Tuesday 30 November 2010

Army Radio News - 30 Nov 10

The Armed Forces Are A Step Closer To Their Next Generation Of Light Protected Patrol Vehicle

It's after a 180 million pound contract was signed to build 200 of the new Foxhound.

British Soldiers Together With MOD Police Have For The First Time Run An Exercise To Develop The Command And Control Capacity Of The ANP Provincial Headquarters In Helmand

Members of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland are currently deployed in southern Afghanistan as the Police Development and Advisory Training Team

A Training Course Which Prepares Surgical Teams For Deployment To War Zones Has Won A Top Prize

The Military Operational Surgical Training course was recognised at this year's Military and Civilian Health Partnership Awards.

British Tank Soldiers Deployed In Afghanistan Have Been Celebrating The 93rd Anniversary Of The First Use Of Tanks En Masse

Members of Southern England's 2nd Royal Tank Regiment have taken a break from operations to mark their principle battle honour: Cambrai.

It May Have Been Snowing But That Hasn't Stopped Hundreds Of Soldiers Being Presented With Their Operational Medals

Members of the Scots Guards have now returned from their six-month tour in Afghanistan.

Monday 29 November 2010

Army Radio News - 29 Nov 10

Government Control's Been Re-Established In An Area Of Helmand Province

An air insertion operation was mounted by British soldiers and Afghan police in Hoorzaiwhere there was a heavy Taliban influence.

Women In The Armed Forces Will Continue To Be Excluded From Carrying Out Ground Close-Combat Roles

A review by the MOD into the policy concluded it should stay the same.

A Team Of Soldiers Are Battling It Out In The Middle Of The Ocean

They're taking part in the Atlantic Rally For Cruisers Racing Division, which sees them racing more than 230 yachts from 26 nations. It began in Gran Canaria and will finish 2,700 nautical miles away in Saint Lucia.

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

Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is ATpr Maynard of 9 Regt AAC. WO2 Norman from DE& TE IPT-WTE, in Abbey Wood came second, winning 5 thousand. Cpt Lloyd from QDG won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.

Friday 26 November 2010

Army Radio News - 26 Nov 10


Troops In Afghanistan Have Had Some Important Visitors


The Commander Field Army, the Adjutant General and GOC 3 (UK) Div have been looking at the work being done by 6th Battalion REME.

A Newspaper, Which Has Kept British Forces In Germany Informed For Forty Years Could Soon Be Calling It A Day

The first publication of Sixth Sense was printed four decades ago this month. But with UK troops set to leave the country in the next few years, its future's looking uncertain.

Troops In Afghanistan Are Getting Behind Movember

The event involves men growing a moustache throughout November to raise awareness of prostate cancer. Many on the front line have also decided to take part.

Tickets For Troops Is Getting In The Christmas Spirit


The charity's asking soldiers to submit their best photos. The winning snap will then be put on a Christmas card which will be sent to over 80 thousand servicemen and women.

Thursday 25 November 2010

Army Radio News - 25 Nov 10

NATO's British Led Allied Rapid Reaction Corp HQ Gears Up For Their ISAF Deployment

The ARRC's Commander Lt General Sir Richard Shirreff speaks to Garrison FM about their year long deployment to Kabul next year.

Hear more about that and their recent move from Germany to the UK between 2 and 3 on Garrison FM this Friday afternoon.

An Afghan Army Bomb Disposal Team Trained By Brits Put Their Skills Into Practice

They have safely disposed of two IED's.

Mastiff And Jackal Vehicles Used by 2 RTR's Falcon Squadron Are Performing Well In Theatre

That's according to the Troop leader of 15 Troop Lt Johnny Eaton who has been talking to Garrison FM from Helmand.

3 Yorks Families Have Brand A New Community Centre On Salisbury Plain

Commanding Officer Lt Col Tom Vallings says the new centre in Warminster is a vast improvement.

British And Australian Soldiers Battle It Out In Afghanistan With A Bat And Ball

Gunners from the Australian Royal Regiment of Artillery are working alongside UK Gunners but during precious down time are having their own Ashes to boost morale.

Wednesday 24 November 2010

Army Radio News - 24 Nov 10

The Next Generation Of Afghan Policemen Are Beginning Their New Careers

They've just completed their British-led training.

Hundreds Of Afghan Farmers Are Choosing Wheat Over Poppy

Those in an area of Helmand Province have taken advantage of a British-supported scheme to distribute wheat seed and fertiliser as an alternative.

