Every Christmas the public donate gifts for those serving overseas, but the large number of packages can cause problems for friends and families sending cards and gifts to loved ones, and challenge operational effectiveness and safety.
The Ministry of Defence has introduced new controls on post after last year's festive period when, in the two months before Christmas, over 21,000 sacks of mail, weighing over 170 tonnes, were sent to Afghanistan alone. The majority of the mail was parcels generously donated to unnamed British Service personnel.
Such an enormous surge in the volume of post unintentionally puts a strain on the supply chain, diverting effort from making sure that essential combat supplies such as ammunition, medical supplies, food and equipment reach the front line. As much of this post must reach its final destination by helicopter, particularly in Afghanistan, extra flights mean extra danger for pilots and crews.
For these reasons, the Ministry of Defence, in partnership with British Forces Post Office, is limiting the free postal system only to friends and families, with mail only being accepted if to a named person.
Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel), said:
"The generosity and support of the British public has been outstanding and it means a huge amount to all those serving in our Armed Forces.
"We are hugely grateful for all the public support for our servicemen and women, but because of the great response, we urge people to donate to alternative organisations to minimise the impact of Christmas mail surges."
Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel)
"When on operations, the receipt of news from home, a letter from your wife or children, is a huge boost to morale, but unfortunately, this can be delayed by the large volume of mail generously donated.
"Last Christmas, the mail created a significant challenge to our logistics chain in theatre, which must also focus on the supply of operational essentials such as ammunition, food and medical supplies.
"These controls mean we will continue to supply free post to the friends, family and loved ones of those serving on operations overseas, whilst ensuring our operational effectiveness is maintained.
"We are hugely grateful for all the public support for our servicemen and women, but because of the great response, we urge people to donate to alternative organisations to minimise the impact of Christmas mail surges."
Members of the public who wish to show their support, but who do not have someone specific to send a parcel to, are encouraged to donate to a range of charities including UK4U Thanks! - which provides a Christmas parcel for every serviceman and woman serving overseas on Christmas Day.
Alternatively The Royal British Legion, PoppyScotland, SSAFA, Army Benevolent Fund and Help for Heroes are among the organisations working to support our Service personnel.
See Ways to support our Service Personnel under Related Links >>> for more information on how you can contribute.
Mail arrangements for families and friends are unaffected. Packages up to 2kg may be sent free of charge at any time through the Royal Mail and BFPO to named personnel in eligible ships and theatres.