The RSL has launched an online sub branch to better service its defence force membership by breaking down the physical barriers between RSL sub branches and serving men and women.

The RSL Defence Sub Branch was unveiled in Canberra by RSL National President Rear Admiral Ken Doolan AO RAN (Retd) and Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC AFC and is aimed at making RSL support more accessible for current serving members and their families.

The initiative will offer current ADF personnel free membership for the first year and access to a membership card for admission to RSL sub branches and clubs around Australia.

RSL Queensland President Doug Formby welcomed the new initiative as the common practice of changing posts and overseas deployment meant alternative contact opportunities with the RSL were necessary for ADF men and women.

“We want to make RSL membership for ADF personnel more accessible and easier to maintain, as we believe this will enable us to play a more effective role in supporting our serving men and women and their families throughout their ADF career,” Mr Formby said.

“ADF personnel will still be able to join a local RSL Sub Branch if they wish and the online Defence Sub Branch will simply be another option.”

Mr Formby said the RSL had a long history of providing real support, assistance and advice to all serving men, women and their families in the areas of compensation, welfare and advocacy.

“Through joining the RSL via the online sub branch, ADF personnel can now access that support no matter where they are, whether stationed at home or deployed overseas.”

More information about joining the online RSL Defence Sub Branch can be found at www.rsldefencesubbranch.com.au

The RSL also revised its print advertising campaign to promote the new Defence Sub Branch and its focus on making membership more accessible - the new campaign will appear in each of the Defence Newspapers from May 27.