Friday 30 April 2010

Army Radio News - 30 Apr 10

Guardsmen From 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards Return Home To Aldershot

Over one hundred arrived back from Afghanistan to an emotional welcome from family and friends. The battlegroup were based in the Babaji area of operations in Helmand.

Garrison FM's Teamed Up With Tickets For Troops

The charity is taking to the airwaves and will feature twice a day on the Army's Radio Service.

Twenty Volunteers Begin A Massive Challenge

Over the next week they'll cycle 600 miles to raise money for holidays for bereaved service families.

The Voice And Talent Of A Fallen Rifleman Lives On

The single 'More Time' written and sung by Phil Allan before he died in Afghanistan last year has just been released with proceeds going to the Rifles new appeal Care for Casualties and ABF:The Soldier's Charity.

Thursday 29 April 2010

Army Radio News - 29 Apr 10

The Army's Making Sport A Priority

At the first ever Army Sports Award, which was co-hosted by Garrison FM, The Chief of the General Staff, General Sir David Richards spoke of the new Sports Policy. It included details of how each soldier should take part in one sporting activity at least once a week.


The Last Soldiers From 3rd Battalion The Rifles Have Finally Made It Home

Thousands turned out to welcome back members of the Battlegroup, which lost 30 personnel during its 6 months in Afghanistan.


Days Before They're Due Home Soldiers From 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards Have Conducted A Helicopter Insertion Operation

They worked in partnership with Afghan Security Forces to search a village suspected to be held under insurgent control.

Civilians And Soldiers Have Joined Forces To Tidy Up Britain's Biggest Garrison

Hundreds turned out for an annual effort to clean up the town centre in Catterick Garrison.

Wednesday 28 April 2010

Army Radio News - 28 Apr 10

21 Engineer Regiment's Joined Forces With Soldiers From The Afghan National Army

They'll be working with engineers from the Close Support Kandak, 3rd Brigade, ANA on a programme of infrastructure works at Patrol Base Rahim in the Nahr-e Saraj.

A Hugely Successful Tour - That's How The OC of A Company, 1 Royal Anglians Has Described Their Six Months In Afghanistan

Garrison FM spoke with Major Stuart Smith following their homecoming parade

A Homecoming Party And Medals Parade For The 3 Rifles Is Set To Be A Huge Occasion

1,500 People have already said they'll be at the event next month.

An Edinburgh School, Which Is Made Up Of 98 Percent Army Children, Is Help Youngsters While Their Parents Are Deployed.

Colinton Primary's opened a "Room To Grow" Garden. The site, which was originally wasteland, is to be a place where they can go if they need a quiet moment.

Tuesday 27 April 2010

Army Radio News - 27 Apr 10

It's Been Several Months Since Lt Col Dougie Graham Became The Commanding Officer Of 2 Scots

The new CO is currently preparing for their winter tour of Afghanistan.

Number 2 Company, Welsh Guards Is Preparing To Travel To Russia Next Month

The Soldiers are going to take part in the Moscow Parade to mark 65 years since the end of WWII.

An Organisation, Which Helps People Leaving The Armed Forces Is Proving A Success

Forceselect offers support when it comes to finding a job, accommodation or even financial help. It's now hoped it will expand.

Troops From The Inverness-Based Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment Of Scotland Are Cycling From Lands End To John O'Groats

It's all to raise money for BLESMA, which stands for British Limbless Ex-Sevicemen's Association.

Football's Helping To Heal A War Torn Helmand

Soldiers from 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster Regiment staged a match against members of the Afghan National Army in the Nad-e Ali area. The game demonstrated the improvements in local security

Monday 26 April 2010

Army Radio News - 26 Apr 10

4 Mechanized Brigade's Already Making Headway In Afghanistan

It's over two weeks since the command of UK troops in Helmand was officially transferred. Garrison FM's been speaking with Captain Malcolm Dalzel-Job of The Scots Guards, who's currently in Lashkar Gah, he they're making progress

There's A Reduction In Levels Of Violence And Insurgent Activity In Helmand Province

It's thought it's a result of the poppy harvest.

