Friday 30 July 2010

Army Radio News - 30 July 10

Hundreds Of British Soldiers Have Launched An Operation In Afghanistan

Op Tor Shezada started in Helmand Province in the South of the District. Troops from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment are attempting to clear Taliban from an important stronghold in the Nad-e Ali district.

Afghan Service Medals Have Been Presented By The Prince Of Wales To Members Of 1st Regiment Army Air Corps

They've recently been operating Lynx helicopters over Helmand

A Group Of Women From 13 Air Assault Brigade Are In Training For The Berlin Marathon. Most of them are Army wives. It's hoped the event in September and the preparation needed beforehand will help take their minds off the forthcoming deployment.

The Combined Military Services Museum In Essex Has Held A Very Special Event

One of the SAS Team Leaders at the Iranian Embassy siege in May 1980 has spoken about his experiences.

Thursday 29 July 2010

Army Radio News - 29 Jul 10


The New Chief Of The General Staff's Been Chosen


The Queen's approved the appointment of General Sir Peter Wall.

5 Scots Will Be Looking To Push Mentoring And Partnering Of The Afghan National Police To The Next Level

When they deploy to Afghanistan with 16 Air Assault Brigade this Autumn the Cantebury based battalion will have responsibility for the Police training centre in Helmand.

Camp Bastion's Hospital's Gained "Gold Standard" Facilities

Britain's largest base in Helmand Province has officially opened two state of the art CT Scanners.

A Project's Helping Children And Their Families Come To Terms With Losing A Loved One In The Armed Forces

FAB, which stands for Family Activity Breaks, offers youngsters up to the ages of 19 the chance to go on an adventure holiday where they can meet and socialise with others who have experienced a similar loss.

Wednesday 28 July 2010

Army Radio News - 28 Jul 10

The MOD's Confirmed The Death Of A Soldier In Afghanistan This Week Is Being Investigated

It's suspected Sapper Mark Smith of 36 Engineer Regiment died as the result of a friendly fire incident

One Of The Men Responsible For Firefight Support In Afghanistan's Been Speaking About His Role

Lt Matt Davey is one of 4 Regt Royal Artillery's troop Commanders. He says they play a key part.

Soldiers Fighting In Afghanistan Have To Cope With Extreme Temperatures And Dehydration's Always A Concern


However, despite Camp Bastion sitting pretty much in the middle of a desert, a water bottling plant's helping to ensure this doesn't happen.

It's Just Weeks Until The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo's Held

The event celebrates its 60th birthday this year. A preview performance is being held next week.

Tuesday 27 July 2010

Army Radio News - 27 Jul 2010

Medics Training On Salisbury Plain Praise The Ridgeback

Troops from 16 Medical Regiment have been taking part in 16 Air Assault Brigade's final training exercise before they deploy to Afghanistan this autumn.

British And American Officer Cadets Have Been Training Together

230 Officer cadets from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst joined US cadets from West Point Military Academy in the Galloway Forest Park.

Retired Gurkha's Living In The UK Have Somewhere To Turn If They Need Help

The Gurkha Welfare Centre in Salisbury was set up by the Gurkha Welfare Trust to provide assistance to those who settle in the UK.

The Mother Of A Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Has Walked 150 Miles In Her Son's Memory

Christine Bonner has taken part in the ten day challenge that saw her trek across East Anglia.







Monday 26 July 2010

Army Radio News - 26 Jul 10

A New Housing Development For Veterans Has Been Unveiled

Poppy Court comprises of ten flats in Perthshire, providing modern accommodation to meet the needs of ex-Service people with disabilities.

The Army's Cricket Team's Preparing To Do Battle At Lords

The Inter Services Twenty20 competition's taking place.

Army Helicopter Pilots, Ground Crew And Technicians Who've Served In Afghanistan Have Been Presented With Their Campaign Medals

3 Regiment Army Air Corps (3 AAC), based at Wattisham Flying Station, was also awarded the Honorary Freedom of St Edmundsbury.

