Monday 30 November 2009

Army Radio News - 30 Nov 09

The Chief Of The Defence Staff Says There Is Enough Equipment To Support A Further Uplift Of 500 British Soldiers To Afghanistan

Air Chief Marshall Sir Jock Stirrup has confirmed to the Prime Minister the military have all the equipment they need to commit more troops to Helmand Province.

The Green Light's Been Given For The Rest Of The Merlin Helicopter Fleet To Be Deployed To Afghanistan

After the arrival of the first Merlin Helicopter in Afghanistan earlier this month, the rest of the Merlin force has now passed extensive pre-flight checks allowing them to take to the skies one month ahead of schedule.

Soldiers On Tour Over Christmas Will Get An Extra Special Gift Helping Them Keep Them In Touch With Loved Ones For Longer

Troops will get one hours free talk time thanks to Paradigm and the MOD.

The Winners Of This Weeks Army Sports Lottery Are...

Lance Corporal J Eltringham at 13 Air Assault Ap Regiment in Colchester wins the top prize of ten thousand pounds.

In second place winning five thousand pounds is Corporal K Wilson from 299 Signal Squadron in Milton Keynes.

In third place is Lt F K Feebles from HQ Recruiting Group at Upavon who wins two thousand five hundred pounds.

Friday 27 November 2009

Army Radio News - 27 Nov 09

The Number Of People Joining The Armed Forces Is At It's Highest Level Since 2001 According To The Latest Manning Figures Released By The MOD

Just over 24,000 recruits have joined the UK Regular Forces in the twelve months leading to September this year.

Two Hundred Soldiers Have Been Drafted In To Install A Bridge In The Flood Hit Town Of Workington In Cumbria

Teams of Engineers, Royal Logistics Corps, Royal Signals, and Royal Military Police are involved in the operation being co-ordinated by 42 Brigade, the regional Brigade for North-West England.

A Hollywood Legend Has Added His Oscar Winning Touch To A TV Commercial Advertising The Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Inspired to support the sale of this years Tattoo DVD, the thirty second TV add shows clips from this summers Castle Esplanade production, accompanied by the instantly recognizable voice of Sir Sean Connery.

Thursday 26 November 2009

Army Radio News - 26 Nov 09

The British Army Has Been Telling Garrison FM How They've Been Steadily Increasing Security In Helmand Province

Soldiers from the 3 Rifles Battlegroup along with the Afghan National Army have been expanding security in the Sangin Valley.

The Rank Of Command Sergeant Major Is Currently Being Piloted Within The British Army

The trial began on 1st April this year and will run until 2011.

Partners Of Soldiers Destined For Deployment To Afghanistan Are Being Encouraged To Use The Support Being Offered By Unit Welfare Officers

Every Army unit being sent on tour will hold a pre-deployment briefing for the benefit of partners and families of soldiers about to go on tour.

Wednesday 25 November 2009

Army Radio News - 25 Nov 09

The British Army Say They're Turning The Tide Of Afghan Public Opinion Against The Taliban

The spokesman for 11 Light Brigade's task force has been explaining how the action's of the Coldstream Guards Battlegroup have been changing the opinion of local Afghan's.

The Defence Secretary Has Announced The Appointment Of A Chairman To The Public Inquiry Into Allegations Relating To The Unlawful Killing And Mistreatment Of Iraqi Detainees By British Soldiers In 2004

Former High Court Judge Sir Thayne Forbes will chair the inquiry.

Garrison FM Goes Behind The Bars Of The MCTC In Colchester

Commandant of the MCTC Lt Col David Steel told Garrison FM's Liz Mullen how successful the centre's been at returning soldiers back to service.

Tuesday 24 November 2009

Army Radio News - 24 Nov 09

The Head Of British Forces In Afghanistan Says The Strategy Being Pursued Is The Right One

The Commander of British troops in Helmand Province Brigadier James Cowan says increases in British and American troop levels are leading to better security.

One Hundred Warthog Vehicles To Be Used By British Troops In Afghanistan's Greenzone Have Arrived In The UK

Work will now begin on getting them prepared for deployment to Helmand Province.

Thumbs Up Given To Progress Made On Delivering Commitments Set Out In The Service Personnel Command Paper

A report by service organisations and charities lists a number of achievements made so far including the doubling of compensation payments for the most serious injuries, access to substantial grants to adapt homes for disabled veterans, the retention of places on NHS waiting lists when families move, and free further education for service leavers.

Monday 23 November 2009

Army Radio News - 23 Nov 09

The Deputy Commander Of Task Force Helmand Says Supporting Reconstruction In Afghanistan Will Help Defeat The Taliban

Colonel Greville Bibby has been talking to Garrison FM about the work of the provincial reconstruction team in Helmand Province.

