Thursday 31 March 2011

Army Radio News - 31 Mar 11

The Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey 2010 Report's Been Published

The response rate was the highest it's been to date

The Commanding Officer Of 1 Scots Has Now Settled Into His Role

Garrison FM spoke with Lt Col Ben Wrench when he first took up the post before Christmas. He's been explaining what he's been focusing on since taking over.

Four Injured Soldiers Are Well Underway In Their Journey To The North Pole

They're doing it to raise cash for Blesma, Help for Heroes and Skillforce.

Elvis Tribute Acts And An Amy Winehouse Impersonator Were Among Soldiers Taking To The Stage On Salisbury Plain

12 acts took part in Garrison's Got Talent 2011 at Tidworth's Garrison Theatre to raise money for SSAFA, The Royal British Legion, and ABF: The Soldier's Charity.

Wednesday 30 March 2011

Army Radio News - 30 Mar 11

The UK's Hosted The London Conference On Libya

There, the latest situation was discussed and the next steps regarding the events in the country with our allies and partners.

The Chief Of The General Staff's Briefing Team's In Catterick

This week, they've been speaking to soldiers and families about issues close to their hearts and the latest Army developments.

ABF: The Soldiers' Charity Big Curry Month's Kicked Off

It's been launched this week and urges people up and down the country to hold their own events where they cook their favourite spicy dishes to raise cash for the charity.

The Major And Minor Squash Finals Have Taken Place

They were held in Aldershot. Here on Garrison FM we had live updates from the event.

Tuesday 29 March 2011

The Army Battles For Titles At The IS & CS Badminton Championships

The Inter Service and Combined Services Badminton Championships were held over 5 days in Grantham. I was delighted to attend the event which showcased many well established, and some newer, Army players. Captained by SSgt Steve Pengelly, Royal Signals, the Army put up a brave fight in every category. However, operations and duties did prevent some of our other top players from competing, which left the Army struggling somewhat. Particularly as the RAF fielded a strong and fully formed team.

In the end, the Army were runners up in practically every category across both the Inters and the Combined Services competitions.

But one soldier did make his mark:: Cpl Dave Williams, Royal Signals, became the Combined Services Men's Singles Champion for the second time, having won it in 2009.

Army Radio News - 29 Mar 11

The Way Education Centres Deliver Training And Courses Could Potentially Be revolutionized Thanks To Work Being Done At The Design Studio At HQLF Andover

Following success with Ipod language training, researchers are now looking to develop applications for mobile apps.

The Defence Science And Technology Laboratory And Industry Partners Have Been Showcasing New Technology

It's unique, in the way that it helps helicopter pilots land more safely in sandy and dusty environments.... Such as those found in Afghanistan.

The Commanding Officer Of 1 Lancs Has Moved On To Pastures New

After 2 years in the post,  Col Frazier Lawrence has been given a promotion in Land which focuses on equipment.

Soldiers Are Being Urged To Don Their Running Shoes For A Worthy Cause

Next month, a run's been organised to raise cash for GUTS Fighting Bowel Cancer and St Lukes Cancer Fund.

Monday 28 March 2011

Army Radio News - 28 Mar 11

Members Of 6th Battalion REME Are Preparing To Come Home

They're now in the handover process and soon their six month deployment in Afghanistan will be over.

Soldiers From 86 Sqn, 25 Trg Regt RLC Have Been On A Three Day Exercise Package

It's mainly been based on Military skills, but as phase 2 logicians, there's also been an emphasis on trade skills. They're training at a Forward Operating Base between Deepcut and Pirbright.

Tributes Have Been Paid To The Two Soldiers Who Died In Afghanistan Last Week

Major Matthew Collins and Lance Sergeant Mark Burgan, both from 1st Battalion The Irish Guards, were killed by an Improvised Explosive Device.

A New Bridge Crossing One Of Southern Helmands Largest Waterways Has Proven A Success

A tarmacked road running all the way from Lashkar Gah to the western edge of Shin Kalay, Nad-e Ali's now joined to the outlying villages of the Dashte Desert by a fording. The structure, which was built by the Royal Engineers in September's proving a lifeline to commuters.