The Role Of Science And Technology In Defence Has Been Underlined

The Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology raised the point during a speech in London.

Twenty-Five Soldiers From 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh Have Just Returned From Afghanistan But They're Not Putting Their Feet Up Just Yet

They spent 2 months conducting RSOI training for 16 Air Assault Brigade. Now, five of them have set themselves the challenge of doing 4 marathons in 4 days.

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Army Radio News - 23 Nov 10

Garrison FM's Expanding

The Army's UK radio service has just had its 9th location go live at Leconfield, the home of the Defence School of Transport in East Yorkshire.

The Strategic Defence And Security Review's Required Us To Make Judgements That Trade The Perfect For The Acceptable

That's according to the Chief of the Defence Staff who delivered a speech at the Policy Exchange think tank in central London.

Mental Health Services For The Armed Forces Are Set To Get Better

Government Ministers pledged to further improve them through a programme if joint working.

4th Mechanized Brigade's Been Welcomed Back From Its Tour Of Afghanistan With A Reception At The House Of Commons

It was hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Armed Forces.

An Injured Soldier's Been Recognised By His Home Town

Sapper Ashley James Hall of 36 Engineer Regiment lost both his legs while defusing IED's in Afghanistan. The 20 year old's now become an inspiration in Colchester where he grew up. This year he was given the honour of counting down to the Christmas Light switch-on, which was hosted by Garrison FM.

Monday 22 November 2010

Army Radio News - 22 Nov 10

The Withdrawal Of British Troops From Afghanistan Could Start As Early As Next Year According To The Prime Minister

US President Barack Obama's also talked about beginning to pull-out American soldiers from July 2011.

The Tide Is Turning On The Taliban

That's according to the British General who's commanding our forces in Southern Afghanistan.

Over 200 Riflemen Exercised Their Freedom Of The City Of Salisbury At The Weekend

4 Rifles Colonel-in-Chief Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall took the Royal salute.

One Of The Biggest Musical Events Ever Known In Afghanistan's Just Taken Place

Thousands of fans flocked to the city of Lashkar Gar for an evening of entertainment and fun.

Friday 19 November 2010

Army Radio News - 19 Nov 10

The Prime Minister's Been Speaking At The House Of Commons Liaison Committee

David Cameron was asked about leaks at the MoD and documents published by a newspaper, including a letter from the Defence Secretary outlining concerns about excessive budget cuts.

Tributes Have Been Paid To The Member If 1st Battalion Irish Guards Who Died In Afghanistan On Wednesday

Guardsman Christopher Davies was killed while taking part in a security patrol in Nahr-e Saraj.

Celebrations For Muslim Festival Eid Ul Adha At The Military Base In Kandahar Were Led By The Imam To The British Armed Forces

Imam Asim Hafiz led a 600-strong congregation, comprising ISAF Muslim troops from a host of nations, including the UK and the US and local Afghans, to celebrate the Festival of Sacrifice.

A Book Of Gags Is Being Sent Out To The Frontline In Afghanistan

The Laughing Soldier's been put together using jokes from Soldiers, Politicians and people from the world of showbiz and tv

Thursday 18 November 2010

Army Radio News - 18 Nov 10

Losing Military Capability As A Result Of Defence Budget Cuts Will Pose Risks But They Will Be Manageable

That's the message from the head of the UK's armed forces. The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir David Richards has been speaking to the Commons Defence Select Committee.

It's Over A Year Since The British Military Mission Ended In Iraq - But There Are Still Some UK Troops In The Country

Col Karen Bennett along with around 40 others, is currently deployed there. She has been since the end of August as part of NATO's training mission and has been giving Garrison FM an update.

A Charity Which Helps Ex-Servicemen And Women Is Looking To Expand Its Service

Alabare Christian Care and Support currently has 2 homes for veterans with a third one set to open soon. Now, it's planning to help those looking to leave the military by setting up a course.

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Army Radio News - 17 Nov 10

Soldiers In Afghanistan Are Helping Their Danish Counterparts

Members of 6th Battalion REME are sharing their resources.

Personnel Working With Headquarters, Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Have Taken Part In Two Weeks Of High Intensity Comprehensive Training

Around 200 received state-of-the-art training from a team of over 140 at NATO's Joint Warfare Centre in Norway.

Members Of Germany-Based 8 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps Have received Their Campaign Medals After Returning From Afghanistan

They deployed to a variety of locations across the country, including Camp Bastion, Kandahar, Kabul and bases around Helmand Province with 4th Mechanized Brigade.

