Friday 29 October 2010

Army Radio News - 29 Oct 10


General Sir David Richards Has Taken Up His New Post


He's now assumed the appointment of Chief of the Defence Staff.

Usula Brennan Has Taken Up Her Role Of Permanent Under Secretary

She's replacing Sir Bill Jeffrey who's retiring.


16 Air Assault Brigade Is Settling In As The Lead Formation Of Task Force Helmand

They've been in Afghanistan for almost a month. Sgt Rupert Frere's been speaking to Garrison FM about his role as Brigade photographer

Poppyscotland Ambassador Lorraine Kelly's Officially Launched The 2010 Scottish Poppy Appeal In Dundee

The Charity runs the annual fundraiser and also raises money all year round to provide vital support to ex-servicemen, women and their families.

An Army Wife's Backing A War Documentary That's Being Premiered

Restrepo was created by director Tim Heatherington and writer of The Perfect Storm Sebastian Junger.

Thursday 28 October 2010

Army Radio News - 28 Oct 10

Steady Progress Is Being Made - That's According To The Foreign Secretary Who's Delivered The Government's First Quarterly Report On Afghanistan

However, William Hague did point out serious risks and challenges still remain.

A British Soldier Who's Just Been Deployed To Afghanistan's Had A Lucky Escape


Ranger Ryan Boyd of 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, suffered just bruising after a direct hit from a Taliban bullet. His state-of-the-art body armour managed to stop it from doing more damage.

The UK Government's Announced Its Revised National Action Plan For The Implementation Of The UN Security Council Resolution


It covered the subject of Women, Peace and Security at the United Nations Security Council in New York.

The Annual Poppy Appeal's Been Launched

The big event was held at Colchester Garrison.

Britain's Most Senior Military Officer's To Be Awarded A Peerage


Air Chief Marshall Sir Jock Stirrup, who's retiring this week from his job as Chief of the Defence Staff,will join the House of Lords as he's given a non-political life peerage.

Wednesday 27 October 2010

Army Radio News - 27 Oct 10

2 RTR's Cyclops Squadron Have Been Putting The New Wolfhound Vehicle To The Test

It's a variant of the Mastiff being used to provide protected mobility to infantry operations conducted by 1st Battalion The Irish Regiment.

Following The National Security Review, The First Commercially Available, Federated Cyber Test Range In The UK's Up And Running

It's after the report claimed attacks on computer networks are among the biggest emerging threats to the Country. It was opened by the Minister for International Security Strategy, Gerald Howarth.

The Defence Secretary's Been Speaking About The Background, Implications And Future Of The Strategic Defence And Security Review

Dr Liam Fox gave a speech at the SSAFA industry dinner.

Cambridge Sappers Have Concluded Their Four-Week Course With One Of The Largest Pass Off Parades Waterbeach Barracks Has Ever Seen

They've now earned their first non-commission officer stripes.

Preparations Are Well Underway For This Year's Army Full Power Championships

The event's being held next month at Sir John Moore Barracks in Shorncliffe. Weighlifters wanting to take part are being uged to get their entries in before the closing date on November 18th.

Tuesday 26 October 2010

Army Radio News - 26 Oct 10

British Forces Will Pull Out Of Germany Within Ten Years

The GOC of UK Support Command confirmed the news when he gave his first public reaction to the SDSR finding's announced last week.

Members Of B Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment Have Been Building Relationships With Locals And The Afghan National Army

The regiment's just begun its six-month tour in the Nad 'Ali area of Helmand province.

More Support's Being Given To Veterans

It's as the charity Albare Christian Support expands its services. By Christmas, the organisation will have 3 homes for ex-service personnel up and running.

Preparations Are Underway For The Launch Of The Annual Poppy Appeal

This year it's being held at Colchester Garrison.

The British Army's Hosting The European Military Climbing Championships This Week

The event's taking place at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena. Climbers from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF will be pitting their skills against their counterparts from six other European nations during the annual competition.