A Paratrooper's Raised More Than One Thousand Pounds For Charity

Lance Corporal Robert Fisher ran a marathon around his base in Helmand Province for the Afghanistan Trust and the NSPCC.

Four Injured Soldiers Begin Their Journey To The North Pole This Week

It's the first unsupported trek by wounded servicemen to the area and aims to raise money for Blesma, Help for Heroes and Skillforce.

Thursday 24 March 2011

Army Radio News - 24 Mar 11

The Announcement By President Hamid Karzai Of The Start Of Security Transition In Afghanistan's Been Welcomed By UK Troops


Earlier in the week he named seven areas, which will no longer be controlled by foreign troops from July... including the capital Lashkar Gah.
 
Thousands Have Celebrated Nawruz - The Afghan New Year


Event's were held all over the country.

He May Not Of Been In The Role Long But The New Commander Of 4th Mechanized Brigade's Already Showing He's A Team Player


Brigadier Bob Bruce is joining a team from HQ in a coast-to-coast cycle ride. They'll be pedalling a 174 mile Wainwright route from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay.

The Defence School Of Transport's Backing Climate Week

DST Leconfield's held several events throughout the week to support the national campaign.

Wednesday 23 March 2011

Army Radio News - 23 Mar 11

Parts Of Afghanistan Are To Be Handed Over To Afghan Forces


The country's President Hamid Karzai named seven areas, which will no longer be controlled by foreign troops from July.
 
The Afghan National Police Have Been Demonstrating They've Got What It Takes When It Comes To Delivering Lifesaving First Aid
 
It follows mentoring by medics from D company 5 SCOTS.
 
The Infantry's Been Briefing Businesses On The Quality Of Soldiers' Skills
 
It all took place at Infantry Headquarters at the Land Warfare Centre in Warminster.
 
Six Soldiers Are Taking Part In A Massive Challenge To Raise Cash For Help For Heroes
 
The members of the Black Watch 3 Scots are cycling 1,750 miles for the charity.
 
Garrison FM's Been Hearing About The Expertise The Design Studio At HQLF Andover Has To Offer
 
We've been speaking to E-Learning Manager Andy Mackay, who's responsibility it is to develop technologies towards the learning environment within the studio

Tuesday 22 March 2011

Army Radio News - 22 Mar 11

Coalition Operations Against Col Gaddafi's Forces Are Having A Real Effect In Protecting The City Of Benghazi


That's according to Major General John Lorimer, the Chief of Defence Staff's Strategic Communications Officer. General Lorimer spoke at a media briefing regarding the military action in Libya.
 
A Trio Of British Army Medics In Afghanistan Have Taken Time Out Of Their Usual Role


Instead, they've been teaching their life-saving skills to a group of Afghan nurses. They'll eventually form the basis of a pioneering new ambulance service.

Celebrities Are Parting With Some Of Their Best Recipes To Raise Money For Help For Heroes


A book's been put together featuring culinary delights from 16 well known faces along with some from high ranking members of the Armed Forces.
 
The Inter And Combined Service Badminton Championships Are Taking Place In Grantham


There are only the doubles left to go. The event's been covered live on Garrison FM

Monday 21 March 2011

Army Radio News - 21 Mar 11

The Ministry Of Defence Says Military Action To Enforce The UN Resolution In Libya Will Continue While There's No Evidence Of A Ceasefire By Colonel Gaddafi

Major General John Lorimer also says there is no evidence western-led airstrikes have caused civilian casualties.

EOD Operators And Soldiers Earning Under £21,000 Are Set To Get Pay Increases

Details of these have been published in a report by The Armed Forces Pay Review Body.

Tributes Have Been Paid To The Soldier Who Died From Injuries He Sustained In Afghanistan On Friday

Private Daniel Prior of 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, was tasked to provide fire support for his fellow paratroopers and the ANA during a reassurance patrol in the Nahr-e-Saraj area.

