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What is the (UK) Global Support Organisation?

Introduction The Global Support Organisation (GSO) provides non-operational support to around 5,000 United Kingdom (UK) Ministry of Defence (MOD) personnel and families on permanent assignments overseas. GSO is a sub-unit of the the UK’s Strategic Command (UKStratCom). GSO provides support, in addition to supporting UK Defence activity, via three pillars of delivery as outlined in… Read More

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UK MOD to Introduce Armed Forces Non-Religious Pastoral Officers

“As testament to the value that pastoral support brings Service Personnel, the [UK] Ministry of Defence has introduced Armed Forces Non-Religious Pastoral Officers (NRPO) to further bolster the support given to our Armed Forces. The Armed Forces chaplaincies have been providing pastoral support and moral and spiritual guidance for over a century, with chaplains being… Read More

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An Overview of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

1.0 Introduction and Background Information This article provides an overview of the United Kingdom’s (UKs) Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA). It outlines relevant legislation, applying to both the UK and Scotland, as well as a definition of a public authority. It also outlines how to make a request, vexatious requests, refusals, and exemptions. It… Read More

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An Overview of UK Security Vetting for Members of the British Armed Forces

1.0 Introduction Many roles within defence and public sectors require prospective candidates to undergo security checks before the assignment can begin. This article will provide a brief outline of the security vetting these prospective candidates may undertake. This process is collectively known as national security vetting (NSV), and gets progressively more intrusive the higher the… Read More

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Since 1948, in Which Years Did the UK Armed Forces Suffer No Operational Deaths?

Operational and Hostile Action Deaths For the period 01 January 1948 to 31 December 2021, there were two (2) years where there were no operational deaths among UK Armed Forces personnel: For the same period, there were twelve (12) years where there were no hostile action deaths (see below) among UK Armed Forces personnel: Defence… Read More

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How Many Ration Packs Does the UK Military Use Each Year?

How Many Are Used? Did you know that approximately two (2) million operational ration packs (ORPs) are used by the UK military per year. What About Unused ORPs? Typically, less than 1% of the stock of ORPs requires disposal. The MOD does not sell or auction ORPs that have expired or are close to their… Read More