Defence Update on Long-term relationships: Closing the gap on allowances

If you’re in a long-term relationship, a range of allowances and support are now available to you – the same as your married or civil-partnered colleagues.

What’s changed?

Many allowances were only available to Service Personnel who were married or in a civil partnership. That wasn’t fair – not everyone wants to get married, even when they’re in a committed relationship.

From 1 May 2026, if you are in a Long-Term Relationship (Established) – known as an LTR(E) – you can claim allowances and provisions that were previously unavailable to you, just like your married colleagues.

BELGIUM: BRITFete Volunteers Needed to our Annual British Showcase, Friday 26th June 2026, 15:00-22:00

Brits Assemble!! We need volunteers to support our annual showcase of all things British.... BRITFete!

If you can spare an hour or two to get involved, please sign up here or by scanning the QR code in the poster.

We may not be able to guarantee the Belgian weather but we can guarantee that you will have fun.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

NAPLES: The Naples HIVE Blog - Common Questions and Answers

Q. How can I sign up to receive alerts so I don't miss any new updates on the blog.

A. Simply Click Here

Q. There is a lot of information on the HIVE blog, so I cant find what I want very easily, is there a quicker way to find specific information.

A. Browse the list of posts in the Blog Archive or use the menus on the left and right which allows you to search by topic or country.

If you have contributions that you would like to add to the Naples blog, please email me on 

RC-Pers-HIVE-Naples-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

or whatsapp +44 7900 959 946

HIVE Blogs are an MOD sponsored online presence, registered with and approved by MOD.

Information provided by Naples HIVE

Quest Magazine – May Edition Out Now

 

To read this issue online, or any back issues, please go to: https://www.questonline.co.uk/magazine-archive

BELGIUM: A Guide to Screen Time, encouraging little brains to develop healthy habits

Confused about the whys and wherefores of Screen Time? This useful infographic from the UK Government and NHS provides some useful tips on how to encourage little brains develops some healthy habits in an increasingly digital world.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

BRUNEI: DIO(B) - Scheduled Work for May and Scheduled Water Temperature Monitoring and Chlorine Testing

DIO Scheduled Work for May

DIO contractors will be carrying out inspection works as shown in the table below. Utilities may be affected during the work, but DIO contractors will try to minimise disruption.
To reschedule, please kindly contact DIO(B) Helpdesk either via phone Calls Ext.3375 or 3224130 or Email: BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk during office hours.

DIO(B) SCHEDULED WATER TEMPERATURE MONITORING AND CHLORINE TESTING.

1. In Order to Comply with the UK standard, DIO contractor Marsee will be carrying out the scope of works as shown below:

a. Check temperature reading of hot and cold water at the very sentinal point.

b. Check chlorine level in water using site test kit.

c. Visual check and small adjustment of water heater.

d. To record water analysis

e. Duration of work will take 10mins to 15mins.

On-going works X1 Playground

Please be advised that the construction work at X1 playground has extended and it is expected to be completed by end of this week.

We appreciate your understanding. For any enquiries, please reach out to the DIO(B) Helpdesk.

Phone Number: 3224130 or military ext 3375

Email: BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk or DIORDOSTrg-BruHelpdesk@mod.uk

DIO (B) Gas Safety works – NG Decommission Works

1. We would appreciate if you be able to give access for allocated day as we are trying to meet the deadline as agree in term of holding the risk and to cut off whole Natural Gas Supply from the supplier and provide NG Free estate.

2. DIO (B) will undertake an estate wide in cooperate with Natural Gas (NG) Decommission by following work below:

• Install power-point for the cooker and heater.

• Replace gas appliances to electric.

• Capped off supply to the properties. (Low pressure gas network).

3. New cooking utensils to be obtained from ASU Department.

4. Occupant to cooperate and provide access for works to execute.

5. Utilities may be affected during the work but DIO contractors will try to minimise disruption.

6. To reschedule, please kindly contact DIO(B) Helpdesk by using one of the following means:

a. Phone number: 3224130 or military ext 3375

b. Email: BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk during office hours.

BRUNEI: 2RGR Post Room Tuker Lines - Opening Times

POC: Email:amar.suryabanshi461@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: 2RGR PRI Shop - Opening Times

Please click the image to enlarge.

POC: Pri2rgr@hotmail.com

Ext: 2007

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Private Vehicle Checks

During recent months there has been a trend of private vehicles being involved in incidents or having to go to a local garage for avoidable extensive repairs. To try to limit both of these LCpl Yuan Rai and Rfn Amrit Rai from 1 RGR LAD, have created a useful video for all of the British Forces Brunei Community to use whilst checking their own vehicles.

This video has been designed to show you what to look for when checking your vehicle, how to do it and also some tricks for good practice when looking after your private vehicles. The video describes checks that we recommend are done weekly and before long journeys. So, if you are planning on driving to KK please do these checks first! This list is not exhaustive and is just a recommendation, it does not remove the vehicle owner's legal requirement to have the vehicle inspected.

The Brunei Governments Land Transport Departments have created an 'Understanding your Vehicle' guide, which has useful Brunei specific information.

The key points to look out for are:

Petrol - Has it got the right fuel and enough for your journey?

Oils - Are all the oil levels correct? Engine oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission oil?

Water - Is the coolant level correct? REMEMBER DO NOT REMOVE THE COOLANT CAP WHILE ENGINE IS HOT! Have you got enough washer fluid?

Electrics - Do the lights work properly? Are the switches and buttons working? Are the wipers and washers working?

Rubber - Are your tyres in a good condition? Have you got sufficient tread (Legal Minimum 1.6mm)? Are there any bulges, splits or objects anywhere in the tyre? Are they at the right pressure? All this includes the spare!

The LAD and Garrison Workshop are always happy to help, if you are not sure please come and see us on Tuker Lines and we will have a look.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Support is Always Available

Please click the image to enlarge.

Click HERE for PDF.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.