As Soldiers In Afghanistan Get Delivery Of The Latest Body Armour Government Scientists Conduct Research Into Further Upgrades

Scientist Peter Burr told Garrison FM's Chris Sturgess more about their latest research.

The Winners Of This Weeks Army Sports Lottery Are...

The top prize of ten thousand pounds goes to Staff Sgt R J Hamling at the Army Personnel Centre in Glasgow.

In second place winning five thousand pounds is WO2 K Langan from the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

In third place is Sgt G Mackenzie at USSO Blandford who wins two thousand five hundred pounds.

Friday 20 November 2009

Army Radio News - 20 Nov 09

The MOD Has Named The British Soldier Who Died In Afghanistan On Wednesday

Sergeant Robert Loughran-Dickson from 4th Regiment Royal Military Police died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained whilst on a routine patrol in the Nad-e-Ali District of Helmand Province.

Soldiers From 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards Have Been Working Alongside The Afghan Government In A Major Project To Distribute Wheat Seed To Local Farmers

1 Coldstream Guards are currently based in the south of the Helmand Valley between the Gereshk District and Lashkar Gah.

Soldiers are being encouraged to monitor their own mental well-being and spot signs of stress

Symptoms can occur during periods of high intensity, on operations or amidst day-to-day work and family life.

Thursday 19 November 2009

Army Radio News - 19 Nov 09

The MOD Has Confirmed The Death Of A Soldier From The Royal Military Police In Afghanistan

The soldier died as a result of small arms fire in the Babaji area of central Helmand. The soldiers' family have been informed.

11 Light Brigade Have Been Telling Garrison FM How The British Army Are Successfully Disrupting IED Networks Across Helmand Province

Speaking from Afghanistan spokesman for Taskforce Helmand Major James Cackett talked about the latest achievements of 3 Rifles and the Grenadier Guards Battlegroup.

The British Army Training Unit In Kenya Has Been Explaining How It Prepares Light Role Battlegroups For Deployment To Afghanistan

The unit is responsible for providing training from Platoon level upwards in the form of a 25 day exercise.

Major James Clarke told Garrison FM about the benefits of training in Kenya.

The Government Has Announced Details Of A New Welfare Package For Service Families

The measures include an employment and skills taskforce, Armed Forces Champions at Job Centre's, and a review of childcare and school place allocation.

Wednesday 18 November 2009

Army Radio News - 18 Nov 09

The MOD Has Named The Soldier From 33 Engineer Regiment Killed In Afghanistan

Corporal Loren Marlton-Thomas died following an explosion whilst conducting a search to clear improvised explosive devices near a patrol base in the Gereshk area of Helmand.

The MOD Has Responded To Reports About Comments Made On A Blog By One Of The Latest Soldiers To Die In Afghanistan

The Vice Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nicholas Houghton said the Osprey body armour and Mark 6 helmet Rifleman Fentiman was wearing at the time of his death offered the same level of ballistic protection as the latest versions currently being delivered to troops in Afghanistan.

Morale-Boosting Messages Of Support Can Now Be Sent Straight To British Troops On The Frontline Thanks To A New Website

wearegrateful.org.uk allows members of the public to show their support for our armed forces by posting messages of thanks.

Tuesday 17 November 2009

Army Radio News - 17 Nov 09

The MOD Has Named The Soldier From 7th Battalion The Rifles Who Was Killed In Afghanistan On Sunday

Rifleman Andrew Ian Fentiman died as a result of small arms fire whilst on a foot patrol with the 3 Rifles Battlegroup near Sanguin in central Helmand.

The MOD Confirm A Soldier From 33 Engineer Regiment The Royal Engineers Was Also Killed In Afghanistan On Sunday

He died as a result of an explosion near Gereshk in Helmand. The soldiers family have been informed.

The MOD Is Asking For Your Views On The UK's Armed Forces And Future Threats Facing Britain's Security

The online survey can be found by clicking on the link 'Poll for Defence Green Paper 2009' at mod.uk

Former SAS Hero Turned Novelist Has Been Talking To Garrison FM About Three Books He's Published This Autumn

Chris Ryan told Garrison FM's Liz Mullen more about the books which offer something for everyone.

Monday 16 November 2009

Army Radio News - 16 Nov 09

The MOD Has Confirmed A Soldier From 7th Battalion The Rifles Was Killed In Afghanistan On Sunday

The soldier died as a result of small arms fire whilst on a foot patrol near Sanguin in central Helmand.

The First Merlin Helicopter Has Arrived In Afghanistan Boosting Air Support To Frontline Troops On The Ground

It's the first of six helicopters to be deployed to Helmand by the end of the year.

