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Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closures

The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.

Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.

We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.

To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email:
RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on HIVE’s page on the Army website, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.

Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.


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Wednesday, 5 November 2025

Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey

 



Your opportunity to shape Service life – AFCAS 2026


Halfway through the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS). This is an opportunity for Service personnel to have their say on shaping Service life.

AFCAS gives a random sample of Regular Service personnel the chance to tell Defence what they like and dislike about daily aspects of Service life. This includes where they live, their pay and allowances, and career.

If you are a Regular Service person, check if you’re eligible to take part in the survey. All responses are confidential.

The more people that take part in AFCAS, the better. Every voice in this survey ensures that the needs and experiences of Service personnel are at the heart of driving new and improved Defence initiatives and policies to improve Service life.

Here are recent examples of ongoing work to help improve Service life:

·       Families Hub – Check out Defence’s information portal, with useful signposting to information, support and organisations, to help you navigate Service family life. Visit the Families Hub.

·       Simplifying overseas service finances – Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork. Read more on the BFBS website.

Who can complete AFCAS, and how?

If you are a Regular Service person, check the eligibility tool to see if you have been randomly invited to take part in this year’s survey. You will need to enter your Service number, which is case sensitive.

If you are in this year’s sample, the tool will direct you to complete AFCAS. 

If you are not in this year’s sample, the tool will direct you to a shorter survey to still give your views.

Share your thoughts by 11.59 pm, Monday 2 February 2026.