Friday 28 May 2010

Army Radio News - 28 May 10

More IED's Are Being Detected In Helmand Province With The Aid Of Information From Local Afghan's

WO1 Justin Spreadborough from the Counter IED Taskforce says improved security provided by ISAF forces is encouraging Afghan civilians to come forward with increasing amounts of information.

Tributes Have Been Paid To Gunner Zak Cusack From 4th Regiment Royal Artillery Killed In Afghanistan On Wednesday

He was taking part in a routine reassurance patrol and died as a result of small arms fire after engaging with insurgent forces.

Government Scientists Believe They Are A Step Closer To Developing Better Ways Of Tracking And Targeting Insurgents

They've been conducting flight trials at Porton Down near Salisbury Plain using cutting edge sensors. It is hoped these experiments will lead to the development of better technology that can help troops counter IED threats more effectively.

There Continues To Be An Upward Trend In Retention In The UK's Armed Forces

That's according to the latest manning figures released by the MOD.

Thursday 27 May 2010

Army Radio News - 27 May 10

It's 70 Years Since 861 Vessels Rescued Allied Troops From Dunkirk

This week, 50 "Little Ships" travelled to France to commemorate Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of around 338 ,000 soldiers from Dunkirk's beaches.

The Report Into Bloody Sunday's To Be Published Next Month

The document aims to get to the bottom of the day in 1972 in Northern Ireland, where 13 civilians died after the Army opened fire and a fourteenth died subsequently.

New Clinic Offices In Afghanistan Have Been Officially Opened

The new facilities, which ISAF helped fund, will provide health care to the local people of Nad-e-Ali.

Troops Urban Warfare Skills Are Being Put To The Test On Salisbury Plain

1st Battalion The Rifles are taking part in Exercise Druid's Dance at Imber Village alongside Afghan civilians.

Wednesday 26 May 2010

Army Radio News - 26 May 10

Soldiers From 1st Battalion The Duke Of Lancaster's Regiment Have Been Helping Farmers Co-Operatives In Helmand Province

Together, with the International Relief and Development Agency and the Afghan Government, they've handed out 20 new tractors in the Nad-e-Ali region.

Six Months After He Took Up The Post Of General Officer Commanding 2nd Division And The Governor Of Edinburgh Castle, Garrison FM's Been Catching Up With General David Shaw

In a frank interview, General Shaw was open about the future challenges they face.

A Pair Of British Female Soldiers Have Made History

They've become the first to complete the United States Marine Corps' Female Engagement Team Course.

Preparation's Are Underway For A Huge Rally To Raise Funds For Thousands Of Soldiers


A nationwide plea's gone out to motorcyclist to sign up to the event taking place this autumn at Catterick Garrison.

Tuesday 25 May 2010

Amry Radio News - 25 May 10

More Air Support's Being Given To Troops In Afghanistan

The MOD's announced the upgraded Army Lynx Mk9A helicopters have been sent from the UK and taken to the Afghan Skies.

Soldiers From Australia And Canada Are Gaining Experience With The British Army

As the personnel don't get to see much of frontline operations, they're given the option of serving with UK troops in Afghanistan.

Poppy Scotland's Encouraging Veterans In Perth And Kinross To Come Forward

There are a number of reason's why some chose not to get in touch, but one of the main reasons is they're not aware of the type of support their entitled to.

Preparations Are Underway For This Year's Deepcut Open Day

As well as personnel and their families, civilians from all around are invited to the event to get a glimpse of what the corps' all about.

Monday 24 May 2010

Army Radio News - 24 May 10

A New Training Test's Being Introduced This Year On Countering Improvised Explosive Devices

It's designed to provide a common baseline of counter IED knowledge, skills, and drills for new recruits, so mission specific training can be focused on the threat in theatre

The MOD's Confirmed Britain's Senior Bomb Disposal Officer's Resigned

An Army spokesman's said Colonel Bob Seddon has quit as principle ammunition technical officer of the Royal Logistic Corp and will be leaving the service in January.

