Armed Forces Week – More important than ever
AFW is a national event that aims to celebrate and raise awareness of our Armed Forces.
Armed Forces Week runs 22-27 June 2020 with every day carrying a different Forces related theme leading up to the big day itself, Armed Forces Day, on Saturday.
Naturally, plans have had to change dramatically for this year’s festivities which would ordinarily feature showcase parades and other large scale events. However, we still believe it’s really important to celebrate those who do so much for our nation.
ArmedForcesWeek #AFW20
#ArmedForcesDay (for the 27 June only)
The coronavirus pandemic has meant that this year, perhaps more than ever, during peacetime, members of our Armed Forces have been far more visible and their work, seemingly more valuable, on what has become the new ‘home front’.
The diverse range of skills and talents embedded within the Armed Forces has come to the fore.
Right from the start of the coronavirus crisis the Armed Forces were involved in supporting the NHS in setting up the Nightingale Hospitals, providing crucial additional capacity for coronavirus patients, as well as mobile testing and support for ambulance services and distribution of vital PPE.
The Armed Forces’ famed reputation in logistics methods has also seen resources applied to evacuation, transportation and repatriation.
Since the coronavirus pandemic isn’t over, Armed Forces personnel are continuing to play a key role in the country’s response to the challenge, although the threat is certainly weakening.
The number of personnel currently on standby under the COVID Support Force (CSF) is 6,673. The MOD announced in May that this would be reduced.
For the time being a total of 4,450 personnel are deployed on COVID-related tasks with 56 open Military aid to the civil authorities (MACA) requests, according to the most recent statistics.
We think that’s worth celebrating.
It’s really important to get behind Armed Forces Week this year since according to data gathered by the Confederation of Service Charities (COBSEO), 10% of members warned that they may have to close down. As a result of the pandemic, the Armed Forces charity sector could lose around £390 million.
AFW is a great opportunity to shine a light on the hard work and dedication of our nation’s Service personnel.
