Proposed Brit Armed Forces Federation - 10-Point Summary

[virobono]

Some of you may have read in the press or heard about the possibility of the formation of a federation for the armed forces. Not a union, but more like the Police Federation or the federations that already exist in Australia, the USA and other countries.
The idea has generated a great deal of interest at all levels.

This is the 10- Point Summary of what it's about:

DRAFT version 1.1 - 23 Jan 06

1. A professional staff association is to be formed for members of Her Majesty’s Forces under the provisional title of the BRITISH ARMED FORCES FEDERATION (BAFF).

2. Comparable bodies have for years served the armed forces of allied countries such as the United States and Australia, with official cooperation and no negative impact on operational effectiveness or military discipline. The proposed federation is, however, designed to be a specifically British solution for the British armed forces. It will reflect and respect the ethos and robust traditions of the three fighting services. It will meet all requirements of British military and other law, including international conventions adopted by the United Kingdom.

3. The federation’s mission shall be to represent, foster and promote the professional, welfare, and other legitimate interests of all members of the federation in their capacity as serving or retired personnel of the fighting services of the United Kingdom, and in so doing help to maximise operational efficiency and improve the retention of trained personnel.

4. The federation will be a democratic representative institution answerable to its members. Membership of the federation will be open to all personnel irrespective of rank, branch of service or gender. The main membership categories will be Ordinary Membership (Regular), Ordinary Membership (Reserve Forces) and Veteran Membership. In responding to the requirements of its members, the federation will act in the interests of all serving personnel and veterans but will not countenance any pressure on individuals to join.

5. Within resources, the activities of the federation may include:

(a) professional and career development by the provision of education and information;

(b) liaison, monitoring and response to proposals or developments within the Services, in Parliament, in the provision of public services or in the commercial sector which have a specific impact on forces personnel;

(c) appropriate advocacy and consultation to protect and improve the conditions of service life including pay, accommodation, medical and welfare services, resettlement and all other areas of personnel support;

(d) appropriate support to personnel facing court martial or other legal proceedings in connection with their service (the federation will not normally comment on any specific case within the systems of military justice and administrative discipline); and

(e) the negotiation for members of a range of insurance, financial and other benefits, discounts or affinity deals.

6. The federation will not be beholden to any political party, pressure group, or defence industry interest. While supporting the cross-party consensus on the need for robust, adequately-funded but cost-effective forces serving the Nation as determined by the Government of the day, the federation will not be a defence pressure group. The federation will not take a view on matters of defence strategy or operational decisions, although it may raise legitimate subsidiary matters affecting personnel. Parliamentary liaison will be strictly on a cross-party basis.

7. The federation will not be a trade union and, above all, it will not conduct or condone any form of industrial action or insubordination within the armed forces. The federation affirms the vital role of the Armed Forces chain of command in representing the interests of its personnel. The federation will seek to agree with the Ministry of Defence appropriate mechanisms for the exchange of information with the chain of command as well as centrally. A code of conduct will be adopted, and potential disagreements will normally be raised centrally to avoid placing serving personnel in difficulty with their chain of command, or vice versa. The federation will act to protect serving members in their federation-related activities within the agreed code of conduct.

8. The federation will not seek to supplant the role of any existing charity or other agency involved in service welfare. Where appropriate the federation may help to direct members to appropriate sources of advice or assistance.

9. Work is already under way on matters such as the structure and legal format of the federation, and staffing. A business plan is being prepared.

10. This draft statement of intent outlines the basic principles established so far. Work continues on detailed aspects of the proposals with a view to wider consultation throughout the armed forces community, and with the Ministry of Defence.


E-Goater's commenst are welcomed, either here or on the thread at http://www.arrse.co.uk/cpgn2/Forums/viewtopic/t=30482/postdays=0/postorder=asc/start=0.html

 

[Stax]

Interesting concept, I would support it if it did exactly what is stated. However, a healthy dose of cynasism makes me think it would be hijacked by the PC brigade and turned into a "human rights" forum, to the detriment of the armed forces. Hey! please prove me wrong.

 

[Plumber]

The Guardian has run a front page article on the subject today. Its sounds like a good idea, but this will depend on whether the thing actually gets given any teeth so it can actually make a difference.DT_Xtremez_05:

 

[virobono]

It's early days, of course, and a major project. It will be firmly rooted in reality; those involved are looking closely at the problems other service-related organisations suffer from (such as becoming 'jobs for the retired officer boys' clubs), and introducing safeguards against them.

The majority of the federation's work is envisaged to be fairly low level stuff - helping members to resolve problems within the system that they can't sort out themselves. A huge number of difficulties are down to lack of communication, ignorance of regulations or individuals being unable to progress because they are blocked by rank or other official obstruction.

It's very much intended to be tri-service, and comments and suggestions are welcome.

 

[Sandbag]

Sounds to me like, more jobs for the old boys network (AVM, General, Admiral etc). If its true then I bet there won't be too many JRs or SNCOs being offered jobs (paid or not).

Oh god I'm sounding bitter and twisted again..............!

DT_Xtremez_28:

 

[Weebl]

Sounds interesting, and a very well thought out plan you have presented.

If it actually happens in the spirit of your plan then it can only be a good thing, and one I would be happy to be a part of.

Be careful that it does not get hi-jacked by idiots who think they are going to form a union to use as a club against their superiors. Too much 'human rights' in the military these days as it is, if this adds another layer then the fact the British armed forces are quite rightly held in such high esteem by others will be out the window.

Best of luck

 

[virobono]

Thanks for the comments - all helpful.

Point noted re the danger of becoming a retired officers jobs for the boys club (like just about every other service/ex-service organisation). However, your concern is one we all shared, and there are specific safeguards to prevent it becoming a retired officers club, and roles ORs are included.

One point we keep reiterating is that this is NOT a proposal to form a union. There is no question of a federation ever taking industrial action, which would be illegal anyway. Again, we're aware of the idiot mentality who'd may try to manipulate things for their own ends, PC or otherwise. Worthy of note, however, is that most of the ex-communists are Ministers!

More details on both these points, and more, on the ARRSE threads.

We're keen to hear suggestions for benefits; legal expenses cover is planned, and stuff like insurance policies that recognise the unique position of service personnel - what else do people want?

 

[Bluntend]

How about some kind of informed media relations role? Someone to relay to the press our side of what is going on. Obviously this would be subject to security restrictions where applicable. Somebody independent saying on record that “…actually, contrary to what Dr Reid has just said, morale isn’t high, we’re sustaining unmanageable casualties…etc” might just help. Not only would it keep our politicians in check and prevent the MOD top brass from spouting utter tripe to protect their own interests or career, it might just help relay to the Great British Public a more balanced view of what is being done in their name.

 

[virobono]

The two threads on ARRSE which related to the federation have now been merged. Version 1.01 of the 10-point summary, which outlines the aims, is at the beginning.

Various articles have now appeared in the press, and the federation has been discussed on a couple of radio programmes, including BBC Radio 4's 'Today'. There are links to the articles and radio streams in the thread, which can be found here.