A Bushcraft Survival Expert And TV Presenter's Been Helping To Train Soldiers In Germany

Ray Mears has been teaching troops what to look for when searching for enemy fighters and buried Improvised Explosive Devices.

Afghan Children Are Taking Up A New Hobby

Those in Helmand's Nad-e Ali district are being taught to box by British soldiers.

Thursday 17 March 2011

Army Radio News - 17 Mar 11

The Destination of the Constantinopal Trophy's Not Yet Known Following The Army Football Team's Clash With The RAF

A thrilling game ended all square at Aldershot FC, despite the Army being in the lead during the first half

The Army Rugby Union Cup Final Has Taken Place


It was held at the Military Stadium in Aldershot. Despite 2 Royal Welsh winning the title three times in the last four years, the Welsh Guards dominated the game and trounced them 28 points to 9

The Combined Services Sports Awards Have Taken Place In London

This year 5 categories were contested instead of the usual 4 and the British Army had an exceptional day.
Throughout The Week Thousands Of People Across The UK Have Been Getting Together To Raise Cash For The Poor And Disadvantaged In Britain And Africa

Students from Leeds University Officer Training Corps are supporting the event by donning red noses and selling cakes in each of their faculties.

Wednesday 16 March 2011

Army Radio News - 16 Mar 11

For The First Time In More Than 100 Years A Town's To Get The Title Of "Royal" In Recognition Of Its Efforts To Honour Our Fallen Heroes


Repatriations of the UK's war dead have taken place through the Wiltshire town of Wootton Bassett since 2007. These are to end by the 1ST of September this year and will instead be held in RAF Brize Norton.

The Son Of A Former Soldier's Looking To Break A Guinness World Record


Andy McMenemy is looking to run the most consecutive ultra marathons, which are 50 Kilometers, with no rest days During Challenge66 he'll do 66 in 66 days, one from each f the official cities in the UK. It's all to raise funds for ABF: The Soldiers Charity.

A Seven Year Old From Salisbury Plain Donned Her Walking Boots For Help For Heroes


Isabella along with friends and her dad Major Stuart Smith from 1st Battalion Royal Anglains conquered Mount Snowdon For The Charity.

Tuesday 15 March 2011

Army Radio News - 15 Mar 11

The 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment Battlegroup's Mounted It's Largest Air Assault Operation Since 1945

The operation took place at the end of last month. It involved the insertion of three companies by helicopter in one wave, followed by an "advance to contact" link up with a further three companies in containment positions to the west, north and east of the target area of Zaborabad in Helmand Province.

The Secretary Of State For Defence Has Being Paying Tribute To The Maltese Government And Its Peopl

Dr Liam Fox praised their assistance in evacuating stranded British citizens and foreign nationals from Libya.

The Minister For the Armed Forces Has Visited Colchester Garrison

Nick Harvey focused on the importance of looking after the families of soldiers serving on operations.

Members Of The Band Of The Parachute Regiment Have Received Their Afghanistan Operational Medals

They were deployed over the festive period with the aim of uplifting the morale of troops from 16 Air Assault Brigade and to bring music back into the lives of Afghan soldiers.


Monday 14 March 2011

Army Radio News - 14 Mar 11

The Defence Minister For International Security's Been Speaking With Garrison FM

Gerald Howarth admitted the next few years will be tough with regards to defence cuts.

The Biggest-Scale High-Rish IED Clearance Of An Entire Village To Be Carried Out By British Forces In Afghanistan's Taken Place

Families are now returning to Char Coucha, which was once a thriving market town and place of religious pilgrimage.

Wrecked Vehicles Left Behind By Years Of War Have Been Cleared From a Major Route In Helmand Province

The stretch of Highway 1's looking more presentable thanks to a project instigated by soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh.

Service Leavers Are Being Helped To Find A Job On Civvy Street

An Armed Forces Employment Fair's been held in Farnborough.
 