Monday 25 October 2010

Army Radio News - 25 Oct 10

Wikileaks Release Of US Military Files On The Iraq War Puts Lives At Risk

That's according to the MOD who say the publication of the material makes the job of the UK's Armed Forces more difficult.

A Royal Irish Medic Gives Life Saving Treatment To A Young Afghan Girl Shot By The Taliban

The eight year-old suffered gunshot wounds to the stomach following an insurgent attack in the Nad Ali district.

2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian's Takeover Theatre Reserve Responsibilities In Cyprus

They have assumed the role as the new resident battalion from 2 PWRR.

The Royal Artillery Has Been Shortlisted For An E-Learning Award

It is for their pilot use of the i-pad on courses at the Royal School of Artillery in Larkhill on Salisbury Plain.

Army Sport Lottery Results

Sgt J Prendergast from 19 Light Brigade CSS Bt at BFPO 806 wins the top prize of ten thousand pounds.

Staff Sergeant M S Rees of 104 FS REME baseD at Bordon wins the second prize of five thousand pounds.

Captain C D Adair from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment wins two thousand five hundred pounds.

Friday 22 October 2010

Army Radio News - 22 Oct 10

4 Mech Brigade Receive Operational Medals For Their Recent Tour Of Afghanistan

Brigade Commander Brigadier Richard Felton presented the medals to 4 Mech and 204 Signal Squadron staff at a ceremony at Richmond Castle.

The Education Of Soldiers Continues Even While On Tour In Afghanistan

2 Scots Education Officer Lt Eric Smith explains the various teaching aides he uses on the frontline.

Colchester's MCTC Passes An Inspection With Flying Colours

A report published by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons says it's made considerable progress.

Ross Kemp Speaks To Garrison FM About His New Book Warriors: British Fighting Heroes

The former Eastenders star turned broadcaster and writer focuses his attention on heroes of the first and second world wars.

Thursday 21 October 2010

Army Radio News - 21 Oct 10

The Army Will Manage Regular Force Level Reductions Very Carefully

That's according to the Chief of The General Staff General Sir Peter Wall speaking after the SDSR was announced earlier this week.

Tributes Are Paid To Acting Corporal David Barnsdale From 33 Engineer Regiment

He died in an IED blast while the search team he commanded operated in the Gereshk area of Helmand province.

1 Lancs Soldiers Mark Their Return Home With A Medals Parade

A Drumhead service was also held for 3 members lost during their six month tour of Afghanistan.

Wednesday 20 October 2010

Army Radio News - 20 Oct 10

The Secretary Of State For Defence Says The Frontline Will Be Protected

Dr Liam Fox has been reassuring Armed Forces personnel following the Strategic Defence and Security Review announcement.

Further Details Emerge On How The SDSR Will Affect The Army

Chief of The General Staff General Sir Peter Wall explains why Challenger 2 tanks will be cut by 40% and heavy artillery by 35%.

Soldiers From 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Have Celebrated The Most Important Nepalese Hindu Festival In Afghanistan

Gurkha's marked Dashain in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand in between patrols and operations.

The Army Boxing Team Has A New Home

Chair of Army Boxing Brigadier David Martin spoke to Garrison FM at the official opening of the new Combat Sports Centre in Aldershot.

Tuesday 19 October 2010

Army Radio News - 19 Oct 10

The Strategic Defence And Security Review Has Been Published

The Prime Minister's revealed the contents of the report which outlines the future shape and size of Britain's Armed Forces. David Cameron announced the budget's to be cut by 8 percent but support in Afghanistan won't be reduced. 25,000 MOD Civilian jobs will be axed and Army Personnel will be cut by 7,000. Mr Cameron also said he wanted the Ministry of Defence to become more commercially minded.

Attacks On Computer Networks Are Among The Biggest Emerging Threats To The UK

That's according to the government's new National Security Strategy, which has been published.

The Momentum's With Natio Forces According To Major General Nick Carter

The Commander of ISAF Forces in Southern Afghanistan has been speaking about the NATO offensive to clear the Taliban from areas near Kandahar.

