Friday 29 January 2010

Army Radio News - 29 Jan 10

The Handover Of Security To Afghan Forces Could Start Happening This Year According To Prime Minister Gordon Brown

He told the international conference that responsibility could be passed from international forces to Afghan troops later this year.

4th Mechanized Brigade Have Had Their Hands On What's Been Described As 'The World's Biggest Playstation'.

They've been using the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer at the Land Warfare Centre in Warminster on a week long virtual exercise.

Pax Life Insurance Premiums Will Increase By 10 Percent From March This Year

The scheme's providers made the decision after a review.

62 Soldier's Had A Special Guest At Their Passing Out Parade In Pirbright

Her Royal Highness, The Countess of Wessex attended the event at the Army Training Centre as Colonel in Chief of the Queens Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps.

A Butcher's Come Up With His Own Unique Way Of Supporting Our Troops By Creating Two Varieties Of Sausage

They'll be going on sale in a number of Tesco stores across the south of England with some of the profits going to Help for Heroes.

Thursday 28 January 2010

Army Radio News - 28 Jan 10

Representatives From Seventy Countries Have Met In London For The City's Conference On Afghanistan

It's hoped the event has provided a key opportunity to aid the Afghanistan Government in bringing about significant changes to the country.


The Afghan National Police Are Seeing For Themselves The Training Of British Forces

Members of the ANP have been visiting various training centres across the country to see how British forces are trained BEFORE they start mentoring their recruits.

Preparations Are Underway For The 1 Scots Deployment To Afghanistan In March

Three-hundred deployment packs are being put together for their family members.

One Of The Longest-Serving Soldiers In The Army's Preparing To Retire

After almost 40 years Major Hugh Benson plans to leave next month. During his time with 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment he's served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Ireland as well as other trouble spots around the world.

Wednesday 27 January 2010

Army Radio News - 27 Jan 10

A Demonstration Of The Army's Light Weapons Has Been Held In London

The event aimed to inform staff about how teams are responsible for delivery and sustainability of tri-service equipment for both operational and peacetime requirements

1st Battalion the Royal Welsh Have Undergone Their Biggest Operation Since Arriving In Helmand Province A Month Ago

More than 3 hundred helicopter-born soldiers targeted a Taliban stronghold by conducting an air-assault in an area known as "The Babaji Pear" because of its distinctive shape on the map.

Service Families On The Move Can Now Get Better Information On Homes They've Been Allocated

It's all thanks to a new scheme launched by Defence Estates. The estate agent style information will be sent with letters offering accommodation

Children Of Common Wealth Or Foreign Citizens, Including Gurkhas, Can Now Apply For British Citizenship

If they were born on or after the 13th of January 2010 on an accompanied posting outside the UK they're entitiled.


An Army Linguist Is Using His Dari Skills To Help Train The Afghan National Army

Corporal Taff Edwards has been trained by the military in Dari, which is one of the languages spoken in Afghanistan. It's hoped it will prove the effectiveness of mentoring teams as they work with the ANA.

Tuesday 26 January 2010

Army Radio News - 26 Jan 10

The MOD's Named The Latest Soldier To Be Killed In Afghanistan

Lance Corporal Daniel Cooper from 3rd Battalion The Rifles died from wounds caused by an explosion near Sanguin in Helmand Province on Sunday.

The Standards Of Policing In Afghanistan Are Improving...

Thanks to the work of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment who've been working with the Afghan National Police at the Helmand Provincial Training Centre at Lashkar-Gah, where 130 Afghan recruits will graduate this week.

Military Progress In Afghanistan's Dominated The Media In Recent Years

Now former SAS Major Ken Hames has followed the experiences of soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland, as they begin their seven-month tour of duty for a Scottish Television documentary, which starts this week.

There's More Help To Get Your Foot On The Property Ladder

A new home ownership programme's been launched by the MOD and DCLG. Under the pilot scheme the government will provide personnel with up to 50 percent of the property's value.

Monday 25 January 2010

Army Radio News - 25 Jan 10

The Ministry Of Defence Has Confirmed The Death Of A British Soldier In Afghanistan

The soldier from the 3rd Battalion the Rifles, died from wounds following an explosion in Helmand Province on Sunday

The MOD's Paid Tribute To Another Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

19 year old Rifleman Peter Aldridge, who was from the 4th Battalion the Rifles, serving as part of 3 Rifles Battlegroup, died following an explosion whilst on foot patrol on Friday. "A great soldier and a true companion" Those are the words of Lt Col Kitson, Commanding Officer of 3 Rifles.

Military And Civilian Elements MUST Be Brought Together

That's the message from the Foreign Secretary. David Milliband's been speaking ahead of Afghanistan: The London Conference. Sixty foreign secretaries are expected to attend the meeting this week.