Members Of The Afghan Police And A Security Agency Have Been Working Together To Conduct An Operation To Drive Out Insurgents In One Part Of Helmand Province

Op ZMARAY SARAK 5's a joint effort by the ANP, Afghan Border Police and troops from the National Directorate of Security.

Female ISAF Troops Have Been Going Head To Head With Women In Kabul

They teamed up against Afghanistan's national women's football team in a friendly match.

The Next Generation Of Soldiers Has Been Inspected By The Minister For Defence Personnel, Welfare And Veterans

Andrew Robathan attended the passing out parade at the Army Training Regiment Bassingbourn.

The History Of Colchester's Military Corrective Training Centre's Being Recorded

Carole McEntee-Taylor and WO2 Pat Patterson both work in welfare there and have decided to write a book about the facility.

Tuesday 16 November 2010

Army Radio News - 16 Nov 10

The Permanent Secretary And Service Chiefs Have Written To Civil Servants And Civilian Staff

It follows the publication of the Strategic Defence and Security Review, the outcome of which will see significant reductions to around 25 thousand civilian jobs in Defence by 2015.

Experts From The Royal Army Veterinary Corps Have Visited Villages in Helmand Province

They've been conducting a "Vet Engagement"... helping to treat and cure thousands of sick local animals.

Tributes Have Been Paid To The Soldier Killed In Afghanistan On Remembrance Sunday

Ranger Aaron McCormick of 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment died in an explosion whilst taking part in a security patrol in Nad-e Ali.

An Army Officer's Helping Local Authorities In Uganda To Cope With Natural Disasters

Captain Mick Nicholson's on a two-week mission known as Exercise Civil Bridge. He's acting as a member of the Military Stabilisation Support Group.

Ex-Service Personnel, Struggling To Adapt To Civvy Street Are Getting More Help

Alabare Christian Care and Support's opened its second home in Bristol, a third's due to open before Christmas in Weymouth.

Monday 15 November 2010

Army Radio News - 15 Nov 10

The Chief Of The Defence Staff Says We Can't Conquer Islamism

During an interview General Sir David Richards explained there could be no clear-cut defeat over militants.

They May Be In A War Zone But That Hasn't Stopped Troops In Afghanistan Remembering Fallen Heroes

Prince William, along with the Defence Secretary, attended a Remembrance Service at Camp Bastion in Helmand.

The Army Boxing Team's Been Doing Its Bit To Raise Cash For The Royal British Legion's 2010 Poppy Appeal

On Thursday, they took on the London ABA Team at Chelsea Football Club.

The Last Of 4th Mechanize Brigade Have Returned From Afghanistan

103 members of D, Royal Dragoon Guards arrived back in Catterick over the weekend.

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

Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is Cpl Meredith of 2 Yorks. Cpl Lancett from HQ 12 Mech Bde came second, winning 5 thousand. Maj Hotchkiss from HQ 52 Inf Bde won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.

Friday 12 November 2010

Army Radio News - 12 Nov 10

Remembrance Sunday

An opportunity to remember those killed in the first and second world wars and others since including Northern Ireland, the Falkands, Bosnia, the two Gulf Wars and Afghanistan.

Soldiers From 23 Engineer Regiment Work Closely With US Forces In Afghanistan

Members of 5 Armoured Engineer Squadron have supported American troops clearing a key area of Kandahar Province for the last two months.

6 Battalion REME Tell Garrison FM About The Challenges They Face Keeping The British Army On The Move In Helmand

104 soldiers from Tidworth based 3 Armoured Equipment Support Company are working with 7 Battalion REME in Helmand as the Theatre Equipment Support Battalion.

PAX Insurance Premiums Are Going To Rise

They will increase by 1% in January next year following the Chancellors budget in June which announced insurance premium tax would rise by the same amount.

The MOD's Released The Latest Manning Figures

The number of personnel in the UK's Armed Forces has risen to 178,500 against a target of 179,000.

ABF: The Soldiers Charity Are Ten Thousand Pounds Richer

It's all thanks to a team of soldiers from 145 Brigade HQ who cycled from Lands End to John O'Groats this summer.

Thursday 11 November 2010

Army Radio News - 11 Nov 10

Millions Of People Have Observed A Two-Minute Silence To Mark Armistice Day

Ceremonies were held across the UK to honour all who've fallen since World War I, including the 110 servicemen killed in Afghanistan in the past year

The Twenty Members Taking Part In The March For Honour Have Arrived In London

Teams from all services will present the Book of Remembrance to the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening.