The Defence Training Rationalisation Project's Been Terminated


It was intended to combine the technical and engineering training for the Army, Royal Navy and RAF on a single site in South Wales. However, it was found the preferred bidder, the Metrix Consortium, couldn't deliver an affordable, commercially-robust proposal within the prescribed period.

Monday 18 October 2010

Army Radio News - 18 Oct 10


The British Army's Newest Heavyweight Protected Vehicle's Now Operational In Afghanistan


The six-wheeled Wolfhound joins Coyote and Husky as the biggest of the Tactical Support Vehicle Family.

Around 400 Soldiers Have Marched Through Edinburgh

Members of 1 SCOTS held their final of 4 Homecoming Parades on Saturday and were then presented with their operational medals.

The First Of 3 Medical Regiment Have Arrived Home From Afghanistan

On Friday and Saturday they were welcomed back by their friends and families in Catterick.

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

Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is LCpl Smith of 26 Engr Regt. Lt Watson from 26 Regt RA came second, winning 5 thousand. LCpl Noakes of the Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit in Northallerton won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.

Friday 15 October 2010

Army Radio News - 15 Oct 10

2 Para Make Final Preparations To Deploy To Afghanistan

Garrison FM's Liz Mullen spoke with members of 'C' Company as they weighed in their kit at Merville Barracks in Colchester.

Training Afghan National Security Forces Remains The Highest Strategic Priority For ISAF's Military Campaign In Afghanistan

That's what Prime Minister David Cameron and Commander of the International Security Assistance Force General Petreaus agreed when they met at Downing Street.

A Royal Marine Will Become The Prime Ministers New Military Assistant

Colonel Jim Morris has been given the role to strengthen the governments links to the Armed Forces.

Hundreds Of Teenagers Have Taken Part In Their First Military Parade

It marked their 'passing in' to the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

British Forces Personnel From NATO's Joint Force Command In The Netherlands Have Taken Part In A Charity Swim

They were among a 19 strong team that swam a distance equivalent to that of the channel.

Applying For Married Quarters Has Been Made Easier Thanks To Defence Estates

Forces families can now apply for service family accommodation using an electronic version of form 1132 on the defence intranet.

Hollywood Star Turned Politician Arnold Schwarzenegger Has Praised British Troops

He met soldiers from 1st Battalion the Grenadier Guards at Wellington Barracks where he told them they are the true action heroes.

Thursday 14 October 2010

Army Radio News - 14 Oct 10

The UK's Boosting The Number Of Personnel Dedicated To Developing The Afghan National Security Forces

The Secretary of State for Defence announced the number's to be increased by more than 320.

The Deputy Manager Of The Armed Forces Rally Team's Emphasizing The Benefits Of The Sport

Flight Lieutenant John Clayton works with soldiers and other services detainees at the Military Corrective Training Centre in Colchester.

Medics In Camp Bastion Have Finished A Gruelling Test Of Endurance

80 completed a 24-hour stretcher carry around the base in Afghanistan.

Blue The Terrier Dog And Official Mascot Of The One O'Clock Gun And Time Ball Association's Been Promoted

The pooch was made Bombardier at a prize-giving event at Edinburgh Castle.

The Winner Of The British Army Military Book Of The Year's Been Revealed Here On Garrison FM

In an interview with Richard Wyeth, Tim Ward head of Library and Information Services at the Prince Consort Library announced who had the winning novel

Wednesday 13 October 2010

Army Radio News - 13 Oct 10

Another Contingent From 2 Para Has Set Off On Op Herrick 13

Around 100 members of C Company have left Colchester's Merville Barracks.

More Than 100 Troops Have Returned To Their Barracks In Catterick

Members of the 1st Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers arrived home Tuesday evening.

Vehicles And Equipment Used On Operations Have Been On Show On Salisbury Plain


Everything from the Husky, Mastiff, and the Trojan mine clearing system were on display at the Land Warfare Centre in Warminster.