The Secretary Of State For Defence Has Visited Helmand Province For The First Time Since Taking Up His Post

Dr Liam Fox was also joined by Foreign Secretary William Hague....International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell and Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup.

David Beckham's Paid Tribute To The Soldiers Serving In Afghanistan During A Recent Visit

The football star met hundreds of British and American Troops during his morale boosting

Soldier's From 261 Signal Squadron Have Been Awarded Operational Medals At The Tower Of London

It's the first time a unit not based there has been allowed to hold their medals parade in the tower

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

Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is LCpl Camp from HCMR in London Guardsman Morris from 1 Grenadier Guards in London came second, winning 5 thousand. Cpl Marsh of HQ 160 Brigade in Brecon won the third prize of 2 and a half grand

Friday 21 May 2010

Army Radio News - 21 May 10

The Government Has Pledged To Double The Operational Allowance And Ensure Injured Troops Are Treated On Dedicated Wards

They are among some of the ways the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats say they will support troops detailed in the Coalition's Programme for government. The report also says there will be a 25% reduction in the MOD's budget.

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox Has Welcomed Changes To The Command And Control Of ISAF Forces In Southern Afghanistan

The International Security Assistance Force has confirmed that Regional Command South will be split into two headquarters based in Helmand and Kandahar in response to advice from Commanders on the ground.

The Afghan National Army's Ability To Operate Independently In Helmand Is Increasing Day By Day According To The 1 Scots Battlegroup

Soldier's from 2-3-215 Kandak recently planned and executed two successful raids in the Sanguin valley and captured eight suspected Taliban insurgents. Soldier's from 1 Scots Charlie Company and 40 Commando Brigade Battlegroup provided backup to the raids.

Information Is The Key To Supporting Families Of Deployed Soldiers

3 Yorks Unit Welfare Office says it is vital to provide as much as possible for those left behind.

British Troops In Afghanistan Are Sporting A New Look This Spring

For the first time in over 40 years their uniform has changed.

Thursday 20 May 2010

Army Radio News - 20 May 10

Three Months After The Launch Of Op MOSHTARAK And There Are Clear Signs Of Progress

Roads have been built and district centres in Helmand have been reconstructed.

More Help's On Offer For Soldiers Facing Psychological Problems

A book's been published titled "Commander's Guide to Mental Health and Wellbeing".

Forces Charity Help For Heroes Has Hit The Fifty Million Pound Mark

The aim of raising enough cash to build a new swimming pool and gym complex at Headley Court for wounded troops, launched the charity in 2007.

Parcels Full Of Home Comforts Are Being Sent Out To soldiers In Afghanistan

Wives and girlfriends at Catterick Garrison have all held a packing session and it's thought around 100 boxes will be flown out.

Wednesday 19 May 2010

Army Radio News - 19 May 10

We've Been Finding Out What It's Like For Those Left Behind During Deployment

In a frank and honest interview with Garrison FM's Mark McKenzie, Kate Herbert, the wife of 1 Scots Commanding Officer Charlie Herbert, spoke of her feelings towards the army community.

A Hounslow TA Soldier's Helping To Forge Links Between The Army And The Local Sikh Community

Private Ranvir Singh, who serves with 562 Transport Squadron, 151 Royal London Transport Regiment has been visiting Sikh temples in the Hounslow and Southhall areas.

The Ball's Now Rolling In The Build-Up To Armed Forces Day

So far more than 250 thousand people have joined the event's Facebook group and a new TV ads been launched nationally.

Soldiers From The Parachute Regiment Have Been Able To See Their Brand New Jump Tower In All Its Glory

It was erected for the first time this week at Colchester's Merville Barracks.

Two British Army Doctors Are Attempting To Set A New World Record

Captains Hamish Reid and Nick Dennison of the Royal Army Medical Corps are currently rowing around the UK.

Tuesday 18 May 2010

Army Radio News - 18 May 10


The New Defence Secretary Claims There's Still A Need For British Troops To Be In Afghanistan


Dr Liam Fox has been speaking about the national security reasons and has also praised the bravery and professionalism of service personnel in Helmand.

