Valuing Forces Families Overseas: Focus Group Invitation

RAND Europe has been commissioned by the Army Families Federation, in partnership with the RAF Families Federation and the Naval Families Federation, to conduct a study exploring the experiences of UK military families throughout the overseas postings cycle. As part of this research, RAND Europe is holding focus groups with military families who have experience of overseas postings, including preparing for, undertaking, and returning from an assignment overseas. These discussions aim to provide an improved and up-to-date understanding of families lived experiences and the challenges they face at different stages of the overseas postings cycle.

BRUNEI: Teen Life in Brunei!

🌴 Living in Brunei: What Teens Wish They Knew

Moving to Brunei? Here's the real talk – straight from other teens who’ve been through it.

🏠 Military Life & Moving

• Life here moves fast – most families are posted for just 2-3 years. That means lots of hellos... and goodbyes.
• Friendships can feel a bit temporary. But you’ll also meet people from all over the world.
• Missing home is normal – the snacks, the weather, your mates. But it does get easier.
• Stay open to new people – you’re not the only one figuring it out.🏫 School

BRUNEI: BFB Community Rental and Hire

BFB Community Rental and Hire

Istana Pantai - Welfare house by the beach - Available to book.

Video and Pictures of Istana Pantai on Social Media Prohibited.

BFB Welfare Contact Houses

Mumong Patio Bar - Private party bookings through NAAFI & AWS.

Chit Chat Community Centre Hall

Mumong Community Centre Hall

Portable Karaoke Rental

SSAFA - Smart Televisions For Hire

SSAFA - Car Seats For Hire

SSAFA - Carpet Cleaner For Hire

BFB Welfare Dongles

Power Jet Wash Hire 

PRI vehicle hire and IUS travel arrangements

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: BFB Community Resources

BFB Community Resources

Tuker Lines:

BFB Instagram Account

BFB Temple (near the Garrison gym)

Community Garden Hub

Garrison Pool

Garrison Gym and Spouses Circuit Classes

Education Centre

Mumong:

BFB Christian Centre - Church Service Schedules

BFB Coworking Hub

Squash Court @ Mumong

Flying Kukri's Clubhouse

SSAFA - Washing Machines at Mumong Community Centre

Mumong pool

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BELGIUM: Departure Packs for SHAPE and Brussels

Summer is always a big turnover.

If you are due to leave SHAPE or Brussels soon, do contact the HIVE for a departure pack on RC-Pers-HIVE-SHAPE-0mailbox@mod.gov.uk or pop into the community office at SHAPE.

There is also a whole lot of useful information here if you are relocating to the UK.

Information provided by SHAPE HIVE

Wherever your assignment order is taking you, HIVE is here to provide the local information!

If your posting is in the UK you can find our blog and location guides here. Please use our MS Forms enquiry function for any additional locations or if you have any enquiries.

Are you assigned overseas? If you’re posted to an overseas location where we have a HIVE, you will find information – plus our local office’s contact details – at:

• Belgium (SHAPE & Brussels)
• Brunei
• Brunssum
• Cyprus
• Gibraltar
• Naples
• Sennelager

Posted elsewhere overseas? Don’t worry if your new location is not listed above, the iHIVE covers the rest of the world, with over 100 location guides available plus online enquiry support.

Our iHIVE is tri-Service and is listed on the Overseas Supportability checklist as an action, so that Service personnel and families can obtain the relevant information they may each require, to ensure that their new location can meet each individual’s and family’s needs.

For those with MODnet access, Army HIVE’s SharePoint site can also be used to download our information sheets or ask questions – please go to our Overseas Postings area

If you’re relocating back to the UK from overseas, or moving within the UK, our SharePoint hosts guidance and resources in our Relocating within or back to the UK section.

Army HIVE: Relocation Checklist for moves within the UK and to/from overseas - now launched!

Army HIVE has now launched its Relocation Checklist, which is a comprehensive document listing all of the ‘know before you go’ actions to consider for Service personnel and their families on the move.

