Generic and local information for the UK Military Community, including Serving Personnel, their Families, Veterans, and MOD Civilians, when considering an overseas post or already based overseas
There is currently an issue when using MODnet devices to view the images in our blog posts. Whilst we work to get this sorted, please use a personal device to see the posts in full.
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Thursday, October 22, 2026
BRUNEI: RMP Vacant Property Survey - Register your property as vacant to trigger extra patrols
Leaving your property vacant and want the RMP to keep an eye on it whilst you are away? Scan the QR code and fill in the form it takes less than two minutes.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
BRUNEI: DIO(B) - Water Temperature Monitoring & Chlorine Testing and Scheduled Work for October
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 sentinel 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.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
BRUNEI: Mould Prevention in SFA

1. Do not turn off the AC or AC temperature.
2. Set it to 22 degrees Celsius.
3. Mould is inevitable in Brunei but it can be controlled.
4. Occupants are responsible to control.
5. Negative consequence is health issues – concerning kids with asthma and skin eczema due to Mould.
Friday, October 2, 2026
DIO: Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Communications Update - 2 October 2026
Military families invited to help shape the future of Service Family Housing
The MOD has today launched the Red Tape Challenge, inviting families to tell us about processes that are getting in the way of them enjoying their homes, so that we can work to change them.
This is just one of a series of new pledges setting out clear commitments to Service families on the quality of their homes, customer service, and ensuring their voices are heard.
For more information and details on how to make a submission, click here.
DIO: Families First Newsletter – 2 October 2026 edition now available
To read this issue online, and any back issues, please go to: Families First newsletter – Defence Homes
Don’t forget that you can also sign up to receive Families First and other email updates from DIO Defence Homes, direct to your own inbox – please go to this link to subscribe: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/
Friday, September 4, 2026
Tri-Service Contact House Directory – where to find it online, or how to request a copy
Contact Houses, also known as Welfare Houses or Short-Term Families Accommodation, are military accommodation available predominantly for short-term welfare-related bookings, but can sometimes be used by those visiting for leisure reasons. These houses are usually managed by unit staff, where there will be localised policies on priorities for bookings, booking procedures, costs and how to pay.
To access the most up to date version of the Tri-Service Contact House Directory, please use any of the following options:
Go to the Army HIVE webpage at www.army.mod.uk/hives and there is a button to download the Directory at the bottom of the page
Contact your nearest HIVE or RN Family & People Support to request a copy by email. Army HIVEs are listed on www.army.mod.uk/hives, RAF HIVEs can be found on the RAF HIVE Finder at https://www.raf.mod.uk/community-support/serving-families/hive-finder/ and RN Family & People Support local office contact details are at: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/families-and-veterans/local-support-offices
Contact Army HIVE HQ to request a copy by email via RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Contact us via Direct Message on any of our social media channels – please include an email address so the Directory can be sent as an attachment
Use the Contact Us button on any of the three Army HIVE blogs, where you can submit a request via MS Forms
Go to Army HIVE SharePoint (MODnet access will be needed) to download a copy
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
📢 DIO Store Closure Notice
Please be advised that the DIO Store will be closed this week due to staff absence.
This affects routine collections, including:
🗑️ Bin bags
🧂 Salt
📦 Other standard store items
The store is scheduled to reopen on Monday 24 August.
✅ There should be no urgent requirements that cannot wait until the store reopens. However, if you have any concerns or believe you have an urgent need, please contact the Helpdesk for assistance.
Thank you for your understanding.
Monday, July 27, 2026
BRUNEI: DIO Helpdesk - Operating Hours and Information
- Occupants and building custodians are encouraged to email to bruneigar-dio-helpdesk@mod.gov.uk for all non-urgent faults. Please continue to report all emergency faults to your respective Duty Officers during out of hours and closure of Helpdesk.
- All fault reports are to be directed to either Ext. 3375 or 3224130.
- All fault report emails are to be directed to BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk or DIORDOSTrg-BruHelpdesk@mod.uk.
- All out of hours emergencies are to be directed to the Duty Officers as shown below.
b. Garrison Duty Officer +673 833 0230
c. Duty Military Engineer +673 820 0853
For any urgent matter regarding Planned Preventative Maintenance or compliance, please contact
DIO Garrison Engineer
DIO Compliance Manager
For routine fault, please contact
DIO Helpdesk contact:
Phone number - 3224130/ or Ext.3375
Email - BRUNEIGAR-DIO-HelpDesk@mod.gov.uk
DIORDOSTrg-BruHelpdesk@mod.uk
Or Duty Engineer (Out of hours only) can be contacted via the Duty Officer.
