Overseas


So far in 2016, we have visited RAF personnel and families at the following units overseas: • SHAPE • Ramstein • Brunssum • Uedem


In addition, we have taken evidence online from personnel based elsewhere in:


• Belgium • Cyprus • Germany • Holland • Kuwait • USA


Issues raised:


Much work has been done by MoD/JFC to better communicate the overseas offer. It should also be borne in mind that the majority of RAF personnel volunteer to serve overseas (those that don’t are often “voluntold” and a carrot, such as promotion or a choice of future location, is often involved). Doubling the number of concessionary flights for children to/from UK, the removal of CILOCT payments and the reduced grade for charge for overseas accommodation are positive examples of changes to encourage volunteers to come forwards. The decision that the AF Covenant applies equally to personnel and families overseas is also welcome and has resulted in a number of disadvantages caused by overseas service being removed by commercial firms and government departments. However, much still needs to be done.


Even so, overseas assignments still come with a number of issues. They can still be expensive, especially in the early months and especially in the USA. Some locations are unable or unwilling to accept personnel and families with additional needs and it is therefore essential that personnel investigate thoroughly the issues, costs and practicalities of moving overseas before they volunteer to do so and then find themselves with a problem when they get there. Many don’t….


The majority of issues raised with us through the year have been local in nature and are being tackled – albeit in some cases after much angst. However, some common themes have emerged:


• CAAS in Europe has not been implemented successfully due to inaccurate data and is being revisited.


• LOA rates continues to attract criticism from some. We understand a Cost of Living Review is underway to improve the methodology and process behind the calculation of overseas allowances, which should provide more clarity and openness for ‘customers’.


• In Europe, the withdrawal of welfare support back to a central point (SHAPE) is a cause for concern and may result in service families being returned to the UK because their need is greater than the welfare support’s capacity at location.


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www.raf-ff.org.uk


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