Membership is available to all ranks of the past and present Armed Forces. However election to the Executive and Management Committees is limited to ranks below staff rank as follows:

1. In the Royal Navy all ranks to Lt Commander.
2. In the Royal Marines all ranks to Captain.
3. In the British Army all ranks to Lieutenant Colonel.
4. In the Royal Air Force all ranks to Squadron Leader.

Our references to 'Staff Ranks' in relation to the Armed Forces refers to those ranks at 'Brass Hat' level and above of each branch.

1. Regular Service personnel may become members of civilian trade unions and professional associations in order to enhance their trade skills and professional knowledge and as an aid to resettlement into civilian life. They are not to participate in industrial action or in any form of political activity organised by civilian trade unions or professional associations.
2. No restriction is to be placed upon the attendance at meetings of civilian trade unions or professional associations or at courses of instruction run by such organisations where attendance at such a meeting or course is intended to enhance trade skills and professional knowledge. Atendance at such meetings and courses is to be subject to the proviso that uniform is not be worn, Service duties are not impeded, and no action is taken which would bring the Service in to disrepute.
3. Service Facilities and Speakes. No Service facilities, including Service aircraft and motor transport, are to be used at, or in connection with, any function the purpose of which is to further the interests of a trade union or professional association, nor are Service bands to play at such functions. Where requests are received from either of these groups for Service speakers to lecture or give presentation, these should be referred for action to the MOD(AMPsec HQ PTC) who will reply direct to the group. If there is uncertainty about the nature of any organisation, the MOD should also be consulted.

1. Regular Service personnel are not to take active part in the affairs of any political organisation, party or movement. They are not to participate in political marches or demonstrations.
2. No restriction is to be placed upon the attendance at political meetings of such personnel provided that uniform is not worn, that Service duties are not impeded and no action is taken which could bring their Service in to disrepute.

The Federation can only make representations on your behalf regarding financial and legal issues providing we have sufficient funding from Past and Present members of the Armed Forces. Separate Accounts and Budgets are maintained for each.

The more financial support we have, the more support we can provide. Present members of the Armed Forces should be aware that those joining after 6^th April 2006 will now have to wait until they are 65 instead of 60 before they can benefit from their accrued Pensions and Gratuity entitlements! The Federation will work to have this amendment revoked, before further delays in pension rights are introduced.

As the Police Federation constantly remind their Membership "Can they (or you) afford not to be a member?"

This could be the best investment you ever make!