1st Battalion Coldstream Guards Have Marked The Transfer Of Authority For The Nahr-e Saraj Area To 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles

The Coldstream Guards played a leading role in the recent Operation MOSHTARAK.

The Royal Regiment Of Fusiliers Have Received The First Ever Freedom Of Northumberland


Soldiers from all three battalions were given the honour on St George's Day.

Most Couples Celebrate Their Anniversary With Trips Away And Romantic Meals

But a couple from Livingston are going to mark their 30 years together in a slightly unusual way. John and Diane Jarvie are getting ready to walk the West Highland Way to raise money for SSAFA.

The Results Are In For This Week's Army Sport's Lottery

Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is Cfn Hayward from 2 CS REME. WO2 Hill from Worthy Down Support Unit in Winchester came second, winning 5 thousand. SSgt Milward from 2 Royal Tank Regiment in Tidworth won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.

Friday 23 April 2010

Army Radio News - 23 Apr 10

The Scots Guards Are Seeing Signs Of Progress In Afghanistan

Despite being only one month into their tour of duty in Helmand Province they are already undertaking the challenge of building better relations with local Afghans.

An ANA Soldier Holds The Record For Finding The Most Improvised Explosive Devises

Sgt Ajab Han worked with British troops from 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment Of Scotland at a patrol base in the Sangin valley, and during his 3 years in Helmand he discovered 177 improvised explosive devices.

Soldiers From 19 Regiment Royal Artillery Are Recognised For Their Recent Afghanistan Tour

48 members of Tombs troop were awarded Operation Herrick 11 medals by the Director of the Royal Artillery in Tidworth.

A Focus Group Is Proving A Success In Catterick

It aims to improve the treatment families receive before and after deployments.

People Are Being Urged To Show Troops Their Support By Taking The Plunge

SSAFA's searching for 125 daredevils to take part in its sky-diving challenge as part of it's 125th anniversary celebrations.

Thursday 22 April 2010

Army Radio News - 22 Apr 10

The Responsibility And Command Of The Sangin Area Of Operations In Helmand Province Has Been Officially Transferred

40 Commando Royal Marines have now taken over from 3rd Battalion The Rifles.

A Firefight's Taken Place Between Snipers From Fire Support Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh And Insurgents In Afghanistan

It happened near Shahzad in South-West Helmand. They'd been tasked with providing flanking protection for Army bomb disposal teams.

Her Majesty The Queen's Birthday's Been Celebrated In York

A 28-strong firing party from Leeds University Officer Training Corps fired a Royal Salute.

This Week Mark's The Birthday Of England's Patron Saint

Troops up and down the country, as well as those serving abroad, are getting ready to celebrate St Georges Day.

Dancers Will Tell The Soldier's Story Of Life On The Frontline In The Premiere Performance Of 5 Soldier's - The Body Is The Frontline on Friday

The first showing will be at Birmingham's Hippodrome as part of the city's International Festival Of Dance, before the production heads off on a tour across the country.

Wednesday 21 April 2010

Army Radio News - 21 Apr 10

UK Airspace Has Now Re-opened And With It Military Operations Are Beginning To Return To Normal

Relief in Place is currently suspended, meaning UK forces who are due to return home will remain in place for the time being. It's so there's no loss of operational capability.

It's Almost 2 Weeks Since 4th Mechanized Brigade Took Control Of UK Forces In Afghanistan

Garrison FM has been speaking with the Commanding Officer of the Royal Dragoon Guards to see how operations are going. Lt Col James Carr-Smith says they're adjusting well.

Children From A School In Catterick Garrison Are Pushing Themselves To The Limit

In just over a week, 3 youngsters are planning to cycle more than 22 miles. It's all to raise money for the Afghan Appeal Fund.

Tuesday 20 April 2010

Army Radio News - 20 Apr 10

Their Return May Have Been Delayed But Troops Are Now Making Their Way Home

After travelling from Cyprus to Spain, medics from 33 Field Hospital Regiment and the remaining 3 RIFLES are now on a Royal Navy Ship heading back to the UK. Restrictions over European airspace because of the volcanic ash plumes have had an impact on hundreds of passengers awaiting return flights to the UK in Cyprus and to and from Afghanistan.

