A new BFG Veterans Pass has been announced by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Veterans, the Rt Hon Kevan Jones MP, during a visit to British Forces Germany (BFG) this week.

The Minister announced the new BFG pass during a one day visit to Rhine Garrison when he met up with Germany-based veterans, as well as meeting a wide cross section of military and civilian staff and family members, and hearing at first hand about life in British Forces Germany.

This is the first visit to BFG for Mr Jones and in a busy programme he called on a Forces School (above), a Medical Centre, and welfare and information centres, as well as announcing the new pass.

Mr Jones, accompanied by Major General Mungo Melvin, General Officer Commanding United Kingdom Support Command (Germany) (UKSC(G) ), officially launched the ‘BFG Installation Access Pass for Veterans’ when he was joined for lunch by 12 veterans who have now settled in Germany, and were the first to receive the new pass in this ground-breaking initiative (below).

As Veterans Minister, Mr Jones was delighted to be able to announce the new scheme and to discuss with veterans the ways they can retain their links with British Forces and British culture overseas.

In his speech, the Minister said:” Having met many British veterans all over the world, including on operations, the pass is a small but important gesture to help veterans keep in touch with the British military community.  I am looking at rolling out the programme in the UK in about six months time and the plan is to expand it to widows and dependants. 

“Thanks to Major General Melvin’s excellent initiative in paving the way, the Installation Access Pass for Veterans has been introduced here in Germany first, and I am delighted to be able to hand the very first passes out today.”

Commenting on the new access pass, veteran Roger Adcock, a Station Energy Manager who served in the Army for 23 years, said: “I am delighted to learn about the new pass.  It is a physical indication that somebody cares.”  Another veteran, Mr “H” Glean, who now works for Telecom, commented: “What an excellent idea. It should have happened years ago.  It is nice to get something back in return for 27 years of service.  I am absolutely delighted. “

Following an enthusiastic attendance by veterans at the inaugural BFG Veterans Day Parade held in Paderborn last year, as well as the launch of a Veterans page on BFG Net  and articles in German media, over 200 veterans have now made contact with HQ UKSC(G), wanting to be involved in the initiative. It is thought there are some 800 veterans living in Germany. 

The new pass will allow access to British Army barracks specifically within BFG, allowing the holder the opportunity to access a limited range of facilities within barracks without needing to book in at the camp entry point.  These include libraries, cafes, churches, Royal British Legion clubs and some sporting facilities, as well as NAAFI goods for immediate consumption at the point of sale.  However, it should be stressed that it does not afford the bearer any access rights to British Forces installations outside of BFG. The pass will enable access for passholders and up to four family members.

The pass can be obtained by completing BFG Form 28E, available in British Army pass offices or by downloading it from the Veterans Website (www.bfgnet.de/BFGVets.html).  An easy to use flowchart available with the form will guide applicants through the process, which will require security clearance.

The application process to obtain the pass requires acknowledgement of proof of service with the British Armed Forces and a series of security and background checks to ensure the individual poses no risk to security.

It is envisaged that the facilities available may increase following further engagement between HQ staff and relevant agencies, possibly including the NAAFI.

Full details of the scheme will be available from all HIVE Information Centres.

Further information can also be obtained by emailing G1 Branch HQ UKSC(G)
on UKSCG-G1-VETERANS@mod.uk

During his whistle-stop tour, the Minister was also updated on the work of Joint Headquarters Rheindahlen, with visits to HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) and HQ UKSC(G).  Hosted by Major General Melvin and senior ARRC staff, the Minister was updated on the very diverse support and welfare functions of UKSC(G) and the developing plans for HQ ARRC to re-locate to Innsworth near Gloucester in summer 2010.

Mr Jones then moved on to meet medical, support and volunteer staff at the Rhine Medical Centre and HIVE and HomeStart centres (above), which provide families with vital community information about life in Germany and other help when necessary. Among the many staff he met was Mrs Gerry Waters, author of Afghan Appeal Fund fundraising book ‘My Daddy Is A Soldier’, and her grandaughter Shay (below).

The Minister also met teachers and pupils at Andrew Humphrey School in nearby Wildenrath and received an update of the work of Service Children’s Education, which runs Forces schools worldwide.  Andrew Humphrey School was celebrating its recent award of an outstanding OFSTED report.

Some 19,600 Servicemen and women from all three Services as well as civilian personnel and families – a 44,000 strong British military community - still live in north west Germany spread across Rhine, Gütersloh, Paderborn and Bergen-Hohne Garrisons, as well as various other formations and liaison offices.