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

Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is Major Shepard from JSCSC. SSgt McIntyre of 101 Log Bde HQ and Sig Sqn came second, winning 5 thousand. Cpl Ncube from 1 R Anglian won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.

Friday 23 July 2010

Army Radio News - 23 Jul 2010

Changes Are Being Made To Improve The Level Of Rest and Recuperation Soldiers Receive

New guidelines guarantee those service personnel who experience a delay in getting back home will have any days lost made up at the end of their tour.

Tributes Have Been Paid To Two British Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan

Corporal Matthew Stenton from the Royal Dragoon Guards and Lance Corporal Stephen Monkhouse from 1st Battalion The Scots Guards were killed by small arms fire north of Lashkar Gah on Wednesday. They were trying to help extract a casualty when they died.

The Government Wants To Hear Your Views On What The UK Needs From It's Armed Forces

They are inviting service personnel, their families, and MOD civilian staff to contribute to the strategic defence and security review. To take part go to sdsr.defenceconsultations.org.uk

Defence Minister Peter Luff Announces A Timeline For The Publication Of The MOD's Technology And Industry Policy

A Green Paper's going to be published at the end of the year after the conclusion of the Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Two People Who Have Represented England Have Launched The Royal British Legion's Pedal To Paris On A Tandem Bicycle

This year's Miss England Lance Corporal Katrina Hodge and former England football manager Graham Taylor will cycle over three hundred miles in September.

Thursday 22 July 2010

Army Radio News - 22nd Jul 10

The Ratio Of Senior Officers To Junior Personnel's To Be Reassessed

That's according to the Defence Secretary who's been addressing MP's. Dr Liam Fox has been giving evidence to the House of Commons Defence Select Committee. It's all part of a wider review of Britain's Defences.

The UK's Defence And Foreign Secretaries Have Been Meeting With Their Italian Counterparts

They've been discussing the ongoing working relationship between the two nations as part of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

A new memorial honouring fallen soldiers from 4th Battalion the Rifles has been unveiled on Salisbury Plain

Since it's formation three and a half years ago the regiment have lost fifteen rifleman mainly in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Three Army Cadet Force Officers Are About To Start A Massive Challenge

Over the weekend, they're taking part in a 150 mile bike ride around Surrey.

Wednesday 21 July 2010

Army Radio News - 21 Jul 10


The Withdrawal Of British Troops From Afghanistan Could Start As Soon As Next Year


David Cameron's been meeting with US President Barak Obama, who's discussed beginning the pulling out of American Soldiers in July 2011. The Prime Minister says the same could be expected of UK forces, depending on the situation on the ground.

A New Patrol Base Has Been Built In Afghanistan To Cut Off Known Insurgent Routes And Bring Increased Protection For Troops And Civilians Around Gereshk

The provision of security around the area in Northern Helmand Province is led by a Danish Battlegroup... with British and Afghan elements attached to it.

The Period In Which Someone Injured In Service Can Claim Compensation Is To Be Extended

From next month, they can put in a claim up to seven years after their diagnosis.

130 Service Families At Colchester Barracks Are Benefiting From A Scheme To Revamp Their Homes

The initiative also aims to provide play facilities for local children.

Tuesday 20 July 2010

Army Radio News - 20 Jul 10

The Afghan Leader's Renewed Calls For His Country To control Its Own Security By 2014

Hamid Karzai's been speaking at a major international conference in Kabul. He's admitted Afghanistan's yet to achieve good governance, adding its allies faced "a vicious common enemy".

Five-Hundred Afghan Troops,Trained By The British Army, Have Led The Way Into A Taliban Stronghold

It was their own operation to reinstate Government authority and bring security to the area.

The One-Thousandth Afghan National Policeman's Passed Out At The British-Run Helmand Police Training Centre

The facility opened in December last year.

An Army Recruit's Getting Ready To Take On The Challenge Of A Lifetime

Gavin Rae's going on an expedition of the Artic Circle. It's before the 16 year old starts his training in September for the 1st Royal Tank Regiment.