On Monday Garrison FM Held A Special Live Broadcast At Sharpe's Retreat In Redford Barracks In Edinburgh - The Home Of 3 RIFLES

The complex was opened last year and has proven to be a haven for wives and girlfriends during the difficult tour of Afghanistan, the battlegroup suffered more fatalities than any other regiment since WWII

The Army's Appealing For Soldiers About To Be Polled In A Survey To Make Sure Their Voices Are Heard

A random sample of around five-thousand will be asked to take part in the next Armed Forces Continuous Attitude's Survey, the results of which will be published this autumn.

There Are Concerns National Security Could Be Accidentally Breached By People Using Social Networking Sites

Soldiers and their families are being urged to be careful what information they put online. Pictures of personnel in uniform, addresses and even tributes to those killed in action can all cause problems.

42 Engineer Regiment Have Won The Army Minor Units Cup Final

They beat DSDA Kineton 2-1 at Aldershot Military Stadium.

Monday 19 April 2010

Army Radio News - 19 Apr 10

The Plume Of Ash From An Icelandic Volcano Continues To Cause Chaos For Troops Travelling Too And From The UK

This weekend, 100 soldiers from B Company 1 Scots took a diverted route home due to the severe air-space restrictions over northern Europe. They were originally due back for their homecoming parade at lunchtime on Friday, but instead they spent several days in Cyprus.

Army Bomb Disposal Experts Have Made A Stretch Of Road Safer For Afghanistan Locals

Members of the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force cleared the route to the market town of Shazad in South West Helmand.

Soldiers From 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards' Queen's Company Have Helped The Afghan National Army Hold A Reintegration Shura With Members Of The Taliban

The event aimed to encourage undecided members of the Taliban to meet with Afghan Government officials for the area to discuss their options for returning to accepted society.

British Veterans Are Among Two Thousand Who've Travelled To South Korea To Commemorate The 60th Anniversary Of The Korean War

Falling between WWII and Vietnam more British soldiers died during the conflict than have since the Falklands, Iraq, and Afghanistan combined.

The results are in for this week's Army Sport's Lottery

Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is Major Mullin from HQ British Forces South Atlantic Islands. Major Foster from the Defence Storage and Distribution Agency came second, winning 5 thousand. WO2 Lenachan of 2 Mercian won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.
 

Friday 16 April 2010

Army Radio News - 16 Apr 10

Some Of The Bravest Men And Women In The British Army Have Been Given A Heroes Welcome

Soldiers from 11 EOD Regiment have marched through the town of Didcot for their homecoming parade.

Thousands Of Soldiers From 4th Mechanized Brigade Undertake Their Final In-Theatre Training In Afghanistan

Over a nine week period troops arriving at Camp Bastion will assume responsibilities from their predecessors.

Australian Gunners Have Been Awarded British Op Herrick Campaign Medals At A Parade On Salisbury Plain

Soldier's from 1 Royal Horse Artillery bid farewell to their Aussie counterparts in Tidworth after spending six months with them on tour in Afghanistan.

Thursday 15 April 2010

Army Radio News - 15 Apr 10

Soldiers From 1 Scots 'B' Company Head Home From Afghanistan

As they return home the rest of 1 Scots tour gets underway.

Bringing Armed Forces Accommodation Up To The Highest Standard Should Be A Priority

That's according to eighty-four percent of people polled in a survey commissioned by the Royal British Legion.

Wives And Girlfriends In Catterick Are Singing For Their Soldiers

They're forming a WAG's choir, and hope to cheer up troops by sending them recordings whilst they're on tour in Afghanistan.

A Team Of Soldiers Are Preparing To Set Off On A Marathon Bike Ride

Troops from the Inverness-based Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment Of Scotland are to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats.



Wednesday 14 April 2010

Army Radio News - 14 Apr 10

A Soldier's Played Down Being Awarded A Military Medal For His Bravery In Afghanistan

Private Alex Kennedy of 2nd Battalion the Mercian saved his injured officer and also took charge of his colleagues during a firefight with the Taliban. At just 18, the teenager from Worcestershire's the youngest Soldier to have earned the award since World War II.