The checklist is in two parts, all within one document; the first part covers moves within the UK or back to the UK, and the second part covers overseas moves. As well as being a useful planning and reminder document, there are links throughout to the relevant resources that will enable our customers to find out more on each topic area.

To access the Relocation Checklist, please go to any of the following platforms to view, download or print:
Army HIVE Sharepoint (MODnet access required) - HIVE. The Relocation Checklist can be found in both the Overseas Postings and the Relocation within or back to the UK sections.
Our UK HIVE Blog – Information Sheets section: https://armyhiveinfo.blogspot.com/search/label/Information%20Sheets
Our Overseas HIVE Blog - https://internationalhive.blogspot.com/ – click the Relocation Checklist button in the top menu
Our British Forces Cyprus HIVE Blog - https://cyprushive.blogspot.com/ - click the Relocation Checklist button in the top menuPlease note that documents hosted on our Blogs can only be accessed from a personal or non-MODnet device.

For any queries on moving or how to find out more about a new location, please contact any HIVE. See www.army.mod.uk/hives , use the contact buttons on any of our platforms, or email HIVE HQ on RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Our iHIVE can support with information on moves overseas worldwide and is listed as an action on the Overseas Supportability Checklist also – please get in touch via RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk with any questions on any location.

MOD’s Families Hub is now in its second year – have you used it yet?

 

Discover My Benefits - Families

Project SALICE: Supporting the people and families behind the NATO mission

Project SALICE addresses practical obstacles faced by UK personnel and their families serving in NATO Command and Force structures – underpinning the Government’s 'NATO First' approach.

When a soldier, sailor or aviator is posted overseas for NATO, their family often goes with them. Their partner may have to give up their job, and their children may need new schools. Life must be rebuilt in a new country.

‘NATO First’ is not just a commitment made in policy documents, but the guiding principle for all our military plans and activities – and Project SALICE is here to address the challenges that can arise with an international move and to support families serving with NATO overseas.

Expanding on issues and recommendations covered in recent reviews of overseas Service life, the Project SALICE initiative is part of a broader commitment to make military life work, for those who serve – and for the families who serve alongside them. It builds on the Armed Forces Offer, which includes competitive pay, healthcare, accommodation support and funded childcare.

Lieutenant General Eldon Millar, the UK's Military Representative to NATO and the EU and Project SALICE sponsor, said:

“The UK is one of NATO's strongest members. Our Armed Forces work every day alongside allies to keep our country and Europe safe – with the right people, in the right places, at the right time.

“But keeping the best people in our Armed Forces doesn't depend only on good training and kit. It depends on Service life being a good life, for the whole family – and that is the purpose of Project SALICE.

“When our people know that their families are settled, their partners have every opportunity to work, and the practical side of overseas life is manageable, they can focus on their mission – being ready to deter, fight and win.”

The project covers: partner employment, education, accommodation, career management, policies and processes, and the Armed Forces Covenant.

Partner employment

Finding a job in another country isn't easy. Rules vary everywhere, and red tape often makes it extremely hard for partners of Service personnel to work at all.

Right now, particular attention is being focused on tackling these barriers to partner employment, and the Project SALICE team is tackling this in three ways:

BRUNEI: BFB New Arrivals Induction Brief - *Next Date* Thursday, 11th June 2026, 0900 - 1230 hrs @ Main Hall, Chit Chat Community Centre

For all the New Arrivals in British Forces Brunei, please attend the Mandatory Induction Brief on Thursday, 11th June 2026 at Chit Chat Community Centre.

The session will run from 0900 - 1230 hrs. (be seated by 0855 hrs)

Tea and coffee will be provided.

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Pre - Departure Clinic *Next Date* - Wednesday, 01st July 2026, 1000 - 1100 hrs @ Chit Chat HIVE Office

COME ALONG! HIVE can offer support through your relocation

This session will cover the Good Conduct Certificate process, how to claim National Insurance Contribution credits, support whilst moving schools, plus much more - and a one stop checklist of things to add to your to do list before leaving British Forces Brunei!

This is a drop-in clinic, no appointment required.

For further information: www.internationalhive.blogspot.com

Simply search the labels: Brunei Unit Move or Relocation

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE. 

