What's Going On Archive

The Military Criminal Justice System - The high profile of disciplinary cases that have come out of Op TELIC has focused attention on the Military Criminal Justice System. In order to allow that system to continue to support operational effectiveness, and to minimise any potential damage to the Army’s reputation, the Adjutant General has been delivering presentations to the Army to present the facts and dispel misunderstandings. He has written this article based on those presentations.

Defence Secretary Announces Enhanced Force Package For Afghanistan - The number of UK Forces personnel in Afghanistan will rise from around 3.600 to 4,500 by the autumn, following changes to the package of forces announced by Defence Secretary Des Browne today, 10 July 2006.

Winners of the 2006 Army Photographic Competition Announced - The winners of the British Army's annual photographic competition were announced at the Ministry of Defence, Main Building at an event hosted by General Sir Mike Jackson, Chief of the General Staff.

Armed Forces Leads The way in Race Diversity  - The British Army has topped the public sector performers list for the sixth consecutive year in the Race for Opportunity's annual benchmarking report on race in the workplace.  The Royal Air Force and Navy also finished in the top ten of public sector performers.

MOD and EOC Agree Action To Tackle Sexual Harassment In The Armed Forces  - A new action plan to prevent and deal with sexual harassment in the Armed Forces was today agreed by the Ministry of Defence and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) following research to clarify its extent.

New Royal Military Police (RMP) and Military Provost Staff (MPS) Websites  - As the Provost Marshal (Army) Brigadier Colin Findlay MBE is the Head of Service of  The Provost Branch of the Adjutant General's Corps which comprises almost 4300 Regular and Territorial Personnel.  Members of the Provost Branch work alongside other Army units wherever the Army is based.  Read more about the RMP and MPS on their new Websites...

The Adjutant General's Command - The Adjutant General (AG) is responsible for keeping the Army properly manned with well trained, well cared for and well motivated people who want to be soldiers. AG is responsible for recruiting, retention and all areas of Human Resources including discipline; pensions; promotion; pay; housing and schooling.  Read more about the Adjutant Generals Command.....

The Deepcut Review - by Nicholas Blake QC -  A major shift in the way basic military skills training is delivered will affect every unit in the near future. Wholesale changes in the pipeline will cover aspects such as personal weapon training, fitness, battlefield casualty drills and navigation. Out go the old Individual Training Directives (Army), to be replaced from April 1 by a package called the Military Annual Training Tests (MATT) and a mandatory Workplace Induction Programme (WIP). Military and civilian members of a unit, including Territorial Army personnel, will have to complete the WIP on joining a unit, or every three years. Army values and standards have been introduced into the MATT package for all ranks, with the chain of command having a core role. Annual navigation and map-reading tests will be mandatory for Levels 1 and 3. TA personnel should be able to complete the training over a weekend. Training wings are expected to receive MATT packs in the near future.  Read more about the Deepcut Review.....

TA Rebalancing - On Thurs 23 Mar 06, Defence Secretary John Reid announced TA Rebalancing, a major re-shaping of the Territorial Army. The TA has always operated closely in support of the Regular Army, and after the Regulars were restructured under the Future Army Structure (FAS) it's necessary to carry out a similar exercise with the TA. Rebalancing is not about cuts - the TA will remain at virtually the same size of around 42,000. But the measures will ensure that the TA will be more effective and more relevant to the demands placed on the wider Army today and in the future. As well as changing the shape of the TA, Rebalancing will create new opportunities with the creation of new regiments and new roles.   Read more about TA Rebalancing.....

Commitment Bonus - Soldiers who join the Army on or after the 1 Apr 04 will receive the new commitment bonus, as a single payment of £5500 (gross), at a point determined by their Arm or Service Director. This point will usually be between 5-7 yrs length of service. Find out more about DM(A). 

Veterans gathered at venues around the UK on Tuesday 27 June 2006, to mark the first ever Veterans Day.  The day, opened by the Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne MP, recognises veterans of all ages and experiences who have served their country in uniform.  Read more about Veterans Day....

The outstanding service of over 130 Service personnel, along with many civilians in defence, has been recognised in the latest Birthday Honours list.  View the latest Queen's Birthday Honours List....    

The MOD has exceeded its military readiness target two years ahead of schedule, Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram announced today.    Read more about Military Readiness target.....
 

  Operational Honours and Awards List: 24 March 2006

A total of 70 members of the Armed Forces have received honours and awards for services on operations in Iraq, Northern Ireland, former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and other miscellaneous operations for the period 1 April 2005 to 30 September 2005.  Operational Honours and Awards List: 24 March 2006....  

  Tri-Service JPA Allowances - The New Regulations

In preparation for the introduction of Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) in 2006, the allowances available to RN, Army and RAF personnel have been harmonised.  Read more about JPA Allowances...

  2006 Armed Forces' Pay Review Body Pay Award Announcement

The 2006 report of the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB) was published today. The Government has accepted the Review Body's recommendations in full and individuals will see the impact of the award in their April 2006 pay statements. The 2006 AFPRB Report is available to download as a PDFdocument (this may take a few minutes).   

  Maternity Provision For Service Personnel

Information about maternity provision for service personnel is in a DCI/DIN and guidance leaflet held by your unit administration staff or from the Defence Intranet.  Further information on attached Poster and Leaflet. 

  HM Forces Railcards - Increase in Price and Extension of Benefits

From 1 November 2005 the price of HM Forces Railcards increased from £2 to £10 per Railcard.  This was the first in a series of three price increases.  They will increase again to £12.50 with effect from 1 November 2006 and then to £15.00 with effect from 1 November 2007.  Further details are available on Defence Intranet in the personnel section of the Defence Instructions and Notices (DINs), number DIN2005 02-188  ).
 

Agreement With The Equal Opportunites Commission About Tackling Sexual Harassment in The Armed Forces

A message from the Deputy Adjutant General concerning the agreement signed by the MoD and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC)     Read more about tackling sexual harassment in the Armed Forces....
 

New Redundancy Package for Members of the Regular Armed Forces 

Ministers announced on 21 June 2005 that the redundancy terms of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975 (AFPS 75) are to be revised.     Read more about New Redundancy package for Armed Forces....
 

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