Monday 28 February 2011

Army Radio News - 28 Feb 11

Public Health Has Been A Priority For British Army Medics And Their Afghan National Army Counterparts

They've been working hand in hand to improve the conditions of the local communities where they work.

Details Of The Voluntary Early Release Scheme Have Been Revealed

The Director General of Human Resources has written to all civilian MOD staff providing details of the department wide scheme.
 
1 Mechnanized Brigade Are Pulling Together


Elements have been supporting operations for some time now they're about to enter an 18 month training period in preparation to deploy together. 
 
Locals In An Area Of Helmand Province Are Being Taught Lifesaving Skills By British Paratroopers And Their ANA Colleagues


An education programmes helping them to spot Taliban bombs.
 
As Spring Approaches The Army Cricket Team's Preparing For This Season


It's hoped the seniors will improve their game this time around after they lost out to the Navy at Lords in the Twenty-20 and were beaten by the Air Forces at the main inter-services last time.

Friday 25 February 2011

Army Radio News - 25 Feb 11

Gunners From 19 Regiment Royal Artillery Are Heading Out To Kenya

Members of 28/143 Battery will be taking part in Exercise Askari-Thunder over the next six weeks.
 
Soldiers From 2 Royal Welsh Have Been Speaking Of Their Role In Afghanistan
 
They've just arrived back to their barracks in Tidworth following their tour
 
Estonian Soldiers Serving Alongside Brits In Afghanistan Have Taken A Brief Break From Their Duties

It was to mark 93 years since their country's liberation.
 
A Charity Which Helps Ex-Servicemen And Women Is Proving To Be A Success

The Mark Wright Project supports veterans and their families and aims to make their transition into civilian life easier.

Thursday 24 February 2011

Army Radio News - 24 Feb 11

A Demonstration's Been Held Of Future Technology' That Could Improve Living Condition's For Frontline Troops In Afghanistan

It took place in a purpose-built Forward Operating Base In South Wales.
 
Members Of 2 Battalion The Royal Welsh Have Been Welcomed Home

Friends and family were at the base in Tidworth in Wiltshire as they arrived back from their 6 month tour of Afghanistan.
 
Troops In Afghanistan Have Been Resorting To An Old-Fashioned Mode Of Transport

When his comrades were in need of spares,one soldier decided to use a donkey to get them to them.
 
16 Tasks In 16 Days - That's The Challenge A British Army Officer's Set Himself

Lt Col John Kerner's in the middle of the "Run for Recovery Challenge".  He hopes to raise 16 thousand pounds for ABF: The Soldiers Charity in this time.

Wednesday 23 February 2011

Army Radio News - 23 Feb 11

Six members of the Armed Forces Defence Committee visit Colchester Garrison

The team including the town's own MP Bob Russell toured Merville Barracks and chatted to Army wives and Unit Welfare Officers gathering information for the Armed Forces Bill.

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox welcomes an announcement from the Danish government on it's troop contribution to Afghanistan

The Danish parliament has agreed the 'Helmand Plan 2011' that involves a gradual shift from combat to training with a focus on developing the Afghan National Security Forces.

The ANA carry out the largest air assault operation in over a year in Helmand

2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment and 1st Battalion The Irish Guards supported the Afghans on Operation OMID SHASH.

Army Engineers return to Workington in Cumbria to dismantle a temporary bridge

128 Soldiers are removing Barkers Crossing named in memory of PC Bill Parker who was killed when the Northside Bridge was swept away.

Tuesday 22 February 2011

Army Radio News 22 Feb 11

The Defence Secretary says there must be an end to 'fantasy projects'

Dr Liam Fox explains the action he is now taking following the Public Accounts Committee's comments that over spending and procurement delays within the MOD must be addressed.

A Professor has been looking at the impact of Iraq and Afghanistan on the health of the UK's Armed Forces

The Director of the King's Centre for Military Health Professor Simon Wessely argues evidence suggests the conflicts are not creating an epidemic of mental health problems amongst military personnel.

The Defence School of Transport hosts a visit from HRH The Princess Royal

The Royal Logistic Corps Colonel-in-Chief toured the Lenconfield base accompanied by Master of Logistics General Sir Kevin O'Donohue and the Commander of DST Leconfield Colonel Paul Ash.

Commuters at London's Waterloo station will find a new ABF: The Soldier's Charity ad hard to miss

The advertisement measuring 42 metres long and 8.5 metre high is now situated above the former Eurostar terminal and will be there until April.

Army Radio News - 21 Feb 11

Garrison FM Links Up with 5 Scots in Afghanistan

CO Lt Col Adam Griffiths talks about the challenges of training and mentoring members of the Afghan National Police.

Members of 2 Signals get ready for some adventure training in Chile

It's all part of their decompression and normalisation process following a tour of Afghanistan.

Don't forget the rear party

That's the message from 23 Engineer Regiment's WO1 Mark Rowlands based at Woodbridge

Friday 18 February 2011

Army Radio News - 18 Feb 11

Work's Now Underway To Open The Latest Personnel Recovery Centre

Help for Heroes has officially taken over Tedworth House in Tidworth from the MOD

Hundreds Lined The Streets Of Esher In Surrey To Welcome Back Servicemen And Women Who've Returned From Afghanistan
Members of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery and The Royal Artillery Band paraded through the town.
 
