Military websites to be closed in money saving measure
In these austere times Westminster are taking cost cutting measures across the board. It is hoped these will go some way to saving money or at least cauterising debt.
But another side effect is the potential for stream lining services.
Due to efficiency measures this year Government policy dictates that all external Departmental websites must close down.
Future communications from the Government are planned to come from the DirectGov website.
A number of key MOD sites will be affected by the changes –
Acquisition Operating Framework www.aof.mod.uk
Admiralty Charts and Publications www.nmwebsearch.com
Armed Forces Day www.armedforcesday.org.uk
Army www.army.mod.uk
Army Online www.armyonline.mod.uk (gone)
Blogspot – Service Personnel and Veterans Agency www.servicepersonnelandveteransagency.blogspot.com
Camouflage www.camouflage.mod.uk
Chief Scientific Advisor www.science.mod.uk
Dartmoor Ranges (MOD) www.dartmoor-ranges.co.uk
Defence Academy www.da.mod.uk
Defence Analytical Services Agency www.dasa.mod.uk
Defence Consultations www.defenceconsultations.org.uk
Defence Image Database www.defenceimagedatabase.mod.uk
Defence Media Operations Centre www.defencemediaops.co.uk
Defence News Imagery www.defencenewsimagery.mod.uk
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory www.dstl.gov.uk
DN Notice System www.dnotice.org
Future of Navigation www.futureofnavigation.co.uk
Light Dragoons www.lightdragoons.org.uk
Met Office www.metoffice.gov.uk
Ministry of Defence (MOD) www.mod.uk
MOD Police UK www.mod.police.uk
Queens Harbour Master Portsmouth www.qhmportsmouth.com
RAF News www.rafnews.co.uk
Royal Air Force (RAF) www.raf.mod.uk
Royal Air Force (RAF) Community Support www.rafcom.co.uk
Royal Navy www.royalnavy.mod.uk
Royal Navy Community Website www.rncom.mod.uk
Scottish Naval Exercise Area Information www.rnopsscotland.com
Service Adventurous Training www.ahrc.co.uk (gone)
Soldier Magazine www.soldiermagazine.co.uk
Sovereign Base Areas Cyprus www.sba.mod.uk
Submarine dismantling www.submarinedismantling.co.uk
UK Hydrographic Office www.ukho.gov.uk
Veterans-UK Information Portal www.veterans-uk.info
The shut down scheme is due to begin 31st March and continue into the summer.
The MOD have requested that www.mod.uk and some other vital sites stay operational but it remains to be seen whether these exemptions will be accepted by the Cabinet Office.
The changes will not only affect business but also the social aspect of military sites. The Royal Navy’s ‘Jack Speak’ has already relocated to a blog site.
If you disagree with this policy, then you can of course write to your MP.
Internal intranet sites and access by suppliers via the RLI to intranet sites is NOT affected.
Will these changes bring about a more streamlined and efficient information service or a restricted one?
How will they affect business relationships?
What do you think about the changes?