Former And Serving Members Of The UK's Armed Forces Were Amongst Those Recognised At The Pride Of Britain Awards


The annual awards honour the courage and bravery of unsung heroes throughout the UK who have performed inspirational acts during the year.

A Royal Logistic Corps Chef Has Been Awarded The Food Services Warrant Officer Trophy 2010


Lance Sergeant Graham Jackman volunteered to serve in a patrol base in Afghanistan and the accolade's in recognition of his hard work.

Wednesday 10 November 2010

Army Radio News - 10 Nov 10

Across The Country People Are Getting Ready To Mark Armistice Day With A Two Minute Silence

It's 92 years since the Armistice was signed between the allies of World War I and Germany.

The Royal British Legion's Looking At Changing It's Image

The charity is widely associated with the first and second World Wars and Andrew Meak is the Regional Manager of the RBL for the north of England and says they're taking into account more recent conflicts.

The 90th Anniversary Of The Unknown Warrior, Who Arrived On Platform 8 At Victoria Station On The 10th Of November's Been Marked


He remained at the station until being laid to rest at Westminster Abbey the following day. For the last 12 years the London Branch of the Western Front Association's held a short ceremony opposite platform 8 where a plaque stands commemorating the event.

A Record By The Royal British Legion Is Hoping To Beat Take That To The Number One Spot This Week

There's a bit of a twist though - It features only silence.

Colchester Soldiers Serving On Op Herrick 13 Have Been Reassured They Won't Face The Possibility Of Compulsory Redundancy Once They're Home

The Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox made the announcement in the House of Commons.

A Scheme To Get Communities Backing Members Of The Armed Forces Is Gaining Momentum

Heroes Welcome is slowly beginning to spread across the UK.

Tuesday 9 November 2010

Army Radio News - 09 Nov 10


The MOD's Published Its Business Plan


It's all part of the new Transparency Framework, which replaces Public Service Agreements and means there'll no longer be central government targets. Instead, external performance reporting will be more centred on what public interests are in.

Soldiers From 32 Regiment Royal Artillery Returned To Salisbury Plain Following Their Latest Tour Of Afghanistan

Over Forty Members Of 42 Battery Stepped Off The Coach To A Warm Welcome From Family And Friends At Roberts Barracks In Larkhill.

The Tri-Service Teams Taking Part In The Royal British Legion's March For Honour Have Made It To Wootton Bassett

They took time out to mark the opening by Prince Harry of a field of remembrance for troops killed in Afghanistan. They're now marching onto to London to deliver the book of remembrance to the Royal Albert Hall for the RBL's Festival of Remembrance.

An Ex-Soldier's Taking On A Huge Challenge To Help Ex-Servicemen And Women

Eddie Craven's walking around the UK's coastline to raise awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Warrior Programme Charity which helped him. Eddie's dream is to raise enough cash from his walk so he can set up a halfway house for those in need.

Monday 8 November 2010

Army Radio News - 08 Nov 10

Garrison Radio's Looking To Go Global

The Army's own UK Radio Service is bidding to take over providing broadcasts to British Forces around the world when the present arrangements end in 2013.


The New Chief Of The Defence Staff Says British Troops Mustn't Cut And Run From Afghanistan

Speaking to a national newspaper, General Sir David Richards ruled out a
reduction in Britain's current force of 10-thousand before 2012.

1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment Owes A Debt Of Gratitude To A State-Of-The-Art-Helmet

They may've only been deployed in Afghanistan's Helmand Province for just over a month... but already the kit's saved the lives of three of its soldiers.


The Benefits Of The Army Recovery Capability And The Importance Of The Personal Recovery Centres Have Been Highlighted

Director General of Army Personnel Major General Andrew Gregory has been speaking about the initiative, which was announced earlier this year.

The World Famous Chelsea Pesnioners Have Released Their First Album

The Men in Scarlet have recorded a mix of forces favourites and wartime classics. Katherine Jenkins, Dame Vera Lynn and The Soldiers have all gotten behind them

Friday 5 November 2010

Army Radio News - 05 Nov 10

The Transfer Of Authority Of The Southern Province Of Afghanistan Has Taken Place

The UK's Major General Nick Carter handed over to US Major General James Terry of the 10th Mountain Division.

