AFF Overseas Manager, Esther Thomas, has been following the development of a new organisation: the Integrated Global Defence Network (IGDN).
What does this mean for the serving person and their families overseas?
THE CURRENT CHALLENGE
More than 8,500 military and civilian non-operational personnel and families are currently assigned to more than 100 overseas locations, supported via a range of different networks, many of which operate independently. For Defence this has resulted in missed opportunities to work collaboratively in an increasingly volatile and competitive world. For families, it has created inconsistencies with terms and conditions and the level of support they may receive.
AFF’s evidence suggests that being assigned overseas can be a confusing and frustrating process where finding information can require speaking to different organisations, whose advice can be contradictory. Many have struggled to interpret complex policies and procedures or determine what allowances are available. Many serving personnel have reported feeling under-valued and disadvantaged.
Therefore AFF is pleased to learn that under IGDN all the networks will unite under one organisation with the aim of better co-ordination and a better offer to serving personnel and families.
HOW WILL THE IGDN HELP?
It will provide the platform through which all non-operational Defence activity is routed, establishing a single point of contact to co-ordinate cross-Defence and cross-Government customers. It also aims to modernise and invest in overseas estates where families live and work, and supports the priorities laid out in the Strategic Defence Review 2025.
HOW WILL THE IGDN HELP PERSONNEL?
It will look to professionalise the overseas experience and ensure more effective single service career management where employees are guided to develop specialist skills in a Defence diplomacy career stream.
HOW WILL THE IGDN HELP FAMILIES OVERSEAS?
It will provide greater consistency by creating a bespoke set of overseas-specific policies to standardise issues such as allowances and welfare support.
WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?
The IGDN team has already launched a digital portal to help personnel and families report issues and make requests, which is available via Defence Connect. AFF will continue to share updates as the IGDN unfolds. In the meantime, if you have questions or need support while assigned overseas, our Overseas team is here to help: overseassupport@aff.org.uk.