June 2017
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AFF success - One-year passport issue for soldiers resolved
After four years of raising this issue and pushing for a change in policy, HMPO have waived the requirement for Service personnel in the UK and overseas to have to attend an interview before they can get a full 10-year passport. Soldiers will no longer be issued with a one-year passport.
However, the process for spouses is still being reviewed; spouses will therefore continue to be issued with one-year passports for the time being.
Find out more.
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QA subsidised training opportunities for spouses
QA, the UK's largest tech training and apprenticeships company, has pledged to help members of the military community, including military spouses, to join the civilian workforce.
The company, who have signed the Armed Force Covenant, will be supporting spouses along with Service leavers, veterans, Reservists and cadets in an effort to bridge the UK's digital skills gap.
AFF, along with the other families federations has received a generous donation of 20 FREE Microsoft Applications courses for spouses, worth £6,400, as well as access to subsidised training too - ideal for spouses looking to boost their tech skills.
Find out more.
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AFF out and about
AFF Education & Childcare Specialist Lucy Scott gave a talk to 80 trainee teachers at the University of Warwick, running a teaching session on Service pupils and Army family life.
Regional Manager North Annabel Ingram, Wales Co-ordinator Abi Wrigley and Education and Childcare Specialist Lucy Scott attended the first Supporting Service Children in Education in Wales (SSCE Cymru) Conference about the impact of military life on families. AFF had a stand at the event, which was attended by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Kirsty Williams AM.
AFF Foreign & Commonwealth Specialist Katherine Houlston hosted an F&C Domestic Abuse study day for 50 subject matter experts from the Army, AWS, military and civilian charities and service providers. "It was a successful day, the speakers delivered presentations on a variety of subjects covering many of the issues that our F&C spouses face" - Katherine Houlston
In the diary: AFF Chief Executive, Sara Baade
- Met with Lt Gen Nick Pope, Head of the Field Army, on 13 June to discuss family issues including FAM
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Visiting families in BATUS, Canada from 25-28 June, to look at their school situation and other issues
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C
ovenant Reference Group meeting in Cabinet office in early July, a chance to ask various government departments what they're doing about the Covenant
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Army&You summer edition - out now!
In this edition, we've explored preparing for parenthood - from the support networks for families and the experiences of first-time parents through to fostering and fertility.
We interviewed Armed Forces supporter and TV tough guy Ant Middleton, who explains his family focus and submitted families' questions to Maj Gen Rob Nitsch to find out how the Service is keeping the wellbeing of its soldiers and families at the forefront of its planning.
Our education special explores moving between devolved regions and the many variations in schooling and there are lots of contributions from Army families sharing their experience of Army life.
Out now in print and online.
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Get to know the team: quick fire questions with A&Y
Approximately 45,000 copies of Army&You are distributed free to Army families and subscribers worldwide every quarter. It's produced by a team of two in conjunction with our publisher TylerBale Communications, with production costs funded by advertising.
Army&You welcomes contributions regardless of age, rank, gender, family makeup or relationship. Find us on social media, or visit our website.
Lisa Youd
Deputy Editor, Army&You
What's your mission at A&Y
? - To inform and entertain the military community on all aspects of Army life. The way Army families live is unique, whether you're connected to a Regular or Reserve soldier, and I think that A&Y helps readers understand all the nuances that go with it.
Where do you get your article ideas?
- Lots of ways. We're inundated with requests for space in the magazine from people and organisations associated with the Forces. Our main themes are linked to AFF's core work and AFF staff have lots of ideas for articles too, many of which are written by them. Sometimes we have lightbulb moments when we're in the office having a chat, or even in the middle of the night!
What's your day like as Deputy Editor?
- My work is really diverse and covers the print edition of A&Y, our website and all our social media. So a typical day will consist of commissioning articles or responding to requests for space, writing and editing copy, proofreading and creating content for social media - there's always something new and fresh to work on.
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Did you know AFF is relaunching its Covenant campaign?
In our ongoing effort to make the Armed Forces Covenant meaningful to military families, AFF is relaunching its 'Did you know...?' campaign to help ensure Army families hear about the latest Covenant news and developments.
The Covenant & You campaign will promote the Covenant stories families need to know and will highlight the difference policy changes and developments can make to your family.
Look out for AFF's Covenant & You campaign, coming soon to our website and social media.
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Looking for a job: look to LinkedIn
If you, or someone you know, is looking for employment or training, check out the AFF LinkedIn page where we regularly feature a range of jobs from employers who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and recognise the challenges Army life can present to your family.
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AFF turns 35
This year, AFF is celebrating 35 years of support for Army families.
From humble beginnings as the Federation of Army Wives Clubs back in 1982, we've evolved into a worldwide charity, working on behalf of all Army families - Regular and Reserve, wherever you are based, whatever the makeup of your family.
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