Monday 19 July 2010

Army Radio News - 19 Jul 10

The Last Of The 250 World War I Soldiers Killed In The Battle Of Fromelles Has Been laid To Rest

His Royal Highness, The Duke Of Kent, who's the president of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, addressed visitors and the congregation at the start of the ceremony.

Tributes Have Been Paid To The Two British Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan Over The Weekend


Sergeant David Monkhouse from The Royal Dragoon Guards, 4th Mechanized Brigade Reconnaissance Force, was out on patrol when he was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device. Later the same day Staff Sergeant Brett Linley of 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment Royal Logisitics Corps died in an explosion in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province.

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


Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is Gunner Mulvanney of16 Reg RA. Maj Devine from 1 Logistic Support Rgt RLC came second, winning 5 thousand. Cpl Cooke of the Royal School of Signals won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.

Friday 16 July 2010

Army Radio News - 16 Jul 10

An Army Cultural Advisor's Been Telling Garrison FM About Her Role In Afghanistan

Captain Helen Beighton's just arrived in the country. She'll soon be heading to the Nad-e Ali District to join 1 Lancs.

The Army will take on the Navy and the RAF in the forces windsurfing challenge later this summer

Teams and individuals plan to circumnavigate the Isle of Wight in September.

The First British National Legion Community Award Has Just Been Presented

The winner was the Mark Wright Project, which was set up by Bob and Jem following the death of their son Cpl Mark Wright of 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment.

The First Female MOD Police Officer To Train Women In The Afghan National Police Has Been Presented With Two National Accolades

They're in recognition of Sergeant Isabella McManus' outstanding work during her deployment to Afghanistan.

Thursday 15 July 2010

Army Radio News - 15 Jul 10

General Sir David Richards Is To Take Over As The Next Chief Of The Defence Staff When Air-Chief Marshall Sir Jock Stirrup Retires In October

In his new role General Richards will be the professional head of the British Armed Forces and the principle military advisor to the government.

Tributes Have Been Paid To Three British Troops Killed In A Suspected Premeditated Attack By A Rogue Afghan Soldier

Major James Bowman, Lieutenant Neal Turkington and Corporal Arjun Purja Pun served in 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles. A major manhunt is under way following the incident on Tuesday in Nahr-e Saraj.

Soldiers From The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment Of Scotland Have Been Honoured By The Queen

They received their gallantry awards from Her Majesty at a ceremony in Edinburgh.

Soldiers From 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment Have Also Received Their Gallantry Awards

They were decorated by his Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace.

Wednesday 14 July 2010

Army Radio News - 14 Jul 10

The Commander Of Taskforce Helmand's Been Speaking To Troops From The 1st Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles Following The Deaths Of Three Soldiers.

Brigadier Richard Felton, along with Colonel Sheren Shah of the ANA and Col Ishmiel from the ANP, travelled to Patrol Base 3 where a rogue Afghan Soldier had opened fire on those who'd been mentoring him.

The Chief Of The General Staff Is Being Promoted

Her Majesty the Queen has approved the appointment of General Sir David Richards as the new Chief of the Defence Staff.

Up to 4,000 Troops From 16 Air Assault Brigade Have Been Training On Salisbury Plain For Their Deployment To Afghanistan This Autumn

It will be the fourth time they return to the country and the third time in Helmand Province.

The Move Of Headquarters To Andover's Reached A Milestone

This week the Commander-in-Chief Land Forces, General Sir Peter Wall, moved from Wilton to the new site in Marlborough Lines.

Northern Ireland-Based Soldiers Organised Their Own Unique Way Of Marking Their Move Into Their New Purpose-Built Headquarters

Members of 40th Regiment Royal Artillery organised a gun run salute. They returned from their tour of Afghanistan last October and whilst they were out there contractors were working flat out to complete the new base.