The Way New Recruits Are Trained Is Changing

At The Army Staff Leadership School, future instructors are being taught new, effective methods, leaving behind some of the old ways.

People Around The World Are Getting Ready To Celebrate The Birth Of Scotland's Greatest Poet

It's Burn's Night and Scots will be tucking into a Haggis in honour of Robbie Burns.

The Results For This Week's Army Sports Lottery Are In.

Bagging the first prize of ten thousand pounds is Lt S Croxford of the 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster Regiment at Catterick. In second place, winning five thousand pounds is Private SMG Teal of 2 Logistic Support Regiment, the Royal Logistic Corps. From HQ 5th Division Shrewsbury, we have Lt Col IMG Waller, he came third and has won two thousand five hundred pounds.

Friday 22 January 2010

Army Radio News - 22 Jan 10

The Secretary Of State For Defence Is Hitting The Internet To Answer The Public's Questions On The UK's Strategy In Afghanistan

Bob Ainsworth is inviting those interested in our presence in the country to challenge him on the aims and progress of the operation.

To pose your question and vote on others just click on: http://afghanistan.hmg.gov.uk/en/conference/045-questions/

16 Air Assault Will Deploy To Afghanistan In The Autumn

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth confirmed the news in a statement to the House of Commons on Thursday.

The Level Of Armoured Protection On Military Vehicles Is The Central Concern Of One Military Advisor To Government Scientists

Major Richard Taylor from the Royal Tank Regiment advises the Armour Protection Group at Defence Science & Technology Laboratory HQ.

He says there's a limit to the amount of protection that can be put on a vehicle.

The Winners Of The Army Photographic Competition Have Been Unveiled

At a ceremony in London awards were handed out by the Chief of the General Staff for the best pictures.

Thursday 21 January 2010

Army Radio News - 21 Jan 10

The Secretary Of State For Defence Has Announced 4th Mechanized Brigade Will Be The Next To Deploy To Afghanistan

Bob Ainsworth's revealed they'll replace 11 Light Brigade and command the majority of units over there.

Afghan Security Forces Have Been Praised By The Head Of The British Army For Their Response To Monday's Taliban Terror Attacks In Kabul

Chief of the General Staff, General Sir David Richards said they handled the situation very well on both a higher and tactical level.

The Focus Is Now Firmly On Reconstruction And Development For The Military Stabilisation And Support Group In Afghanistan

Since security was restored in the Babaji area of Helmand last year personnel from the MSSG have been working hard to encourage Afghan's to get more involved.

Ex-Paratrooper And Channel 4's Secret Millionaire Star Tony Banks Is Heading Off To The Falklands Next Week On A Very Special Mission

He'll be re-visiting some of the battle sites on a trek across the country in support of the charity Combat Stress.

Wednesday 20 January 2010

Army Radio News - 20 Jan 10

The Ministry Of Defence Has Denied There's A Rift In The Armed Services

There have been numerous reports of tension between the Army and the Navy.

Work On Increasing The Security In Afghanistan Continues

28 Engineer Regiment has just built a temporary check-point North of the Sangin area.

The First Four Upgraded Lynx Mk9 Helicopters Are Now In Action

They've re-entered service and are set to be deployed to Afghanistan.

Tuesday 19 January 2010

Army Radio News - 19 Jan 10

The Chief of the General Staff's Been Outlining His Vision For The Future Of The Armed Forces

During a speech at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.... General Sir David Richards said they had to adapt to changes in culture and also called for more boots on the ground over pieces of expensive kit.


The Commanding Officer Of 10 Queens Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment's Been Speaking To Garrison FM About The Dangers They Face Everyday In Afghanistan

The regiment's now more than half way through its tour of duty. It's responsible for transporting supplies to Forward Operating Bases around Taskforce Helmand.


The Centre For Defence Enterprise Has Invested Forty Eight Thousand Pounds In New Ground-Breaking Equipment

The money will be spent on funding research into video-analysis technology that helps monitor lung function.

Monday 18 January 2010

Army Radio News - 18 Jan 10

The Ministry Of Defence Has Named The Two Soldiers Who Died In Afghanistan On Friday

Corporal Lee Brownson and Rifleman Luke Farmer, from the 3rd Battalion the Rifles were killed by an IED while on patrol.

More Help's On The Way For Ex-Servicemen and Women Who Are At Risk Of Homelessness

Work's started on a national centre called The Beacon, which will be based at Catterick Garrison. The facility will offer temporary accommodation to veterans so they can make a life for themselves on Civvy Street.

A New Rifle's Been Bought For Troops In Afghanistan

The Sharpshooter will improve the long-range firepower available on the front line.

The Results Are In For This Week's Army Sports Lottery.