The New Commander Of 15 North East Brigade's Settling Into His Post
Brigadier Greville Bibby moved to York's Imphal Barracks around 4 weeks ago.

Thursday 17 February 2011

Army Radio News - 17 Feb 11

Heavy Rainfall's Caused Some Widespread Flooding In Afghanistan

One of the main effected areas is Lashkar Gah were 2 Scots are based.

Soldiers from 2RTR Have Been Getting To Know Afghan Locals
Members of the Warthog Group, which is made up of around 15 vehicles and 25 men, have been working in the Green Zone and the Desert.
 
Tributes Have Been Paid To The Two Soldiers Killed In A Fire At Camp Bastion In Afghanistan


The cause of the blaze is being investigated, but it's not thought to be the result of enemy action. Private Robert Wood and Private Dean Hutchinson from the Royal Logistic Corps died on Monday.

Preparations Are Underway For A Big Boxing And Auction Event At Bassingbourn
It's been organised to raise cash for two service charities and will be held next week.

Wednesday 16 February 2011

Army Radio News - 16 Feb 11

A New Single Organisation's To Be Created To Manage Defence Property

Tuesday 15 February 2011

Army Radio News - 15 Feb 11

The Army's Apologised After 38 Soldiers Learned They Were Losing Their Jobs Over Email


The men are all long-serving warrant officers and one is working in Afghanistan. They were told they were victims of defence cuts. The Army's said it's sorry for the distress and the Commanding Officers have since lent them support.

Armed Forces Dependants And Veterans Now Have Access To The Latest Psychological Therapies


It's all thanks to a new service set up by Catterick Garrison and NHS Yorkshire and the Humber. It's part of Improving Access to Psychological Therapies or IAPT as it's also known.

It's Been Bear Hugs All Round For Children Of Soldiers Deployed On Op Herrick 13


The 2 Para UWO Team treated the youngsters to a couple of hours at a bear building store in Colchester.

Monday 14 February 2011

Army Radio News - 14 Feb 11

Troops Fighting On The Frontline Are Enjoying New And Improved Operational Ration Packs


These include a lightweight version and a host of new menus.
 
Work's Underway To Improve The Relationship Between Councils And Ex-Service Personnel In The North Of England


Major Johnny Leighton's the acting COS of 15 Brigade in York. The TA Officer and ex-regular's liaising with Local Authorities and Veterans Agencies and looking at ways more support can be given to service leavers.

A Book Looking At The First World War Through The Eyes Of A German Soldier Is Being Re-Published


All the Kaiser's Men: The Death of a German Soldier 1914 - 1918 focuses on one battle from the German point of view.

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


Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is LCpl Thebeyapeloof of 2 Log Sp Regt RLC. SSgt Law from 64 Wks Gp RE 524 STRE came second, winning 5 thousand. Cpl Rhodes of 1 Log Sp Regt RLC won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.

Friday 11 February 2011

Army Radio News - 11 Feb 11

Building work begins in Colchester on a purpose built Personal Recovery Centre for injured troops

The second phase of the Army's Recovery Capability gets underway helping injured soldiers return to duty or prepare for life on civvy street.

Tributes are paid to two Paratroopers killed in Afghanistan

Private Lewis Hendry from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment and Private Conrad Lewis from 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment both received gunshot wounds as their patrols came under enemy fire in the Nad-e-Ali District of Helmand Province.

Commando Gunners train on Salisbury Plain for their third tour of Afghanistan

Over five hundred have been rehearsing for whatever Op Herrick 14 throws at them.

The National Army Museum launches an exhibition celebrating love on the frontline

Just in time for Valentine's Day the exhibition called 'Wives and Sweethearts' spans 200 years and explores every aspect of soldiers relationships from courtship to separation.

Thursday 10 February 2011

Army Radio News - 10 Feb 11

We're Being Reassured The Prime Minister's Not Reneging On His Pledge To Write Into The Law Of The Land The Military Covenant - The Bond Between The Nation And Its Armed Forces


The Government's emphasized it's commitment to rebuilding it and is legislating to make it a requirement for an annual report to be submitted to parliament.
 
Members Of 6th Battalion REME In Afghanistan Have Moved To A Brand New Purpose Built Building


It mean's they can now be more efficient in the management of the battalion.
 
A New Welfare Building's Now Being Used In Woodbridge, Suffolk


The facility offers a wide range of services for families and soldiers all under one roof.

Wednesday 9 February 2011

Army Radio News - 09 Feb 11

Garrison FM's 10th Location Has Officially Gone Live

Rock Barracks will now receive the Army's radio station on 12-87am, along with Wattisham and ATR Bassingbourn.

The Army Families Federation's Striving To Protect The Continuity Of Education Allowance


The organisation's now issued its own survey to get opinions on the COE, as it's now under review.
 