Garrison FM's Helped To Raise Cash For A Charity Which Supports Ex-Servicemen And Women

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

Friday 11 March 2011

Army Radio News - 11 Mar 11

The Foreign Secretary talks to troops about the future role of the Army in world affairs

Talking to Garrison FM about the recent uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East William Hague says he does not envisage the need to send large numbers of ground troops to Libya.

There is more support for serving and former soldiers with mental health difficulties

Government cash is funding the new Combat Stress Support Helpline.

Tributes have been paid to Lance Corporal Stephen McKee of 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment

Irrepressible, utterly fearless, and a fearsome warrior is how Lt Col Colin Weir the Commanding Office of 1 Royal Irish described him.

A new book about a group of Wives and Mothers from 2 Royal Welsh has been launched

Daffodil Girls tells the story of a band of Army wives looking at their experiences at home while their husbands were away on tour.

Garrison FM at the Ideal Home Show with ABF: The Soldiers Charity

The event is supporting the charities Ideal Homes for Heroes Appeal for the second year running.

Thursday 10 March 2011

Army Radio News - 10 Mar 11

Armed Forces Personnel Wanting To Gain More Qualifications Are Being Encouraged To Look Into The Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme

It was introduced in 2003 as an MOD initiative to promote lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces.

A Healthy Dose Of Inter-Corps Rivalry's Been On Display At The Army's Cross Country Championships

They were held at the home of the Royal Artillery at Larkhill on Salisbury Plain, where various trophies were up for grabs.

Service Leavers In Colchester Are Being Urged To Give A Networking Club A Go

Leavers Link aims to introduce those who are about to leave or have already left the Army so they can support or mentor each other on Civvy Street.

This Week Troops Up And Down The Country Have Been Encouraged To Ditch The Fags

It's all part of National No-Smoking Day. The benefits of stubbing them out for good have been highlighted in Garrisons all over.

Wednesday 9 March 2011

Army Radio News - 09 Mar 11

The Ministry Of Defence Has Announced The Completion Of Changes To The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

It means significant increases in the awards paid to injured personnel.
 
A Large Percentage Of Soldiers Would Leave The Army If Continuity of Education Allowance Was Cut

That's according to a survey sent out by the Army Families Federation.

Soldiers From Alpha Troop, 244 Signal Squadron, 21 Signal Regiment In Wiltshire Have Been Presented With Their Afghanistan Operational Medals

It's after they returned from a successful six-month deployment in support of the Joint Helicopter Force.

ABF: The Soldiers Charity Is Short Of Volunteers For The Ideal Home Show Opening At The End Of This Week

Anyone who'd like to help out shaking buckets at Earl's Court for any or all of the 17 days from this Friday will gain free entry

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Army Radio News - 08 Mar 11

Soldiers From The 2nd Royal Tank Regiment In Afghanistan Have Helped To Save A Mosque
It's after heavy rain caused flooding. Along with locals, they dug drainage ditches.

Garrison FM's Been Hearing About The Role Of Metalsmiths In Afganistan

They're responsible for maintaining and repairing various materials out in theatre.
 
Service Personnel Are Being Reminded To Register To Vote

It's two months until the May elections.
 
UK Troops Have Taken Part In A Half Marathon Relay Race in Afghanistan
Members of HQ Task Force Helmand, the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team along with, the United States Marines Corps and the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) did it around their small base in Lashkar Gah.

As People Across Britain Celebrate Pancake Day Garrison FM's Been Using The Occasion To Help Raise Funds For Charity

In Aldershot, Richard Wyeth and the team had their own pancake breakfast with help from a member of 22 Field Hospital. In all 127 pounds was raised for ABF: The Soldiers' Charity.

Monday 7 March 2011

Army Radio News - 07 Mar 11

Afghan National Army Gunners Have Marked The End Of Five Months Of Training Alongside British Troops

The first multinational partnered live firing exercise has taken place in Helmand.
 
British Troops Are Tackling Animal Care In Helmand Province

A "Veterinary Teaching Initiative" took place at the Headquarters of the 2nd Kandal, Afghan National Police, East of the capital Lashkar Gah.
 