Over Sixty Soldiers From 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment Have Just Returned From France

There, they've strengthened existing ties with the town of Erquingham Lys

Soldiers From 3 Armoured Squadron, 22 Engineer Regiment Have Set Out On A Massive Challenge

They're running 880 miles in 11 days from John O'Groats to Landsend.

The Reigning Miss England's Showing Less Is More

Lance Corporal Katrina Hodge, who won the contest last year, ditched the stereotypical swimwear to pose in sportswear.

British Servicemen And Women Are Getting The Chance To See The England V Mexico Match Next Week

The FA has donated 1,000 tickets to Tickets for Troops

Monday 17 May 2010

Army Radio News - 17 May 10

A British Army Platoon's Earned Itself High Praise After Finding And Eliminating Numerous IED's During A Single Patrol In Afghanistan

Members of C Company 1 SCOTS, who are based in the Sangin Valley area, have been carrying out frequent patrols in Helmand's notorious Green Zone.

Coldstream Guards And Afghan Security Forces Have Been Working Together In Helmand

A joint patrol, involving soldiers from 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards from Aldershot and members of the ANP and ANA have been speaking to villagers in the Malgir region.

It May Be Months Away But People Are Being Urged To Make Sure Their Voices Are Heard At The AFF Conference

The Army Families Federation holds the event every 2 years.

People Are Being Given The Chance To Go Behind The Scenes Of The Oldest Regiment In the British Army

This week, the Honourable Artilley Company is opening its Grade II listed Headquarters in London to the public.

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

Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is Sgt Tatern of 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales Regiment. Pte Borman from 17 Port and Maritime Regiment came second, winning 5 thousand. Sgt Hingley of BATUS Main won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.

Friday 14 May 2010

Army Radio News - 14 May 10

1 Scots Are Getting Stuck Into Operations In Afghanistan

Over one hundred have been deployed on the ground as part of Waterloo Company. Most are being drawn from 1 Scots 'A' Company and will operate as a ground holding group under the 1 Lancs Battlegroup.

The Nad- Ali District Centre In Helmand Province Has hosted Peaceful And Successful Local Elections

Six hundred Afghan community elders travelled there to cast their vote in a secret ballot to decide the 45 members of the district community council.

The Commander Of ISAF Regional Command South Says They Have Created A Strong Security Presence Around Marjah and Nad-Ali

Major General Nick Carter said the progress made in the Nad-Ali area can be used as a benchmark for the Marjah region.

Her Majesty The Queen Has Presented New Colours To 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards

In her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the battalion she addressed five hundred and fifty officers and men following a Royal Salute in the garden of Buckingham Palace.

A Soldier At Camp Bastion Puts His Spin On The Lands End To John O'Groats Cycling Challenge

Sgt Hall from 1 Close Support Battalion is cycling one hundred miles over ten days at Camp Bastion in aid of ABF: The Soldier's Charity.

Thursday 13 May 2010

Army Radio News - 13 May 10

The First Meeting Of The New National Security Council's Been Held

It was chaired by Prime Minister David Cameron and was also attended by permanent members including Sir Peter Ricketts, the new National Security Advisor and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup was also there

The New Secretary Of State For Defence Has Issued A Message To All Staff

Dr Liam Fox has said their aim must be to ensure that Britain's defence is based on a clear definition of a strategic interest, an assessment of our role in NATO and other partnerships.

Soldiers From The Royal Gibraltar Regiment Have Just Completed Their Annual 4 Week Exercise In The UK


They've made use of the facilities not available on The Rocks.

Next Month Members Of The Territorial Army Are Being Asked To Make A Statement.


On the 25th June, those serving in the TA have been invited to go to their place of work in their uniform.

50 Soldiers From 21 Engineer Regiment Will Exercise Their Freedom Of The City Of Ripon This Weekend.

A military exhibition and ceremony will also be held during the annual Ripon Weekend Celebrations.