Sgt PA Evans of the 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment at Catterick came first winning £10,000. Private DJ Crawford of the 1st Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery at Tidworth came second, winning £5,000. From Larkhill's 32 Regiment, the Royal Artillery, Sgt DW Madden came third, winning £2,500.

Friday 15 January 2010

Army Radio News - 15 Jan 10

The 3 Rifles Battlegroup's More Than Half Way Through Its Tour Of Duty In Afghanistan

Troops have just completed a major push to boost security in Sangin by moving into smaller patrol bases amongst the population. The idea's to give them greater influence.

An Inquest Has Heard How A Hero Commando Was Killed By A "Million-To-One" Stray Bullet Fired Into His Camp In Afghanistan

Lt Aaron Lewis from the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, had been off duty and working out in the gym when the alarm was sounded. He was rushing to put on his helmet and body armour when he was shot in the head by a bullet, which had sailed over the 20ft high concrete walls of the base.

Bomb Disposal Experts In Afghanistan Are Being Given More Help.

A high tech robot's been delivered to the country to help them find and deactivate improvised explosive devices.

Education's The Key For Those Being Detained At Colchester's Military Corrective Training Centre

Regardless of whether they're leaving the Army, or resuming active service.
That's the message from the MCTC's Regimental Qartermaster Sergeant WO2 Phil Fulton who's been talking to Garrison FM.

Thursday 14 January 2010

Army Radio News - 14 Jan 10

The Way British Soldiers Are Working With The Afghan National Army's Changing.

The Chief of the General Staff, General Sir David Richards claimed there'll be success in Afghanistan when Afghans can fight for themselves. Now steps are being taken to make this possible in the form of embedded partnership.

Troops In Afghanistan Are Receiving New And Improved Kit All The Time.

That's according to the MOD, which has responded to a poll conducted by The Sun. The newspaper claims only one in four people believe soldiers have all they need to defeat the Taliban.

Army wives And Girlsfriends Are Being Urged To Get In touch With Their Unit Welfare Officer BEFORE Their Partners Deploy To Afghanistan.

In the next few months more troops are set to head out to the country.

The Army Community In Edinburgh's All Set to Host Scotland's Biggest Charity Event.

A special concert's to be held later this month at the Jam House to raise money for Help For Heroes and the Army Benevolent Fund.

Wednesday 13 January 2010

Army Radio News - 13 Jan 10

The MOD Has Named The Soldier From 11 EOD Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps Who Was Killed In Afghanistan On Monday

Captain Daniel Read died following an explosion, which happened in the Musa Qaleh area of northern Helmand Province.

The Armed Forces Could Face Cuts Of Twenty Per-Cent In Manpower Over The Next Six Years

That's according to the independent military think-tank, the Royal United Services Institute.

Air Support For Troops Has Received Another Boost After The Delivery Of Two New MK3 Chinook Helicopters To RAF Odium

Minister for Defence Equipment & Support Quentin Davies told Garrison FM, helicopter support in theatre will have increased by fifty per cent by the end of the summer.

A New Health Care Package Is On The Cards For Military Veterans

It will support service personnel who've been seriously injured during
active service.

Tuesday 12 January 2010

Army Radio News - 12 Jan 10

The MOD's Confirmed A Soldier From 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment Has Been Killed In Afghanistan

He died following an explosion, which happened in the Musa Qaleh area of northern Helmand Province on Monday.

The MOD Says Many Soldiers Not Fit For Deployment Are Still Contributing To The Work Of The Armed Forces

This follows reports that twenty per cent of infantry personnel are unfit for frontline combat duties. Captain Cindy Lethbridge from Army Primary Healthcare in Colchester says alot's being done to keep soldier's fit for the frontline.

The British Commander Of NATO Forces In Southern Afghanistan Says Ungoverned Areas Will Become The Focus Of Operations In 2010

General Nick Carter has confirmed British, US, and other NATO troops will be helping the government of Afghanistan assert control over the Nad-e-Ali district and Kandahar City.

Edinburgh's Military Tattoo Has A New Name

The event's been given Royal status by the Queen and will be known as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Monday 11 January 2010

Army Radio News - 11 Jan 10

Tributes Have Been Paid To The UK Journalist Killed In Afghanistan At The Weekend

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said he'd been impressed by the professionalism and hard work of the Mirror's Defence correspondent Rupert Hamer on a recent visit to Afghanistan.

The Lives Of Two Afghan Children Injured By An IED Have Been Saved By Military Medics

The 3 and 6 year old girls were flown by a British Chinook Helicopter to the military multinational hospital at Kandahar Airfield.

