Meet the businesses buffering the pandemic

You’d be hard pressed to find a small business not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another. Some have thrived with increased demand, while others have struggled to survive, and many have had to ...

From pad brat to Cheshire housewife

Model-turned-reality TV star Tanya Bardsley talks exclusively to Army&You about her patch past and why she doesn’t take exception to being a ‘wife of’... Catterick may lack the expansive estates and exquis...

Surplus scenarios

What's the difference between retention of an SFA and surplus SFA? AFF housing specialist, Cat Calder, explains all… Retention is an extension of your entitlement at your previous posting and there are strict ...

A helping habit

From running arts and crafts at a mums’ and tots’ group and being a music librarian for one of the Military Wives Choirs to presenting on her community radio station, army spouse Donna Burns’ extensive voluntee...

Pride and dread

A blog from Army&You’s autumn edition by @CorporalMum I’ve thought a lot about what it’s like being an army mum or dad, or any military parent. Does it mark us out as different? As much as I’m an army mum,...

Staying put for your studies

Cat goes through the retention rules if you need to stay put for study or training… One of my first successes on joining AFF nine years ago (is it really that long?!) was to push for a change in policy to allo...

Easing the way to civvy street

How can you ensure you fulfil your potential in civvy street when your soldier leaves the army? SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, provides a mentoring service to help motivate, support and empower you as your fa...

Connected in business

Jess Sands is no stranger to the challenges of starting a business. After giving up her career to live the military life, she set up her own company and is passionate about helping other service spouses and par...

Major movements

It’s safe to say that the north of England’s military community is one that’s used to change, but this year and next will be a busy one for families moving in or out of the area as Op Faran – the name given to ...

Curbing coronavirus career concerns

Maintaining spousal employment is important to AFF, no matter where you’re posted. In Germany, AFF’s co-ordinator Lindsay McCran is delighted to report on some positive support employees have received during th...