Find out more about web archiving at The National Archives
'); metaDataWindow.document.write('Page Properties<\/b>

'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Navigation Title:<\/b><\/td>Operational Welfare<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Keywords:<\/b><\/td>soldier, support, welfare, operational<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Description:<\/b><\/td>soldier support - operational welfare<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Content Contact:<\/b><\/td>DPSA Chief Clerk<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Telephone:<\/b><\/td>94 344 5948<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Email:<\/b><\/td>Stephen.williams214@mod.uk<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Protective Marking:<\/b><\/td>Unclassified<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
FOI Status:<\/b><\/td>Releasable<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('
Copyright:<\/b><\/td>UK Crown Copyright<\/td><\/tr>'); metaDataWindow.document.write('<\/table>
<\/body><\/html>'); } //-->

DEPLOYMENT WELFARE SUPPORT

Welfare support policy for overseas operations was set out in Part 1 of the Operational Welfare Support Policies' Compendium issued in Mar 04 - the Operational Welfare Package (OWP).  The revised policy (now entitled the Deployment Welfare Support Policy) was issued by DCDS(Pers) on 24 May 07, taking immediate effect.

DWS policy is now in 2 parts to reflect the differences in the nature of qualifying activities overseas and within the UK.  The DWP (Overseas)  (DWP(O)) and DWP (United Kingdom) (DWP(UK)) form 2 discrete packages.  Key enhancements are:

  • The removal of the minimum number of personnel (20) who need to deploy before the DWPs become available.
  • For the DWP(O), a 20% increase in the provision ratio of welfare telephones from one telephone per 50 personnel (1:50) to 1:40, and a 50 % increase in the provision ratio of welfare internet terminals from 1:100 to 1:50.
  • The free telephone allowance has been confirmed as 30 minutes per week plus an extra 30 minutes over the Christmas period.
  • Blueys can now be posted free from operations to Commonwealth countries and not just in the UK or other BFPO addresses.  The system in place involves BFPO in UK fixing the appropriate postage to letters destined for Commonwealth countries and sending them on through the civilian postal system.  Consequently reciprocal arrangements cannot be put in place.
  • Units can continue to claim the families grant for any personnel who are hospitalised outside operational theatres until they are discharged from residential medical care.
  • Provision for UK operations has been included for the first time and includes a grant of £5 per person deployed per week for the unit to provide welfare equipment.

The Deployment Welfare Support Policy can be downloaded here.

BFBS provides forces TV and radio and will allow you to see what is provided in Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.ssvc.com/bfbs/tv/dtt/index.htm

The Army point of contact for any issues concerning the DWS policy is SO2 Individual Welfare, PS4(A).