A Member Of The Corps Of Army Music's Backing The Compulsory Introduction Of Earplugs

It's hoped they'll protect band members' hearing. Capt David Hammond's the Director of music for the Band of the Parachute Regiment and says it's not before time.

Garrison FM's Been Speaking With One Of The Winners Of The MOD's Prestigious Sanctuary Awards

The event recognises both group and individual efforts undertaken to benefit wildlife, archaeology, environmental improvement or community awareness of conservation on or within Ministry of Defence land in the UK or overseas. The Pirbright Deer Grazing Project won the Environment Project Award.

Tuesday 12 October 2010

Army Radio News - 12 Oct 10

There's Help Out There - That's The Message From A Consultant Psychiatrist at Aldershot DCMH

Dr Jeffery Marks has been speaking to Garrison FM about mental health in the Military. He says members of the Armed Forces are offered lots of support.

The Prime Minister Has Visited A Centre That Helps Ex-Service Personnel Suffering From Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And Other Related Conditions

There, David Cameron said helping veterans experiencing mental health difficulties is a priority.

Members Of The Royal Dragoon Guards Have Returned Home

They were welcomed back by friend and family, along with a piper, which greeted them off the bus.

A Photographer Who's Been Following 1 Scots Since January's Been Sharing Her Experiences With Garrison FM

Lally Snow charted them through pre-deployment training, deployment to Afghanistan and now their homecoming.

The Ministry Of Defence Has Awarded The Winners Of Its Prestigious Sanctuary Awards

It's for their excellence in the conservation work and stewardship of the Defence Estate.

Monday 11 October 2010

Army Radio News - 11 Oct 10

The Formal Transfer Of Authority For British Military Operations In Helmand Province Has Taken Place

16 Air Assault has taken over from 4th Mechanized Brigade.

Three Regiments Were Welcomed Home From Afghanistan This Weekend

Members of first Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and Queens Royal Lancers arrived back in Catterick on Friday evening. Meanwhile, The first of 1 Close Support Battalion REME touched down in the UK on Saturday.

207 Field Hospital Completed Their Final Training Exercise Before Deploying To Afghanistan


Over 100 reservists including 55 NHS staff took part in the exercise at Strensall in Yorkshire.

Honest, Loyal And Always Vocal - Those Are The Words Used To Describe Sergeant Peter Rayners Who Died In Afghanistan On Friday

The 34 year was a member of 2nd Battalion Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

Pension Benefits Already Earned By Armed Forces Personnel Will Be Protected

That's according to an interim report published by the independent Public Sector Pension's Commission last week.

Friday 8 October 2010

Army Radio News - 08 Oct 10

20th Armoured Brigade Are Being Put Through Their Paces On Exercise Prairie Thunder In Canada

It's testing battlegroups to the limit in preparation for deployment.

Defence Estates Tell Garrison FM About The Standards Viking's Families Can Expect From New Homes Being Built For Them On Salisbury Plain

Secretary of State for Defence Dr Liam Fox announced recently that 260 new homes will be built in Bulford for the families of 1st Battalion The Anglian Regiment.

Regular And TA Soldiers Are Taking On One Of The Toughest Patrolling Tests Of It's Kind

They are on Exercise Cambrian Patrol an annual event covering some of the harshest and mountainous terrain in the mid Wales countryside.

2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh Marked The End Of SSAFA Big Brew Week With A Family Fun Day

Soldiers and their families turned out for the event held in Tidworth.

Thursday 7 October 2010

Army Radio News - 07 Oct 10

There Are Plans To Provide Extra Mental Health Nurses Dedicated To Caring For Veterans

A 24-hour service will also provide them with counselling and support the Defence Secretary announced.

Europe's Largest Military Exercise Is Now Underway


A multinational ensemble of land, sea and air forces are battling it out around the coast of the UK as part of Exercise Joint Warrior.

The Army Families Federation's Recruiting

The organisation's wanting dedicated people to become co-ordinators.