Soldiers For The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment Of Scotland Have Extended Their Security Reach In Helmand's Lashkar Gah District

They've done this by opening a new checkpoint.
 
The Results Are In For This Week's Army Sport's Lottery

Bagging the 1st prize of 10 thousand pounds is SSgt Gallertly of3 (UK) Div HQ and Sig Regt. LCpl Tucker from 14 Sig Regt came second, winning 5 thousand. Cfn Edney if 2 CS Bn REME won the third prize of 2 and a half grand.

Friday 4 March 2011

Army Radio News - 04 Mar 11

There Are Still Areas We Need To Improve On - Those Are The Thoughts Of The Foreign Secretary When It Comes To Afghanistan

During An interview With Garrison FM, William Hague spoke of the impact of the SDSR, the draw down from Germany and what's happening in the Middle East.
 
A Unique Initiative To Help Ex-Forces Personnel Back Into Work's Been Showcased In Catterick

Groundwork North Yorkshire in partnership with the MoD and other organisations are launching the Force 4 Change programme to train service leavers and civilians in construction skills including brickwork, block work and plastering.
 
Soldiers From 228 Signal Squadron On Salisbury Plain Will Soon Be Pedalling And Rowing 6000 Kilometres For Charity


That's the same distance from Bulford Camp to Lashkar Gah in Afghanistan.

Thursday 3 March 2011

Army Radio News - 03 Mar 11

2012 Olympic hopefuls serving in the British Army train in Aldershot

The Army Judo Association held training in Aldershot this week for both novices and some more advanced players hoping to take part in the Olympics.

Tributes are paid to Lance Corporal Tasker from 1st Military Working Dog Regiment killed in Afghanistan

LCpl Tasker was on a patrol with his search dog Theo when they came under small arms fire.  LCpl Tasker died from his injuries and the dog also died later after being taken back to Camp Bastion.

The CO of 2 Para pays tribute to Lance Corporal Kyle Marshall

Lt Col Andrew Harrison spoke just before LCpl Marshall's funeral held in Colchester earlier this week.

There are further celebrations marking St David's Day

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh marked the special day with a church service, a rugby match, and a leek eating competition.

Wednesday 2 March 2011

Army Radio News - 02 Mar 11

The RAF is the first of the three armed services to release details of their redundancy programme to staff

The Army and Navy are expected to reveal details of their schemes at the beginning of April.

Former SAS member and author Andy McNab offers career advice

Firstly he says service leavers shouldn't panic and secondly they should seek out the free re-settlement services available before they leave.

Soldiers from No 4 Company 1st Battalion The Irish Regiment see the positive effects of their assaults on the Taliban

They visited a school in Rahim in the Upper Gereshk Valley this week seeing a class of 25 youngsters in progress.

The Commander of Joint Force Support visits troops from 6 Bt REME in Afghanistan

Brigadier Davies also opened up two new facilities at Camp Bastion.

A former Miss Scotland and Miss UK 2010 prepares to do her bit for a veterans charity

Katherine Brown will be speeding along a zip slide on the 26th March raising money for Erskine.

Tuesday 1 March 2011

Army Radio News - 01 Mar 11

State-Of-The-Art Training Equipment's Helping Armed Forces Personnel To Master The Art Of Jumping Out Of Planes

The Parachute Training School at Royal Air Force Brize Norton recently opened a new Virtual Reality Parachute Trainer.

A Confidential Helpline,  Set Up To Support The Armed Forces And Their Families Is Rolling Out A New Look And New Feel

The 'Confidential Support Line' has been re-launched as 'Forcesline' aiming to reach more people.
 
Welsh Soldiers Up And Down The Country Are Celebrating The Birthday Of Their Patron Saint

Members of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in Aldershot marked the occasion with a parade.
 
Members Of The Archers Have Been Giving Up Their Time To Raise Cash For Two Forces Charities

They performed at Colchester Arts centre. It was all in aid of Help for Heroes and the town's Personnel Recovery Centre.