Wednesday 12 May 2010

Army Radio News - 12 May 10

There's A New Defence Secretary

Dr Liam Fox is taking over from Bob Ainsworth who resigned.

Service Personnel Are Being Asked For Their Opinions

This week, officers and other ranks are getting a copy of the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey.

Soldiers Returning From Afghanistan Are Being Given Advice

Welfare Officers are urging anyone having trouble readjusting to being back home to seek help.

A National Seminar's Been Held In London For Service Families, Which Have Someone With A Disability Or Additional Needs


The event, aimed to ensure families and service providers discussed how they could work together so those in the Military Community get the best support and opportunities possible.

Tuesday 11 May 2010

Army Radio News - 11 May 10

The Number Of Soldiers Surviving Life Threatening Injuries In Afghanistan Is The Highest In Recorded History

The findings have given strength to the statement that the delivery of medical care to service personnel is the best ever provided to deployed forces.

Aldershot WILL Play A Part In The 2012 Olympics

That's according the town's Sport's Centre Manager Mike Barnett. Last month, the BOA had a change of heart and decided the garrison's facilities won't be used as a holding camp for the GB team.

A New Recruitment Campaign's Been Launched

The British Army hasn't been on TV since August, but an advert is hitting our screens this week.

The Queen's Presented New Regimental Colours To 1st Battalion, The Grenadier Guards

Around 550 Guardsmen marched into the gardens of Buckingham Palace for the presentation ceremony.

The Royal Military Tattoo At Windsor Castle's Expected To Be Better Than Ever

Hundreds are expected to attend the event, which is now in it's third year.

Monday 10 May 2010

Army Radio News - 10 May 10

In Edinburgh Thousands Gathered To Watch Members Of 3 RIFLES Battle Group March Down The Royal Mile

At Holyrood Palace, the families of at least 20 of the 30 men killed during their tour of Afghanistan waited to take the salute from those who did come home.

A Celebration Was Held To Mark The Awarding Of The Freedom Of The City Of Perth To A Territorial Army Battalion

The 7th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland was presented with the honour by the city's provost.

Friends And Family Were Out In Force In Aldershot


There, they watched 1 hundred soldiers from 1-60 Provost Company of 4 Regiment Royal Military Police receive their Op Herrick Campaign medals.

Number 2 Company Welsh Guards Took Part In The Moscow Parade

They marched on Red Square alongside more than 10 thousand Russian Troops. It was to commemorate the 65th anniversary of victory in Europe.

It Was A Real Family Occasion In Middle Wallop When Prince Harry Was Awarded His Flying Wings

Following the completion of his 8 months pilot's course, Lt Wales was presented with his flying wings by his father, The Prince of Wales, Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps.

The New British Ambassador To The Islamic Republic Of Aghanistan's Visited British Troops

Sir William Patey also looked at international redevelopment projects in Nad-e-Ali in the heart of the Green Zone.

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

Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is Sgt Foy of 1 Rifles in Chepstow. WO2 Hollinshead from Upavon Support Unit came second, winning 5 thousand. Cpl Paterson from the Scots Dragoon Guards won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.

Friday 7 May 2010

Army Radio News - 07 May 10

Army Bomb Disposal Experts From The Counter - Improvised Explosive Device Task Force Have Cleared The Road To A Market Town In Afghanistan
The soldiers were working in South-West Helmand in the heart of the Green Zone

Garrison FM's Been Speaking With A Member Of 21 Engineer Regiment, Who's Currently Based In Afghanistan

Over the bank holiday weekend the regiment experienced its first casualties, however, they're still putting over a hundred percent into their work out there.

A Local Football Team'sHelping To Improve The Health And Wellbeing Of Veterans

Colchester United, based in a major Garrison Town's one of 5 clubs to take part in Inside Right.

Soldiers In The North West Are Getting Ready To Push Themselves To The Limit For Charity

Members of 42 Brigade's Regional Training Centre are cycling the equivalent distance from England to Helmand Province in Afghanistan on static bikes.

