Y o u a n d t h e R A F
The Ministry of Defence’s Top Level Messages
Top Level Messages are unclassified monthly statements issued by the senior staffs of the MOD which define the Government’s stance on current and emerging policy. They provide an insight into the Government’s and therefore the RAF’s, priorities. Here we have reduced them to very brief format but think they are worth a scan.
OPERATIONS
AFGHANISTAN It is vital to our national security interests to make sure Afghanistan does not become a haven for terrorists from which to launch attacks against the world. We are there to help the democratically elected Government of Afghanistan build a stable and peaceful country true to its Islamic principles. The UK has set out a long-term, comprehensive framework for security, political, social and economic development, building on the work that has already been achieved by Afghanistan and the international community.
IRAQ The UK remains fully committed to Iraq – we will honour our commitments and discharge our duties to its people and to the international community. British forces will remain in Iraq until we, the Iraqi Government and our coalition partners are confident that the Iraqi Security Forces can operate without our support; a fundamental change of mission is expected to be possible in 2009.
KOSOVO The UK, along with many other nations, recognises an independent Kosovo. We hope that Kosovo independence marks the beginning of long awaited certainty and stability for both the country and region.
COUNTER-TERRORISM Defence brings a range of capabilities to bear in support of the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy and domestic resilience. The strategy is being refreshed in the light of the recent publication of a UK National Security Strategy.
www.raf-families-federation.org.uk PERSONNEL
SERVICE PERSONNEL COMMAND PAPER Service personnel, their families and veterans face considerable and unique demands. The Paper sets out the Nation’s Commitment to them.
THE MILITARY COVENANT The MOD takes very seriously its responsibility to ensure Service personnel, who put themselves in harms way on our behalf, are properly looked after. We also accept our clear obligation to support their families and those who have left the Armed Forces. • We are investing heavily in our personnel on issues including: operational allowances, accommodation, basic pay, medical treatment and force protection. We recognise that there is more to do.
• We keep the support we provide to our personnel and their families under constant review, to ensure they are not disadvantaged.
• We welcome, and are grateful for, support from all sectors of society.
• On 29 Oct 08 the MOD formally responded to the National Recognition Study. The majority of its recommendations have been accepted and action has already been taken to bring some measures into effect.
MANNING
The Armed Forces are very stretched but the Chiefs of Staff advise that, at present, the situation is manageable. • There are shortages in certain trades and disciplines. These are being addressed.
• We have reduced operational commitments (in Kosovo, Northern Ireland, and Iraq). This has helped reduce the frequency of operational tours. But operational tempo remains high.
LIVING ACCOMMODATION Providing Service personnel and their families with the living accommodation they deserve is a top priority. • As well as improving accommodation and rationalising our Estate, we provide help to personnel who want to buy their own homes.
SUPPORT
EQUIPMENT AND LOGISTIC SUPPORT We have delivered equipment valued at more than £10bn in the last three years. We give priority to equipping people on, and training for, operations but also ensure that we provide the necessary core capabilities for our forces over the longer term.
POLICY MONEY
The Defence budget in 2008/09 is around £34bn. This settlement continues the longest period of sustained real growth in planned Defence spending since the 1980s.
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MEDICAL SUPPORT We accept absolutely our responsibility to provide effective medical and health support to our people. • For hospital treatment in the UK, we use NHS facilities. By working in large NHS hospitals, our medical staff gain the broadest and most up-to-date training and experience.
• The MOD attaches a high priority to psychological illnesses including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As well as providing effective diagnosis and treatment, we commission and publish research and strive to raise awareness.
ARMED FORCES COMPENSATION We have a comprehensive compensation package for those personnel who are injured or rendered ill as a result of service in the Armed Forces. Our personnel deserve nothing less.
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