Tuesday 13 July 2010

Army Radio News - 13 Jul 10

Three Soldiers Have Been Killed In Afghanistan

The MOD has confirmed the members of 1st Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles died in what was a suspected premeditated attack by an Afghan soldier.

The Defence Secretary's Argued For The UK Having Well-Equipped Armed Forces Capable Of Intervening Abroad Whenever Necessary

Dr Liam Fox has delivered a speech to the Chatham House policy think tank in London.

An Unmanned Combat Aircraft Of The Future's Been Unveiled By The MOD

The Taranis is a prototype named after the Celtic god of thunder. The concept demonstrator is to test the possibility of developing the first ever autonomous, stealth Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle.

Friday 9 July 2010

Army Radio News - 09 Jul 10

A New Battery System Is Going To Lighten The Load For Soldiers Patrolling On The Frontline

Energy experts from Defence Equipment and Support have come up with The Soldier Portable Charger.

3 Yorks Soldier's Have Received Operation Herrick Medals For Their Latest Tour Of Afghanistan

Two hundred and twenty two soldiers were presented with medals by His Grace, The Duke of Wellington at Battlesbury Barracks on Salisbury Plain.

The Kings Royal Hussars Swapped Tanks For Bayonets On A Recent Tour Of The Falklands

One hundred and thirty five soldier's from 'B' Squadron have returned from a two-month tour where they provided a theatre and land deterrent.

A Queen Single Featuring 2 Yorks Soldiers And A Host Of Celebrities Is Being Released In Aid Of ABF: The Soldier's Charity

'No One But You' (Only The Good Die Young) will be available to download from the 12th July and has been officially endorsed by Queen's guitarist Brian May.

Thursday 8 July 2010

Army Radio News - 08 Jul 10

Garrison FM's Been Linking Up With 1 Scots In Afghanistan

Mark McKenzie spoke with Cpl Jim Petrie who's based in FOB Shawqat in the Nad-e Ali distict about the conditions, their mentoring roles and the daily challenges they face.

The MoD's Named The 1 Mercian Soldier Who Died From His Wounds In A UK Hospital

Private Thomas Sephton was injured whilst on patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province.

Soldiers Are Being Urged To Make Sure They're Voices Are Heard

The Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology is sending out a message to troops asking them to tell him if they're not getting what they need.

The Arrival Of The New Talisman Counter-IED System in Afghanistan's Helping 15 Field Support Squadron, 38 Engineer Regiment

The troops are the first to use the new revolutionary system on the ground.

Soldiers Trained To Speak Dari Or Pashtu In The Run Up To Their Deployment To Afghanistan Are Using Their Language Skills To Better Communicate With The Local Population

Some have now decided to write bilingual blogs on the British Army and Royal Navy blog sites.

Wednesday 7 July 2010

Army Radio News - 07 Jul 10

British Troops Are To Handover Control Of Sangin To US Forces

It's one of the most dangerous parts of Afghanistan. The Defence Secretary's told MP's the move could happen by the end of the year.

The Secretary Of State For Defence Has Announced There's To Be Around 189 Million Pounds Of Funding For New Equipment For British Troops In Afghanistan

The kit will assist service personnel in their vital partnering role as they train the Afghan National Army.

The Temporary Deployment Of Around 300 Additional UK Forces From The Theatre Reserve Battalion To Central Helmand's Also Been Revealed

It comes at the request of ISAF and will give commanders additional flexibility.

Tribute Have Been Paid To A Soldier From The Royal Dragoon Guards Who Was Killed In Afghanistan

Trooper James Leverett of D Squadron, The Viking Group, died when the Viking armoured vehicle he was travelling in was hit by an IED in the Nahr-e Saraj district

Soldiers Stationed At One German Garrison Are Benefiting From A Programme Of Improvements To Their Single Living Accommodation

Work's been carried out on barracks at Bergen-Hohne by Defence Estates through the Soldier First initiative.

