green Deal

Various companies advertise offers to improve the energy efficiency of your home, including Government initiatives such as the Green Deal. However, before customers in Service Family Accommodation are tempted to take advantage of these offers they should very carefully read the terms and conditions of the offer so they understand their liability and any liability placed on the property. Click here for further details. 

Uniform to Work Day: 26 June

Uniform to Work Day is an opportunity for Reservists to wear uniforms to their civilian jobs, as well as Regulars and Reservists working in Defence. The day recognises the role the Reserve Forces play in both the community and the Armed Forces. The event forms part of Armed Forces Day. Personnel should see 2013DIN01-088 and 2013DIN01-088 on the Defence Intranet for further details.

Your Award Winning Team

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the Chief of Naval Personnel & Training and Second Sea Lord’s Commendation.

This prestigious award acknowledges our achievements and our commitment to support families.

We are over the moon and hope that the endorsement will strengthen our position as we continue to take families’ concerns forward to policy makers.

Photo (CROWN COPYRIGHT): Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral David Steel CBE, and Naval Secretary, Rear Admiral Woodcock OBE, with recipients of their Commendations pose on the steps of Admiralty House after the awards ceremony.

First Sea Lord’s Intent

Click here to read a message from the new First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas KCB DSC FRAeS ADC. The message outlines his vision for the Naval Service in the future as it develops to achieve its strategic aims.

The New Operating Model for Defence
The launch of the new Operating Model for Defence has been announced (2 April 2013). This is the biggest milestone for Defence Reform and a major step in the Transformation agenda.

The new Operating Model will achieve a more efficient and effective way to operate Defence, ensure sustained delivery of an affordable Defence programme, and will ensure Future Force 2020 is deliverable. Personnel can read about the New Operating Model on the Defence Intranet, and should see the Defence Internal Brief 2013DIB/24 on the Intranet for further details. Click here to read a letter from the Permanent Secretary and Chief of the Defence Staff on the development.
 

Joint Forces Command Becomes Fully Operational
Joint Forces Command has achieved Full Operating Capability (2 April 2013). This is a key part of the new Defence Operating Model. Click here for details.
 

NFF Awarded Funding from LIBOR Fines

The NFF is delighted to announce that we have been awarded £343,500 by the Government, from the fines levied on banks for attempting to manipulate the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) benchmark.

We will use the funds to reach further afield and engage with families living in their own homes all around the country. We also intend to highlight the work of the Armed Forces Covenant at a local level by engaging with local authorities, NHS trusts and school governors. We will keep you informed of the progress made in subsequent editions.

Several other very worthwhile causes and charities that support the Armed Forces community have been allocated funding from the bank fines. Click here to read the full article on the HM Treasury website. 

Further applications to the LIBOR Fund in support of the Armed Forces are invited. Click here for details.

Royal Navy Launches First Women's Network
The Naval Servicewomen’s Network was launched on 8 March 2013. The initiative aims to provide female serving personnel with a professional support network to improve retention. Click here for details.

The Veterans' Transition Review

The Veterans' Transition Review, led by Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC, was established by the Government in September 2012 to look at the advice and support available to personnel returning to civilian life from the Armed Forces. The Review will examine all aspects of transition, consulting Government Departments, charities, industry and the Services themselves.

Lord Ashcroft is also seeking the views and experiences of personnel who have made the transition from the Forces to civilian life, as well as their families and others who have an interest in this area. If you would like to contribute to the Review, please visit the Have your say webpage.

 

Veterans Medals: The Arctic Star & Bomber Command Clasp

The Prime Minister announced in December 2012 that the Arctic Star and the Bomber Command Clasp awards will be made in recognition of the great bravery of those who contributed to two very significant campaigns of World War Two. All the details have now been confirmed for the awards and the application process has opened. Click here for details.

Mali: UK Involvement

For some time now, the UK has been deeply concerned about the situation in Mali and the threat that violent extremist groups in the north of the country pose to the citizens of Mali, regional stability and international security. Click here to find out about the UKs involvement.

 

MPs Publish Report Looking at Support for Armed Forces Veterans in Wales

In a report published in February 2013 the Commons Welsh Affairs Committee says that public bodies need to do more to support Armed Forces veterans in Wales, particularly in the key areas of housing and health where there are currently problems with provision. Click for details.
 

International Defence Engagement Strategy

The Government’s International Defence Engagement Strategy (IDES) has been published (7 February 2013). It sets out how all Defence activity short of combat operations will be prioritised to focus engagement efforts on those countries which are most important to our national interests, and where we are most likely to achieve the desired effect. Personnel can read the Defence Internal Brief 2013DIB/09 on the Defence Intranet for further details.
 

MOD Publishes Summary of its Equipment Plan
A summary of MOD's Equipment Plan has been published (January 2013). It sets out how MOD will invest in capabilities for our Armed Forces over the next ten years, by sector, to enable delivery of Future Force 2020 and the Battle-winning Armed Forces set out in the Defence Vision.

Click here to read the MOD Equipment Plan. Click here to read the NAO Report on the Plan. Their report states that MOD has taken significant positive steps to deal with the previous funding gap and to lay the foundations for stability going forward. For further information personnel can see the Defence Internal Brief 2013DIB/07 on the Defence Intranet.

TV License Guidance

Click here for information specific to Service personnel and their families about TV licenses. It explains the circumstances that require a license and what the license covers. It looks at those in MOD accommodation, their own homes, and those overseas.

 

First Sea Lord's Strategic Priorities: 2013

Click here to read a message from the First Sea Lord on the Royal Navy's strategic priorities for 2013.

New Operating Model: ‘How Defence Works’
‘How Defence Works’ is the latest description of the new Operating Model for Defence. The document (published 9 January) is available to serving personnel via the Defence Intranet. It explains how the MOD will function after April 2013.

The need for a new Operating Model was identified by Lord Levene in 2011’s Defence Reform Review. ‘How Defence Works’ explains how the most fundamental re-organisation of Defence since the 1980’s will deliver a model which, as envisaged by Lord Levene, “ensures that the whole is more than the sum of its parts and which has affordability at its core”. Click here for further details.