RGR Duty Officer - 833 0220
Garrison Duty Officer - 833 0230
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Monday, July 13, 2026
Civilian Housing Options Briefings – 2026 Dates
To register for a Briefing, and provide your details please visit:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-and-guidance-on-civilian-housing
For more information on MoD Veterans Services support for Service Leavers and their families please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-and-support-for-service-leavers-and-their-families
Monday, June 29, 2026
DIO Update: Publication of NAO Report on the repurchase of the Defence SFA Estate
The report confirms that bringing these homes back into public ownership has already stopped what could have been billions of pounds in future losses, while giving the MOD the control it needs to improve housing for families. The homes had originally been sold in 1996 and leased back for many years, at huge cost to taxpayers. Since completing the buy-back in early 2025, the MOD has been able to redirect money previously spent on rent into making homes better.
Whilst the report states that the deal to repurchase was the lowest cost option and handled effectively, it also highlights some challenges for the MOD and the need to establish the Defence Housing Service with the powers and autonomy it requires to deliver planned reform efficiently.
For the full set of NAO recommendations and details on the report’s impact, further information is available on Defence Homes
Don’t forget that you can sign up to get Defence Homes updates direct to your inbox via this link: https://defencehomes.mod.gov.uk/newsletter-landing-page/
Germany: Water Conservation in SFA
Water Conservation Reminder 💧
With the recent hot weather, we’d like to remind all personnel, families, and visitors that water is a valuable resource. Please use it responsibly.
Simple actions can make a big difference:
- Take shorter showers
- Only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
- Turn off taps when not in use
- Avoid watering lawns and gardens
- Refrain from topping up paddling pools and swimming pools unnecessarily
By working together and using water wisely, we can protect supplies, reduce demand, and ensure there’s enough water for everyone across the garrison.
Water is especially precious in Service Family Accommodation. Even small issues like dripping taps or running toilets can waste significant amounts if left unreported.
If you notice any leaks or faults, please report them immediately to the MITIE Helpdesk. Prompt reporting helps conserve water, reduce costs, and maintain a comfortable living environment for all.
Thank you for your support and cooperation in protecting this vital resource
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
DIO: Subscribe to receive Defence Homes email updates
Defence Infrastructure Organisation are pleased to share that the Defence Homes website now offers a subscriber service, delivering Families First newsletter and the latest housing news updates straight to your inbox.
DIO are keen to keep Service personnel and their families connected with everything happening across Defence Homes.
Follow this link to sign up today.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
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.
BRUNEI: DIO - how to relight a pilot light on a gas boiler
How to relight a pilot light on a gas boiler!
The recent gas supply outage has resulted in no hot water in many houses that have manual gas boilers. There are different types of gas boilers in our estate, and the pilot light in each must be ignited manually to resume the hot water supply.
https://youtu.be/TTUC-822xFc
Monday, April 27, 2026
Long-Term Relationship couples and families posted Overseas.
To ensure families feel supported, a tailored allowance package is available for pilot participants. Since allowances depend on the assignment location and individual circumstances, service personnel are encouraged to check specifics for their country.
Updated Volumes 4 (Pilots) and 5 (Overseas Accommodation Policy) of JSP 464 (with country appendices and allowances) to clarify any queries will be published soon.
Furthermore, effective immediately the Pilot has been extended to BATUS and some GDN (Global Defence Network) sites.
For further information please contact people-accom-asc@mod.gov.uk
Scotland: Pinnacle Housing Officer.
Find the contact details of your Housing officer here 👉 Your Housing Officer - Pinnacle Service Families
Alternatively you can ring 0800 031 8628 and choose option 4 to get the information over the phone.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Brunssum: Where to get Flea Bombs for your March Out
There are two main options to get flea bombs:
- Buy them online - this can take up to 2 weeks or more for them to arrive - especially if ordering to the BFPO address, 4 weeks in advance is advised.
- Fress Napf is a pet shop in Germany (about 10 minutes drive from JFC Brunssum) that sells flea bombs. Below are photos of the items.




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