Thursday 6 May 2010

Army Radio News - 06 May 10


Flights May More Or Less Be Back To Normal Following The Volcanic Ash Cloud But The Knock-On Effects Are Still Being Felt By Some Of Our Troops Abroad


Garrison FM's been speaking to Colour Sgt Davie McCracken who's part of 1 Scots and currently in Afghanistan. He says they're slowly getting back on course.

The Mother Of A Soldier Killed In Afghanistan's Praised His Comrades

Speaking at the inquest of Guardsman Jamie Janes of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, Jaqui Janes commended their bravery and said they did "everything humanly possible" after he was wounded by an IED.

Soldiers And Veterans Across The Country Are Getting Ready To Mark Victory In Europe Day


VE Day honours the official end of hostilities in Europe for the Second World War.

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

Thousands are expected to turn out to honour the troops

Over One-Hundred Thousand Pounds Has Been Raised To Help Soldiers And Their Families

The "Ideal Homes for Heroes" Campaign was launched on the 22nd of March in London and aimed to raise money for ABF: The Soldiers' Charity.

Wednesday 5 May 2010

Army Radio News - 05 May 10

One Of The Key Battalions During Operation MOSHTARAK Has Returned From Afghanistan

Over 120 Soldiers of 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh arrived in Chester for an emotional reunion with friends and family.

Tributes Have Been Paid To The Two Soldiers From 21 Engineer Regiment Killed On Monday

The two men died in separate incidents in Afghanistan. Lance Corporal Barry Buxton was involved in a traffic accident whilst driving alongside the Nahr-e Bughra canal, he died of his injuries soon afterwards at the UK hospital in Camp Bastion. Sapper Daryn Roy's vehicle was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device, he was travelling near to Patrol Base Pimon at the time.

It's More Than 6 Weeks Since 4th Regiment Royal Artillery Took Over From 1 RHA

It's one of 16 Regiments, which make up "The Royal Regiment of Artillery" within the British Army. Cpt Karen Noonan says they've bedded in well.

Believe It Or Not The Army's Enlisted The Help Of A Rather Un-Traditional Recruitment Tool

A Rock band, which has toured the Falklands and Afghanistan part of the more traditional Minden Band. It was present at an Army Careers Event and proved a hit with students

Tuesday 4 May 2010

Army Radio News - 04 May 10

One Of The Most Important On-Going Engineering Works At Camp Bastion's Proving A Tough Task

The building of Route Trident, or as it's known as "the Afghan A1" has come up against a number of problems. Once it's up and running it should significantly improve the speed and safety of vehicles travelling in the area.

Tributes Have Been Paid To The Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Over The Weekend

Corporal Harvey Holmes of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment was attached to 40 Commando Royal Marines Battle Group and died in an explosion close to patrol base Waterloo on Sunday.

The Head Of US Central Command's Visited Helmand Province To Meet British Foreign Office And Military Staff In Lashkar Gah

General David Petraeus was met by the Commander of Task Force Helmand, Brigadier Richard Felton, along with the Director of the Provincial Reconstruction Team, Lindy Cameron.

The Momentum Of Op MOSHTARAK's Being Maintained

Provincial Governor Mangal's appointed a significant number of new senior governance and security chiefs in the Province. The new Police Development Advisory Training Team, which is based in Lashkar Gah.'s taken command of all Police Advisory Teams and the Helmand Police Training Centre.

One Man And His Dog Are Proving A Great Team In Afghanistan

Lance Corporal Andy Wallace and Patrol Dog Gromit, affectionately known as Wallace and Gromit, are based at the Working Dogs Section at Camp Bastion. They've been sent up to Kabul to do a tour of duty, patrolling the streets and enhancing security there.

Garrison FM's Been Doing Its Bit For This Year's ABF: The Soldiers' Charity's Big Curry Event

The team at Colchester held its very own LITTLE Big Curry to help raise funds

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

Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is WO2 Sweeney from 3 Logistic Support Regiment in Abington. Sgt Smith from 1 GS Regiment came second, winning 5 thousand. Sgt Brown from 7 Para RHA in Colchester won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.