Welcome to BAFF on the web
We are the British Armed Forces Federation (BAFF), independent representative professional staff association for HM Forces personnel.
All ranks, tri-service, serving personnel
BAFF is all-ranks and tri-service. Membership is open to anyone serving in the Royal Navy / Royal Marines, British Army or Royal Air Force, including the reserves. Former members (veterans) of the UK regular forces or reserves can also join the federation.
Independent representation
The British Armed Forces Federation is non-political, legally constituted and completely independent of the Ministry of Defence. While BAFF claims no special recognition, the service authorities and Government Ministers have confirmed that serving individuals are allowed to join and to be represented by such an organisation. BAFF is a professional staff association, not an armed forces trade union.
Do fighting troops have federations?
Most of the nations which have armed forces fighting alongside British forces in Afghanistan - including those of Denmark and Australia - have some form of professional military association which is recognised by their national chain of command and government. The Association of the United States Army is another kind of military association which provides collective representation to the legislature and the Department of Defense.
A British federation to represent British personnel
BAFF has observer status with the European Organisation of Military Associations (EUROMIL). BAFF liaises with representative military associations across Europe and beyond, and is represented in a significant Council of Europe working group relating to armed forces personnel.
But there is no 'one size fits all' template. The British Armed Forces Federation was designed by serving and ex-service personnel to be a specifically British solution for British needs.
Poll: British soldiers want a federation
Almost three quarters of British soldiers polled on an official Army website supported the creation of an independent armed forces federation to represent their interests. British soldiers want a federation, poll finds.
Growing range of services, growing value
The membership subscription of £7.50 a quarter, reduced to £5 for junior ranks, remains exceptionally good value for those who are not eligible for the free introductory rate.
As well as an independent voice, BAFF is already delivering a growing range of services for its subscribing members. New services are in the pipeline.
The new Wills Service alone could be worth more to the typical BAFF member than the cost of the annual subscription. Partners are covered too, if they arrange a will at the same time.