Troops From 216 (Para) Signal Squadron Provide An Update From Afghanistan

Lt Ross Arnold spoke to Garrison FM's Liz Mullen about their role in theatre.

The Govenor Of Helmand Province Has Been Speaking About The Progress Being Made In Afghanistan

During a recent visit to London he stressed ISAF and Afghan forces have achieved a great deal in the last 24 months.

The Wives And Girlfriends Of 2 Scots Soldiers Keep Busy With A Sponsored Walk While Their Loved Ones Are On Tour

Seventeen of them have taken part in an eight mile walk from Edinburgh Castle to Glencourse Barracks in support of 2 Scots regimental charity.

Tickets For Troops Celebrates It's 1st Birthday With A Bumper Giveaway

Almost a third of Britain's Armed Forces are now registered with the charity.

Thursday 4 November 2010

Army Radio News - 04 Nov 10

Over 100 Members Of 150 Provost Company Royal Military Police Have Been Presented With Their Afghanistan Operational Medals At Richmond Castle

The troops then exercised their freedom of the town and marched through it to cheering crowds.

The Defence Secretary And The Chief Of The Defence Staff Have Been Meeting With The Governor Of Helmand Province


Governor Mangal's in London for a visit.

2 Royal Welsh Soldiers Are Marching For Honour In Aid Of The Royal British Legion

Wearing military uniform and carrying forty pounds they're representing the Army as they march an average of 30 miles a day from Cardiff to London.

It's Been Decided That With The Recent Deployment Wives Of Members Of 16 Air Assault Brigade Could Do With A Laugh

Therefore, the Unit Welfare Officer's set about organising a comedy night for them with a difference.

Wednesday 3 November 2010

Army Radio News - 03 Nov 10

The Minister For Equipment, Support And Technology's Announced A Green Paper's To Be Published By The End Of The Year

Peter Luff revealed the document will set out plans for defence industrial and technology policy.

Tributes Have Been Paid To The Soldier From 101 Engineer Regiment EOD serving With The Counter IED Taskforce Who Was Killed At The Weekend

Sapper William Blanchard died from a gunshot wound he suffered whilst he was tasked to a suspect device in the Nahr-e Saraj North area of Helmand Province.

Members Of 2 Royal Tank Regiment Are Supporting Education In Helmand Province

They've just returned from a patrol to the Aru Dalam School in the north of Lashkar Gah. Their task was to escort a team from the Military Stabilisation Support Team to the school to asses what improvements can be made.

It's Been Exclusively Revealed Here On Garrison FM Who's Going Forward To The Second Sports Awards In December

During an interview with Josette Lesser, the secretary of the Army Sport Control Board announced the names. The winners will go through to the Combined Services Sports Awards 2010 in March next year.

Tuesday 2 November 2010

Army Radio News - 02 Nov 10

A Treaty's Been Signed Agreeing To Military Co-Operation Between The UK And France

It's said to be a strategic partnership,tackling together the biggest challenges facing the two countries.

An Army Wife's Helping Forces Children Understand What Their Parents' Career Means

Kirsty Marvell wrote her first children's book several years ago. She's now onto her second. 50p from every sale goes to the ABF: The Soldiers' Charity.

The Army Boxing Team's Getting Ready To Do Battle At Stamford Bridge

They'll be taking on London's Amateur Boxers on Remembrance Day at Chelsea Football Club...to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

Monday 1 November 2010

Army Radio News - 01 Nov 10

The New Chief Of The Defence Staff's Ruled Out Military Intervention In Yemen

General Sir David Richards says the country mustn't become the next Afghanistan following the recent airline security alerts.

The Last Of 1 Mercian Have Returned Home

Almost 1 hundred soldiers arrived in Catterick on Friday evening after completing six months in Afghanistan.

A Legend Racing Driver's Been Paying Tribute To The Armed Forces

Sir Jackie Stewart, AKA the Flying Scots' in Edinburgh speaking about National Dyslexia week. During his visit, he caught up with Garrison FM and spoke of his feelings towards those fighting for our country.

Ever Read A Book And Wanted To Shout About It?

Well now's your chance. The Army's radio station in Edinburgh's teamed up with the city's Colinton Library to launch the Garrison FM Book Club.

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

Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is WO2 Heap of 3 Mercian. Pte Kitching from the Army Foundation College in Harrogate came second, winning 5 thousand. 2Lt Wilczynsk of 7 Regt RLC won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.