Defence Update: Your move, better supported - Fairer moving costs for UK PASH users

Your move, better supported:

Fairer moving costs for UK PASH users

Moving home is never easy, but the Armed Forces are making it a little simpler and fairer.

If you live in Single Living Accommodation (SLA) – in a Mess, Barrack Block or equivalent – and you need to move your things when posted to another unit, there are two ways you can get help:
UK Private Arrangements Self Help Scheme (UK PASH) – you arrange your own move and claim back some of the costs
Self Pack Service (SPS) – your unit helps move your belongings through storesWhat's changing?

UK PASH remains a popular choice – used by over 1,500 Service personnel last year – and from 1 May 2026, it’s getting even better.

BRUNEI: SSO Support Pack - a complete guide for BFB families and those newly assigned to Brunei

SUPPORT SERVICE ORGANISATION (SSO) Support Pack

Support Service Organisation (SSO) Brunei has produced this complete resource pack to support BFB families and newly assigned service personnel and families moving to Brunei. The pack covers...

SFA information on entitlement, availability, CAAS bandings, type & the application process
Pets in SFA information & your obligations
March in and out information
Amah Process and your obligations
Rules and processes regarding visitors staying at your SFA

Plus much more! 

Families Posted Overseas – have you nominated a Trusted Contact?

BRUNEI: BFB ID Card Registration

Please click the image to enlarge.

Please see requirements for BFB ID Card Registration and visit to the SSO office on arrival to arrange for a BFB ID Card to be issued.

For further information please contact: BruneiGar-SpSvcs-HousingClk@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.

BRUNEI: Leaving BFB soon? Things to add on your to-do list!

Are you moving back to the UK soon? Here are a few things to add on to your to-do list before leaving Brunei:

Application for Transfer of Residence relief (ToR1) Guidance - SPs should be aware of the application of transfer of residence relief (ToR1) when they are moving back to the UK on completion of their assignment. Individuals should get email when they apply for removal through agility. Please click the link below for Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/application-for-transfer-of-residence-relief-tor1

BRUNEI: New to Brunei? Useful social media pages to follow...

BFB Resources on Facebook…

⭐️ BFB Community Support Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/399693651487140/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

💜 BFB Husbands & Wives https://www.facebook.com/groups/266338930043946/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

📻 BFBS Gurkha https://www.facebook.com/BFBSGurkha/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

📻 BFBS Brunei https://www.facebook.com/BFBSBrunei?mibextid=LQQJ4d

📚 BFB Community Library https://www.facebook.com/groups/1162498561139499/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

📖🧸 BFB Children's Library & Toy Library Facebook & Instagram

📖 BFB Bookworms https://www.facebook.com/groups/598655438126413/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

Brunssum: Guide for Bringing Your Dog to the Netherlands

 

For information about bringing your dog to the Netherlands, including how to go about obtaining a Pet Passport and details of vets, boarding kennels and walking routes, read the Pet Guide.

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

Brunssum: Citizen Service Number (BSN) and Digital Identification (DigiD)

Did you know that you can book appointments with staff from the Municipality of Heerlen at JFC Brunssum to apply for and obtain a Citizen Service Number (BSN) and subsequently, a Digital Identification (DigiD).

These are required if you have a dog to register in the Netherlands or if you want to access Dutch medical records.

Appointments are held in Building 100.

Bookings are made through JFC Brunssum Services Scheduling Portal. Click this link to arrange an appointment.

For any BSN & DigiD questions, email: 

rnimobile@heerlen.nl

Alternatively you can book BSN appointments in your town's Gemeente (Dutch for municipality) online:

Heerlen: Inschrijven in Registratie Niet-Ingezetenen (RNI) en Burgerservicenummer (BSN) | Gemeente Heerlen

Sittard: Burgerservicenummer (BSN) - Sittard-Geleen

Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.

BRUNEI: Leaving Brunei soon? Remember to hand back your BFBS TV Box

The BFBS Office is open from 0900-1700 Monday to Friday.

For any queries, please email: brunei@bfbs.com

Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.