F e d e r a t i o n N e w s
communities. SCSO/CDW role vital to assist this.”
”We chose the Boarding School Route.”
”There is a huge sacrifice to be made, as one does not see as much of one’s child/children as one would wish – but what price an education, stability and friendships? But, thankfully, we do have this option.”
”Schools are openly unconcerned about military families as we just move away and do not help scores.”
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS ”Never secured support/ongoing problem.”
”Boarding school offered the required assistance immediately.”
”Had to resort to sending children to boarding school.”
”Not really resolved the problem.”
What do you think the Government should do? ”Any town or city that benefits from the proximity of a Service establishment should guarantee ALL facilities required by the Service families.”
”Provide more funds to allow for assessment etc”.
”Make schools more aware of the diverse life that military families lead.” ”Service families could do more to help themselves. My spouse works in this field and on many occasions Service families do little to help themselves.”
RETENTION ISSUES
“It does wrangle that after 32 years service you see people now being paid commitment bonuses, why? Surely longer serving members should be given bonuses, not someone that has only served 6 years.”
“We stay because of my husband’s immense loyalty to the RAF.” “Can’t afford to leave due to maintenance payments to ex-wife.”
What is the main reason that would make you or your partner leave the RAF? “Too much time spent OOA.” “Lack of career progression and not getting locations of choice in postings.”
“Lack of equipment and support by the government to do the job. I would not willingly put my life in danger purely
17
because of equipment shortfalls.” “My husband is also in the RAF. We are expecting our first child. Without any guarantee of co-location I will probably leave.”
“Out of area commitments coming round more often. As a single parent my child has to live with my parents when I am away.”
What one change in policy would make you and/or your partner stay in the RAF? “A regional posting policy to enable family stability.” “Allow extension of service past 55.” “Get rid of this atrocious JPA and bring back our admin staff.”
And to end on a positive note: “We thoroughly enjoy the RAF lifestyle and wouldn’t change it full stop.”
Meeting with Quentin Davies MP
Do You Know the Implications of Ticking the ‘No’ Box?
T
he RAF Families Federation have been contacted by family
members who have had an issue with communication between them and the Parent Unit/Station (or lack of it!) while the serving member of the family is away on Ops.
Contained in the pre-deployment documentation is a direct question asking the deploying Service person if he or she wants their family contacted while they are away. If the ‘no’ box is ticked it does have far reaching implications, as it may mean the family home address, telephone number or any other contact details cannot be released to a third party, which includes Support staff.
Not withstanding this, the following extract is from Community Support Handbook issued by Community Support staff at Air Command. It should be noted however that the onus here is on the family to contact the Unit rather than the other way around.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES SEPARATED THROUGH OPERATIONAL DEPLOYMENTS
A
t the request of the Prime Minister, Quentin Davies MP carried out a study into
National Recognition of the Armed Forces. This study ran parallel to the Service Personnel Command Paper and the Federation were pleased to be able to represent families’ views regarding the extent to which they feel British society recognises, supports and appreciates the military, their families and veterans.
The meeting was rather over-shadowed by the media frenzy surrounding the Wittering uniform story which broke that morning. It was, however, a useful opportunity to remind the MP that families feel a sense of isolation from the general British public and that RAF families feel undervalued and misrepresented in the media.
NOTE: The report was published in May 08 and is available on the MOD website.
Many stations provide extensive support facilities for the families of personnel separated through operational deployments. A selection of presentations are available from the RAF Intranet on a variety of deployment related subjects. These provide both Servicemen and women with help and advice on how to deal with being separated from loved ones with specific tips for helping children cope with an absent parent.
AS A MINIMUM FAMILIES CAN EXPECT THE FOLLOWING SUPPORT FROM THEIR STATIONS:
Welfare Facilities Sheet: The 'Welfare Facilities Sheet' provides families with details and contact telephone numbers of key personnel in community support appointments on the station – such as OC PMS, HIVE Co-ordinator, SMO, Chaplain, SSAFA-Forces Help.
Point of Contact (POC): All families will have a designated individual at the home
Summer 2008 17
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