The Public Needs To Back The War In Afghanistan As Much As They Support The Soldiers Who Fight It

That's the message from the head of the British Army who says the conflict needs to be better understood. But General Sir David Richards also recognises how important public support is for soldiers morale.

The MOD's Very Own 'Dragon's Den' Has Just Received It's 1000th Equipment Proposal

Dr Helen Almey's been telling Garrison FM about some of the projects aimed at helping frontline troops that have been successful in getting funding from the centre.

The Winners Of This Week's Army Sports Lottery Are...

Captain C L Dalley from HQ DRLC at Deepcut wins the top prize of ten thousand pounds.

Corporal P Smith from the Army Foundation College in Harrogate is in second place winning five thousand pounds.

The third prize of two thousand five hundred pounds goes to Sergeant G T Hill from RSU at BFPO 40.

Friday 8 January 2010

Army Radio News - 08 Jan 10

Survival Rates Of Casualties Arriving In Camp Bastion's Field Hospital Are Improving All The Time

The Commanding Officer of 254 Medical Regiment Lt Col Simon Redman says the experience of his medics is constantly developing.

Communications On The Battlefield Are Set To Take A Leap Forward With The Roll-Out Of The Latest Version Of Bowman

The Assistant Director of Command & Battlespace Management at HQ Land Forces Col Andrew Barr has been telling Garrison FM about BSIP 5.

3 Rifles Are Seeing First Hand How Their Efforts In Helmand Province Are Bringing About Real Security For Local Afghans

Three months into their tour the battlegroup have already witnessed changes for the better as Rifleman James Mckee explained to Garrison FM.

Sixty Reservists From London's Only Territorial Army Infantry Regiment Are Preparing for Operational Service In Afghanistan

They've swapped their civilian jobs and have mobilised as full time soldiers for 12 months.

Thursday 7 January 2010

Army Radio News - 07 Jan 10

Less Than Three Percent Of People In Prison Are Armed Service Veterans

That's according to recent research by the MOD and Ministry of Justice. It's hoped the study will help improve the way ex-army personnel make the transition from military life to Civvy Street.


Soldiers Have Been Helping The Civilian Authorities Cope With The Snow

Gunners from 47 Regiment Royal Artillery helped Hampshire Police deal with 6 hundred stranded motorists on the A3 with the aid of a 4 tonne truck.


Troops From 10 Queens Own Ghurka Logistic Regiment Are Preparing For A Mammouth Challenge.

This weekend, 100 soldiers will be pulling a truck 4.4 Kilometres around the perimeter of Camp Bastion in aid of charity.

Wednesday 6 January 2010

Army Radio News - 06 Jan 10

More Life-Saving Medics Could Be Heading To Afghanistan.

They've just completed the latest phase in a training cycle, which is building towards a probable deployment.

A Revoluntionary New Strippable Paint Coating That Could Decontaminate Itself After Absorbing Chemical Agents May Be On The Cards.

Scientists at the Defence Science Technology Laboratory based at Porton Down in Wiltshire are carrying out experiments.

The Commander Of The Household Cavalry Battlegroup in Afghanistan Has Praised Young Soldiers Who've Been Working Tirelessly To Detect And Make Safe Roadside Bombs.

Lt Col Harry Fullerton is also the CO of the Household Cavalry Regiment and commands UK troops in the Northwest Area of Helmand Province.

Tuesday 5 January 2010

Army Radio News - 05 Jan 10

The MOD Has Named The Soldier From 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian's Killed In Afghanistan

Private Robert Hayes died in a explosion whilst conducting a security patrol at a check point in the Nad-e-Ali area of Helmand Province.

The Head Of The British Army Has Been Speaking To Garrison FM About His Plans For 2010

General Sir David Richards says the US troop surge in Afghanistan will allow UK forces to hold more ground.

The Queen's Royal Lancers...New Kit And Rations

Those are just some of the features you can expect to see in this month's Soldier Magazine.

Monday 4 January 2010

Army Radio News - 04 Jan 10

The Ministry of Defence Has Confirmed A Soldier From 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment Was Killed In Afghanistan On Sunday

The soldier died as a result of an explosion whilst on foot patrol in the Nad-e Ali area of Helmand Province.

Soldiers From The British Army And The Afghan National Army Have Been Working Side By Side To Rebuild Local Road Networks In Afghanistan

A previously impassable section of roadway near a patrol base in Battle Group North in the Sangin district has been repaired.

A New Single Has Been Released To Raise Money For Wounded Servicemen And Women

The Band and Bugles of the Rifles along with singer John Tams have produced a song to raise funds for the charity Help for Heroes.

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

Captain J Lang from 3 Regiment AAC, Ipswich

Officer Cadet CL Van der Merwe from CIVSEC, Shrivenham

W02 AM Richards from ARRC Support Battalion, BFPO 40