They May Have Recently Arrived In Afghanistan, But Soldiers From 6 Squadron, 12 Logistic Support Regiment, Are Already Hard At Work

They've just completed a Gruelling week-long logistic patrol.... delivering equipment to troops on the front line.

Aldershot Army Barracks Has Been Left Out Of The London 2012 Olympic Plans

Two years ago the British Olympic Association announced it would use the site as a training base for the GB team. New plans have been made following a review. After months of negotiations the BOA's signed a deal to have its preparation camp at Loughborough University.

Football's Going To Be Used To Help Forces Veterans Adjust To Life On Civvy Street

Chelsea, Everton, Portsmouth, Lincoln City, and Colchester United are going to be involved.

Light's Being Shed On The History Colchester Garrison

People can now find out more about what life there was like one-hundred years ago.
It's after the town's Museum Service successfully bid for an auction lot.

Tuesday 13 April 2010

Army Radio News - 13 Apr 10

Members Of C Squadron Of The Household Cavalry Regiment Have Been Recognised For Their Work In Afghanistan

They've been presented with their Afghanistan Operational Service Medals.

More Than 200 Gunners Have Been Welcomed Back

A homecoming parade was held in Tidworth to mark the return of 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery from Afghanistan.

Officer Cadets At Sandhurst Have Come Out On Top in An Annual Competition

The Cadets claimed the Sandhurst Cup after beating 43 teams from across the globe.
The event's a military school competition and lasts for 48 hours at the US Military Academy at West Point.

A Blind Ex-Serviceman's Gone Above And Beyond To Pay Back A Charity, Which Helped Him Turn His Life Around

Jamie Cuthbertson's just returned from doing a marathon, but it's not your average marathon, he's just completed 26 miles in the North Pole. It's all to raise money for St. Dunstan's, an organisation, which gives support to blind and visually impaired veterans.

Monday 12 April 2010

Army Radio News - 12 Apr 10

The Command Of UK Troops In Helmand Province Has Been Officially Transferred

4 Mechanized Brigade has now taken over from 11 Light Brigade. The Transfer of Authority took place at Task Force Helmand Headquarters in Lashkar Gah.

Troops Wounded In The Line Of Duty Are To Receive A 40 Million Pound Boost From Military Charities

Help For Heroes, ABF: The Soldier's Charity and the Royal British Legion have joined forces to raise the cash.

Army Families Are Being Urged To Get In Touch With Their Local Authorites About Childcare

To improve the services available parents are being asked for their input.

The results are in for this week's Army Sport's Lottery


Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is Sgt Campbell from 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault). Sgt Webster from 11 Training Battalion REME came second, winning 5 thousand. Craftsman Boot from 101 FS Battalion REME won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.

Friday 9 April 2010

Army Radio News - 09 Apr 10

Two Armed Forces Charities Are Now Working Together

Help for Heroes and ABF The Soldiers' Charity have come together to give direct and practical support to wounded soldiers.

A Soldier From 1 Royal Welsh Killed In Afghanistan's Been Remembered

Fusilier Johnathan Anthony Burgess died as a result of gun shot wounds suffered during a small arms battle in the Nad-e-Ali area of Helmand.

The twenty year has been described as the epitome of a Welsh Infantry soldier; fiercely proud of being a Royal Welshman and of the job he was doing in Afghanistan.

Serving Soldier's Families Can Now Get More Support

In the UK those with soldier's about to deploy to Afghanistan will receive more help to prepare.

Families joining their soldier on a posting overseas can protect their entitlement to benefits when they return to the UK thanks to the Service Personnel Command Paper.

Thursday 8 April 2010

Army Radio News - 08 Apr 10

The MOD Says Sorry For Causing Offence After An Outcry From A Religious Organisation

A Muslim group demanded an apology from the British Army after it emerged replica mosques were being used on a North Yorkshire Firing Range.

An Army spokesperson said it was never their intention for the structures to look like or replicate mosques, but to provide a setting similar to operational environments in which personnel could train.