Ten Queen's Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment Have Been Talking To Garrison FM About Their Role In Afghanistan

Second Lieutenant Danny Young told Garrison FM's Richard Wyeth their pre-deployment training is really paying off.

The Winners Of This Weeks Army Sports Lottery Are...

Staff Sgt G Cowall from HQ at York Garrison wins the top prize of ten thousand pounds.

In second place winning five thousand pounds is Cpl N J Gordon from HQ 42 (NW) Brigade in Preston.

Corporal JTC Billington at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate is in third place winning a total of two thousand five hundred pounds.

Friday 13 November 2009

Army Radio News - 13 Nov 09

The Prime Minister Has Been Re-affirming His Continued Commitment To The Current Strategy And Future Success In Afghanistan

In a recent interview Gordon Brown has said that the UK's strategy of Afghanisation is the right one and will help to weaken the control of the Taliban.

The Commander-In-Chief Of Land Forces Has Defended The Payment Of Bonuses To MOD Civil Servants

His defence comes after Veterans Minister Kevin Jones revealed forty seven million pounds in bonuses had been paid to MOD staff this year.

Soldiers At The Infantry Training Centre At Catterick Garrison Were Given The Opportunity To Question A Prominent Veteran Of The British Army

Ex-special forces soldier turned author Andy McNab was at The Heritage Centre in Vimy Barracks recently providing invaluable advice to Infantry recruits on the subject of education.

Thursday 12 November 2009

Army Radio News - 12 Nov 09

British Troops Continue To Carry Out The Vital Work Of Mentoring The Afghan National Army In Helmand Province

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment head the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team Battlegroup.

More Details On How The Armed Forces Act Will Affect The Army Has Been Revealed To Garrison FM

Colonel PS2 Col John Donelly explained the act now gives Commanding Officers a greater range of punishments for use at summary hearings.

It's Not Too Late For Amateur And Professional Photographers To Enter This Year's Army Photographic Competition

Entries close on the 30th November with prizes being presented by CGS General Sir David Richards at the Imperial War Museum in January.

Wednesday 11 November 2009

Army Radio News - 11 Nov 09

British Forces In Afghanistan Marked Armistice Day With A Two Minute's Silence At Camp Bastion

A single shot from a heavy artillery gun signalled the start and finish as soldiers stood to attention in front of the war memorial.

The Light Dragoons Have Returned Home To Robertson Barracks In Norfolk From Their Latest Tour Of Afghanistan

The Commanding Officer Lt Col Gus Fair told Garrison FM about some of the positive developments they'd seen in the Garmsir district of Helmand Province.

A Soldier's Been Drafted In As The New Miss England After The Former Winner Had Her Title Removed

Lance Corporal Hodge will represent England in the Miss World Competition over the next five weeks in South Africa.

Tuesday 10 November 2009

Army Radio News - 10 Nov 09

The MOD Has Named The Two Rifleman Who Were Killed In Afghanistan At The Weekend

Rifleman Philip Allen from 2nd Battalion The Rifles died following an IED explosion on Saturday whilst serving with 4th Rifles within the 3 Rifles Battlegroup.

Rifleman Samuel John Bassett from 4th Battalion The Rifles died in hospital on Remembrance Sunday after an IED exploded in the Sanguin area of Helmand.

Soldiers From 2nd Battalion The Rifles Stood Proud As They Received Operational Medals For Their Latest Tour Of Afghanistan

The Battalion based in Ballykinler Northern Ireland also paid their respects to thirteen Rifleman who died on Operation Herrick 10.

Soldiers Are One Step Closer To Their Final Destination As They Take Part In A Walk Of Remembrance

Three Warrant Officers from Army Medical Services Headquarters are taking part in the 120 mile journey from Camberley to the National Arboretum in Staffordshire.

WO1 Elliot Daley, and WO2's Darren Roper and Spence Taylor will be arriving at the National Arboretum on Armistice day in time for the service of remembrance, where they'll lay wreaths for three RAMC soldiers killed in Iraq.

Monday 9 November 2009

Army Radio News - 09 Nov 09

The MOD Has Named The Soldier From 3rd Battalion The Rifles Who Was Killed In Afghanistan On Thursday

Serjeant Phillip Scott died after an IED exploded in northern Helmand Province.

The MOD Has Confirmed Two Soldiers Were Killed In Afghanistan At The Weekend


The first a soldier from 2nd Battalion The Rifles serving with 4th Battalion, died on Saturday afternoon. The second soldier from 4th Battalion The Rifles died on Remembrance Sunday.

Both soldiers died as a result of injuries caused by explosions near Sanguin in Helmand Province.