Dozens Of Soldiers From The 5th Regiment Royal Artillery Have Been Presented With Their Operational Medals For Serving In Afghanistan

The formal medals parade took place at Marne Barracks in Catterick Garrison.

Tuesday 6 July 2010

Army Radio News - 06 Jul 10

The Crew Of The Army's Challenger Yacht Have Been Speaking About Their 12 Month's At Sea

They tool part in a 34,000 mile journey around the globe on the tri-service exercise TRANSGLOBE.

50 Days And More Than 2000 Miles - That's The Challenge Two Army Doctors Took On

Captains Hamish Reid and Nick Dennison of the Royal Army Medical Corps have completed their record-breaking row around Great Britain.

The Work Of ISAF Soldiers Is Paying Off

Thanks to the training they gave recruits, 90 have now qualified as fully-trained Afghan National Police Officers.

150 Years Of The Cadet Forces Have Been Celebrated

Thousands of youngsters took part in a colourful parade to Buckhingham Palace.

A Pioneering Online Museum's Been Launched

Remembering Scotland At War has a social networking area particularly aimed at "capturing memories".

Monday 5 July 2010

Army Radio News - 05 Jul 10

A Change In The Way The War In Afghanistan's Fought Could Be On The Cards

The new commander of US-led forces in the country, General David Patraeus is suggesting he'll review the rules of engagement.

A Soldier From 1CS REME Had A Run-In With David Cameron During The PM's Visit To Southern Afghanistan

Lance Corporal Daniel Watkinson was asked to share his thoughts with The Prime Minister on an early morning jog around Camp Bastion.

One-Thousand People Marched Through Perth City Centre This Weekend

Members of the Army, Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, Veterans Associations and Youth Organisations all paraded at the event.

The Results Are In For This Week's Army Sports Lottery, But This week The Prize Money's Been Doubled In A Super-Draw


The 3rd prize of 5 thousand pounds went to Major DP Wilford. LCpl RP Warenycia came second winning 10 thousand. Bagging the 1st prize of 20 thousand pounds is Cpl Ben Groves of 921 EOD Sqn RLC.

Friday 2 July 2010

Army Radio News - 02 Jul 10

Three British Soldiers Have Been Awarded The Military Cross For Gallantry

Capt Tresham Gregg, LSgt Matthew Turrall and Cpl Paul Mather, who all served in Afghanistan, were decorated by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace.

Veterans Struggling To Adapt To Life On Civvy Street Are Being Offered More Support

It's all thanks to a homeless charity based in the South West of England. Alabare have worked for almost 20 years with different groups who've found themselves homeless.

Almost A Century On From His Death And The Body Of An Australian Soldier's Finally Been Identified

A team of archeologists, who work for Defence Estates, uncovered the remains two years ago during a dig of a 1917 battlefield.

British Troops Are Helping To Educate Youngsters In Afghanistan

Those based at Kandahar Airfield have started running a school for the sons and nephews of traders of the Saturday bazaar, which is held at the base.

British Forces In Afghanistan Are Blogging From The Frontline

The first ever mass blogging initiative's been launched, with dozens of personnel writing on the Army, Navy and RAF websites.

Thursday 1 July 2010

Army Radio News - 01 Jul 10

The UK's Foreign Secretary Says There Is No Timescale For Withdrawing British Troops From Afghanistan

William Hague was forced to clarify the government's position after the Prime Minister said he wanted UK Troops out within the next 5 years.

NATO's Newly Appointed Commander In Afghanistan Has Been Briefing Officials In Brussels

General David Petraeus told reporters that Taliban attacks had gained momentum because ISAF troops are challenging them where it hurts.

The MOD Has Signed A Multi-Million Pound Contract For A New Fleet Of Armoured Fighting Vehicles

The cash will pay for the demonstration phase of seven prototype Scout vehicles and training equipment for the Army.

Two Army Doctors Have Rowed Into The Record Books

Captain Hamish Reid and Captain Nick Dennison have become the first pair to row unsupported around the British mainland.