A Month Into 1 Scots Tour Of Duty The Regiment's Settling Into The Routine Of Operations In Afghanistan

HQ has been set up at Camp Tombstone, a small camp within an Afghan National Army base close to Camp Bastion where their job's to mentor the ANA.

In Another Part Of Helmand 1 Scots Soldier's From 'B' Company Are Making Sure Afghan Youngsters Can Be Better Educated

Alongside the Afghan National Army, they've handed out exercise books to children in the Wishtun area.

Technology Developed To Protect Soldier's Against The Affects Of Chemical Weapons Agents Is Now Being Used Commercially

Trainer manufacturer Hi-Tec is now using the special waterproof coating thanks to an initiative from Defence Science and Technology Laboratories HQ at Porton Down in Wiltshire.

Soldier's Are Learning How To Capture Hearts And Minds

A class full at Colchester's Merville Barracks has been learning Pashto to help them communicate better with local Afghans.

Wednesday 7 April 2010

Army Radio News - 07 Apr 10

The Start Of A Dedicated Afghanistan Helicopter Force Is Beginning To Take Shape

The Kandahar Air Wing of the Afghanistan National Air Corps has come a long way since its arrival 6 months ago. It's partly thanks to the contribution of British Military experience and expertise.

As Part Of The "When You're In A Jiffy" Campaign, 1 Mercians Have Been Given Permission To Pull Together Jiffy Bags

Friends, families and Community Groups'll fill them with items. The welfare parcels will then be handed to soldiers who are on R and R to take back with them when they return to Afghanistan.

The Army Widows Association Is Approaching It's 6th Birthday

The organisation, which was set up for widows by widows, is going from strength to strength.

The Welfare Services Officer At ATR Bassingbourn Is Going Above And Beyond For His Job

Henry Heyward's dedication to the recruits' well-being can be measured by the fact that he lives in Swansea and only gets home once a month.

Tuesday 6 April 2010

Army Radio News - 06 Apr 10


A Taliban Production Line For Improvised Explosive Devises Has Been Uncovered


An Army search dog made the discovery as part of Operation MOSHTARAK. Home made explosives, old claymore mines and the equipment to make more than 10 IED's were found by Chocolat, a Belgian Sheppard Dog.

The Two Latest British Soldiers To Be Killed In Afghanistan Are Being Remembered

Tributes have been paid to Guardsman Michael Sweeney of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards and Rifleman Mark Turner of 3 Rifles Battle Group.

An Additional Needs And Disability Forum's Helping Army Families

The service not only deals with issues raised by members, it's also a watching group for holidays supplied by SAFFA for siblings and young carers. A website's also being set up for the forum, where concerns can be discussed.

Youngsters At Colchester Hospital's Children's Ward Were Given An Easter To Remember Thanks To Garrison FM

Liz Mullen and James Shortland visited the ward along with service personnel and handed out chocolate eggs to the patients.

The results are in for this week's Army Sport's Lottery

Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is Cpl Hall from 39 Regiment Royal Artillery in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Major Luckett from 101 Logistic Brigade HQ and Signal Squadron (261) in Aldershot came second, winning 5 thousand. WO2 Phillips from UK Armoured Division Signal Regiment won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.

Thursday 1 April 2010

Army Radio News - 01 Apr 10

The Commander-in-Chief Of Land Forces Says Plans To Boost Afghanistan's Security Forces Are On Course

General Sir Peter Wall's comments follow a recent visit to Helmand where he saw for himself the situation on the ground.

Family and Friends of 2 Yorks Soldiers Will Receive An Early Easter Treat

Green Howard's are expected to return to Weeton Barracks in Lancashire from their latest tour of Afghanistan on Good Friday .

The MOD Announces The Creation Of A Specialist Military Unit To Boost Troops Cultural Understanding Of Afghanistan

The Defence Cultural Specialist Unit launched today will enable soldier's to develop their awareness of the cultures they operate in contributing towards further success in defeating insurgents.

April Fools Come Thick and Fast On Garrison FM

Everything from the speaking clock's use of regional accents, to the discovery of underground tunnels linking Dreghorn and Redford Barracks with Edinburgh Castle and Craigiehall, got many fooled!