As Veterans Gathered At The Cenotaph In London For Remembrance Sunday Soldiers In Afghanistan Honored Colleagues Who Have Fallen In Recent Weeks

Media spokesman for 11 Light Brigade Major James Cackett told Garrison FM how the day was marked in Helmand Province.

Soldiers From The Blackwatch 3rd Batallion The Royal Regiment Of Scotland Returned Home From Afghanistan On Saturday

Troops from Bravo Company were welcomed back to Edinburgh Airport by family and friends.

Friday 6 November 2009

Army Radio News - 06 Nov 09

The Ministry Of Defence Has Confirmed A Soldier From 3rd Battalion The Rifles Was Killed In Afghanistan On Thursday

The soldier died as a result of an explosion near Sangin in central Helmand Province.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown Says the UK Cannot Afford To Walk Away From The War In Afghanistan

In a speech at the Royal College of Defence Studies he praised the efforts of British Troops and made it clear that Afghanistan remains the primary focus for the British Army.

A Band That Claims To Take All The Best Bits From The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal Has Released Another Charity Single

Morpheus Rising has been raising money for The British Legion Poppy Appeal and Help for Heroes with their latest song, Fighting Man.

Thursday 5 November 2009

Army Radio News - 05 Nov 09

Tributes Have Been Paid To The Five Soldiers Killed In A Single Attack In Afghanistan On Tuesday

Among the five were WO1 Darren Chant, Sergeant Matthew Telford, and Guardsman James Major who all served with 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards. Acting Corporal Steven Boote and Corporal Nicholas Webster-Smith have been named as the two Military Policeman among those soldiers who also died in the same attack.

New Virtual Training Is Equipping Soldiers With Better Skills For Live Battlefield Conditions

The simulated technology and latest Afghanistan database at the Air Battlespace Training Centre in Lincolnshire provides soldiers with targeted training on how to work with fast jets and attack helicopters in order to effectively co-ordinate military firepower on the battlefield.

A New Scheme Giving British Troops Free Entry To Music And Sporting Events Has Been Launched This Week

Military personnel will be able to enter a ballot for free entry to concerts,
football matches, cricket, and the Olympics. To register for your tickets go to seetickets.com/ticketsfortroops

Wednesday 4 November 2009

Army Radio News - 04 Nov 09

The MOD Has Confirmed Five British Soldiers Have Been Killed In One Single Attack In Afghanistan


They all died from gunshot wounds in the Nad-e-Ali district of Helmand Province on Tuesday afternoon. Three served with the Grenadier Guards, and two with the Royal Military Police. All of the soldiers families have been informed.

The Commander Of 52 Brigade Has Been Talking To Garrison FM About It's Future

In May next year the Brigade will disband and Brigadier Craig Lawrence has been explaining why and what will happen to units currently under it's command.

The MOD Has Launched The Armed Forces Community Welfare Pathway Initiative

Kent County Council is one of the first to pilot the initiative designed to improve the way service personnel, veterans, and their families access help, advice, and the benefits they need.

Tuesday 3 November 2009

Army Radio News - 03 Nov 09

The British Army's Commander-in-Chief Says Tough Choices Have To Be Made In Order To Prioritize Operations In Afghanistan

General Peter Wall has been speaking on a range of topics including 'Operation Entirety' which puts Afghanistan at the heart of everything the Army does, public support for the Afghanistan campaign, and savings the Army is being asked to make by the MOD to remain in budget this year.

The UK Has Now Taken Over Leadership Of ISAF Regional Command South In Afghanistan

A ceremony at Kandahar Airfield recently saw Major General Nick Carter take over command from his Dutch counter-part.

Soldiers From 4 Rifles Received A Huge Welcome From Family And Friends As They Returned Home From Afghanistan

128 members of 'B' Company came back to Kiwi Barracks on Salisbury Plain on Monday.

Monday 2 November 2009

Army Radio News - 02 Nov 09

The MOD Has Named The Soldier From The Royal Logistics Corps Who Was Killed In Afghanistan On Saturday

Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid died after an IED exploded in the Sanguin region of Helmand Province.

Thousands Lined The Streets Of Liverpool At The Weekend As 180 Soldiers From 2nd Battalion The Rifles Paraded Through The City

The soldiers were marking their return from operational duties in Afghanistan where they sadly suffered the loss of thirteen Rifleman.

The Winners Of This Weeks Army Sport Lottery Are...

Sgt SC Fretwell from 1 (UK) Armd Div HQ & Sig Regt, at BFPO 15 who wins the top prize of ten thousand pounds.

In second place winning five thousand pounds is Cpl N MacGillivray from APDO, at South Queensferry.

In third place is Sgt N Phillips with the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps HQ, at BFPO 40, who wins two thousand five hundred pounds.