Supportability Check Delays
Overseas supportability checks for RAF families with children are taking longer due to a gap in the team providing the service. It could take up to 6 months for all the checks.
Overseas assignments with the RAF
Overseas assignments present many opportunities and benefits. However, from our research, we also know being outside of the UK can make some things more difficult.
To help you navigate an overseas move and avoid any road blocks, in this section we share practical information to help you at every stage of the journey. Whether you are the Serving person or an accompanying family member, we have everything covered, from the things you should think about before applying, right through to preparations to make for returning home to the UK.
What stage are you at with your overseas assignment?
Is your Service person overseas?
If you have a loved one overseas check out our deployment information – it includes practical guidance for spouses and partners of deployed Service personnel as well as deployment support for children.
Overseas Guides
Overseas help topics
From speaking to families living overseas there are a number of recurring themes raised with us. Here we have compiled some ‘help pages’ to provide you with information to address key concerns:
Overseas news
MOD – Christmas Families Free Mail Service – 2026
Friends and family members of UK Service personnel based in The Falkland Islands, Ascension Islands and Diego Garcia will be able to access the MOD Christmas Families Free Mail Service More information
BFBS Signs Game-Changing 10-Year Contract with the MOD in New Era of Defence
Media organisation and military charity BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has signed a 10-year contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to transform the way that UK Armed Forces access More information
Research into the overseas experience of UK Armed Forces families
A study to discover how challenges families face overseas can be addressed has edged closer. RAND Europe has been selected by the RAF Families Federation along with the Army and More information