One Of The Army's Most Senior Officers Is Getting On His Motorbike So He Can Personally Thank His Soldiers Before He Leaves Command

Brigadier Richard Dennis has been the Army's Director Of Infantry for more than 2 years. Not only is he touring the country's major Garrisons to meet troops he's raising cash for ABF: The soldier's charity too.

Wednesday 6 October 2010

Army Radio News - 06 Oct 10

It's Been A Tough Six Months For The Soldiers Of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment But They're Now Returning Home From Afghanistan

The first of the 4 companies arrived back in Catterick late Tuesday night.

A New Infantry Branch School's Been Created In The Mountainous Outskirts Of Kabul

British forces worked in partnership with the Afghan National Army to get it up and running.

It's Been Revealed More Homes For Soldiers Are Heading To Wiltshire

260 will be built in Bulford for members of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment.

One Of Britain's Best Loved And Most Successful Rock Bands Is Doing Its Bit For Armed Forces Charities

Status Quo's re-recorded its 1986 hit song "In The Army Now" with help from the army's musicians, band and choir.

Children From Service Families Have Turned Into Authors


A book called "The Little Book of Heroes" has been published and it's been written entirely by youngsters who have family members in the Armed Forces. For every one sold 75p goes to Help For Heroes.

Tuesday 5 October 2010

Army Radio News - 05 Oct 10

Families Of Armed Forces Casualties Are To Benefit From Higher Education Scholarships

The government announced the scheme will apply to the children of servicemen and women killed on active military service since 1990.

1 Mercian Has Handed Over Responsibility For The Police Development, Training And Advisory Team In Afghanistan


The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment Of Scotland will now be taking over the role.

The Commander Of All International Troops Serving In Afghanistan's Visited The 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles

General David Petraeus travelled to southern Helmand where he received in-depth briefings.

Germany Based 7 Regiment RLC Have Just Taken Over From 40 Signals Regiment on Op Tosca

They're now patrolling the Green Line in Cyprus.

The Army Families Federation Is Urging Dependants Of Foreign And Commonwealth Soldiers To Consider The Benefits Of Settlement Status

It's the next stage on from having a visa and one prior to applying for full UK citizenship.

Monday 4 October 2010

Army Radio News - 04 Oct 10

The First 1 Scots Soldiers Have Arrived Home From Afghanistan

Garrison FM was at Dreghorn Barracks to greet them on Friday evening.

As 1 SCOTS Return, The Final 80 Soldiers From 16 Med Regt Head Out To Helmand Province

120 have already deployed. Lt Col Jez Hair, their Commanding Officer, says they're ready for any challenges they may face.

A Gentle Character Yet Incredibly Brave -That's How The Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Over The Weekend Has Been Described

Tributes have been paid to Rifleman Suraj Gurung of 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles.

The Regimental Colours Of The Prince Of Wales' Own Regiment Of Yorkshire Have Been Laid To Rest

A ceremony was held in York Minster on Saturday to mark the occasion.

SSAFA Forces Help Big Brew Up Is Back

The annual event's being held from the 4th to 10th of October.

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

Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is Cpt Ford of HQ Armour Centre in Bovington. Craftsman James from 28 Engr Regt Workshop came second, winning 5 thousand. Cpl Bell of 1 Reg RMP won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.

Friday 1 October 2010

Army Radio News - 01 Oct 10

A Replica Afghan Village Has Been Opened At Camp Bastion

It is providing bespoke training for troops arriving from the UK before they go out on the ground.

4 Mechanized Brigade's Focus Remains Firm

As they prepare to handover to 16 Air Assault the CO of the Royal Dragoon Guards Lt Col James Carr-Smith told Garrison FM they will not be taking their eye off the ball.

Lt General Sir Richard Shirreff Will Become The Next Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe

He will succeed General Sir John Nicholl in March next year.

Three Soldiers Cycle Over Three Thousand Miles For Charity In Memory Of Fallen Comrades

Lance Corporal Laura Howarth, Sergeant James Masters, and Corporal Rebecca Davison cycle an equivalent distance from Tidworth to Kabul on spin bikes.