Troops In Afghanistan Have Been Given A Morale Boost From A TV Personality
They've had a visit from broadcaster, hip-hop DJ and presenter of TV's Pimp My Ride - Tim Westwood.

Tuesday 8 February 2011

Army Radio News - 08 Feb 11

Plans To Privatise Search And Rescue Helicopter Services Have Been Suspended


The deal had been intended to cover MOD and Coastguard helicopters.
 
It's Reported The Prime Minister Will Announce Later This Week That The Bodies Of Soldiers Will No Longer Be Driven Through Wootton Bassett


The nearby air base RAF Lyneham is due to close next year and duties will move to Brize Norton instead.

After Two And A Half Years In The Post, The Commander of the Joint Service Signal Unit Cyprus And Ayios Nikolaos Station Is Moving On
Lt Col Mike Dooley is heading to pastures new.

Monday 7 February 2011

Army Radio News - 07 Feb 11

Joint Helicopter Command put crews through their paces on Salisbury Plain

They have been supporting 3 Commando Brigade in preparation for their deployment to Afghanistan on Op Herrick 14.

Tributes are paid to two British soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Ranger David Dalzell from 1st Battalion The Irish Regiment died as a result of an operational accident working at Checkpoint Ranger in Nad Ali.

WO2 Colin Beckett was killed after being caught in an IED explosion as he was moving to a position to cover fellow patrol members.

Work begins on getting BATUS vehicles ready for the next training season in Canada

Mechanics from 4th Battalion REME are responsible for the winter repair of hundreds of vehicles.

This weeks Army Sports Lottery Results...

LCpl D J McGee from 9 AAC wins the top prize of ten thousand pounds.

LCpl LI Burton from 5 Rifles wins the second prize of five thousand pounds.

In third place is Sgt K F Duncan at ACIO in Huddersfield who wins two-thousand five hundred pounds.

Friday 4 February 2011

Army Radio News - 04 Feb 11

The Government wants the Army centre stage at the 2012 Olympics

Sports Minister and former Army Officer Hugh Robertson MP tells Garrison FM he expects the Army's involvement to grow.

Para's are doing their bit to develop the ANA further in Helmand Province

Colchester based 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment are mentoring new members of the Afghan National Army who are now deployed in their area of operations.

Garrison FM discovers how equipment gets the official seal of approval from those that matter

The Trials Planning Office based on Salisbury Plain is responsible for organising the testing of military kit to make sure it meets soldier's needs.

The Aldershot Army Show is back!

It's returning after a two year break as the Aldershot Garrison Show 2011 taking place on Saturday 2nd July.

Thursday 3 February 2011

Army Radio News - 03 Feb 11

Stabilisation continues to be a vital focus on operations in Afghanistan

The Military Stabilisation Support group explain how they have been preparing for Op Herrick 14 on exercise with 3 Commando Brigade.

Armed Forces Mental Health Services receive a further boost

They will get a cash injection of 7.2 million pounds under new plans announced by the government this week.

More details on the Army's Compulsory Redundancy Programme have been revealed

The first tranche of fields eligible to apply for redundancy will be announced in May.

The summer holidays on offer to bereaved service families can now be found online

See them on the new Family Activity Breaks website at fabcamp.org.uk

Wednesday 2 February 2011

Army Radio News - 02 Feb 11

Troops From 6th Battalion REME In Afghanistan Have Been Under The Spotlight

They had an inspection of their equipment care practices and procedures.

British And Afghan Troops Have Taken Part In Over 8 Weeks Of Operations In Central Helmand

The joint operations were launched to clear a stubborn insurgent hotspot but recently ended in success following a massive engineering effort, sometimes whilst under enemy fire.

For The First Time The British Army's Getting Involved With National Apprenticeship Week

The campaign's nationwide and aims to raise awareness of the benefits of training on the job.

The Man Behind Enticing New Recruits Into Taking Up A Career In The Army's Been Speaking To Garrison FM

Colin Cook's Recruiting Marketing Director for the Recruiting Group. Each year the aim is to have between 8 and 10 thousand people join up.

Tuesday 1 February 2011

Army Radio News - 01 Feb 11

Ed Milliband's Paid A Visit To Camp Bastion

Whilst out there the Labour leader found time to chat with some of the members of 6th Battalion REME.

The Army's Trying To Find Out What Soldier's Families Think About Life In The Forces Via A Questionnaire That's Being Rolled Out

The Families Continuous Attitudes Survey selects a random sample of soldiers who're given the questionnaire for their wives or husbands to complete.

It's Been Revealed Over 50 Million Pounds Is To Be Spent On Projects Under The Ministry Of Defence's Next Generation Estate Contracts Programme

The MOD's announced it will develop six regional capital works frameworks for construction projects valued below 12 million and one national framework for higher value projects, more complex projects and cross region programmes

2 SCOTS Along With Afghan Troops Have Cleared And Secured A Town In Afghanistan With No Resistance

It's believed this show's the weakened state of the Taliban insurgency in Helmand Province.

Members Of 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Have Received Their Campaign Medals After Recently Returning From Six Months In Afghanistan

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales presented them.