Tuesday 31 May 2011

Army Radio News - 31 May 11

The Ministry Of Defence Is Developing A New Material Strategy To Deliver Better Value For Money When It Comes To Providing The Armed Forces With The Support They Need

The Defence Secretary made the announcement.

British Troops Are Having To Battle Rising Temperatures In Afghanistan

Some soldiers are currently operating in conditions of 46 degrees plus. It means that working patterns have had to change to adapt to the weather.

Homeless Veterans Charity's Been Speaking About Its Work In Catterick And Aldershot

SPACES, which stands for Single Persons Accommodation Centre for Ex Services, is based in North Yorkshire and has helped over 7,500 veterans since it opened in 2000.

The Army Welfare Service Is Raising Awareness Of The Support It Offers Soldiers And Their Families

Representatives from the organisation were on hand at a Hive Information Fair in Blanford.

Friday 27 May 2011

Army Radio News - 27 May 11

Apache attack helicopters join NATO's efforts in Libya

Four have been sent after receiving approval from Prime Minister David Cameron.

An Ofsted report on Service children's education has been published

It's main focus was on the support provided by schools, local authorities, and other agencies enabling service children to cope with moving schools and the deployment of family members.

The Mark 7 Combat Helmet that saved a 'Tankies' life is attracting attention

LCpl Craig Murfitt's helmet is now on display at the Tank Museum in Dorset.

SSAFA's Ride of Britain has been launched

Two soldiers injured in Afghanistan will lead the cycle from Edinburgh to London in September.

Thursday 26 May 2011

Army Radio News - 26 May 11

The Army Could Cut The Number Of Those Fully Trained To Parachute In 16 Air Assault Brigade

It is all part of MoD cost-cutting plans and would include cooks and quartermasters, lowering the number who qualify for the £180-a-month bonus.

A New Gardening Project Has Been Launched At Headley Court

The aims to give occupational therapy for personnel recovering at the Ministry of Defence Rehabilitation.

The Commander Designate For 16 Air Assault Brigade Has Been Finding Out More About What His Role Will Involve


Brigadier Giles Hill will soon replace Brigadier James Chiswell. At an event to mark the 100,000th flying hour of the Apache Attack Helicopter he was able to find out more about the aircraft which plays a big part in the brigade.

Wednesday 25 May 2011

Army Radio News - 25 May 11

Barack Obama And David Cameron Have Been Confronting Issues Such As Afghanistan And Libya

The US President has met the Prime Minister at Downing Street on his state visit. As well as talks there, they held a barbeque for military families and veterans from both countries.

A Specialist Unit Has Uncovered A Taliban Weapons And Drugs Stash In Afghanistan

The Brigade Reconnaissance Force,  made up of the recently reintroduced 30 Commando Royal Marines, has identified and raided a compound.

An Utterly Professional Commander, Rifleman And A Man Of Irreproachable Integrity

Those are the words used to describe Colour Serjeant Kevin Fortuna by his Commanding Officer Lt Colonel James Labilliere. The 36 year old was killed by an IED in Afghanistan.

The British Armys Apache Helicopter Has Clocked Up A Landmark 100,000 Flying Hours

A third of these have been flown on operations in Afghanistan.

Battleback Swimmers Are Competing With The Army Elite

They are in Camp Bay in Gibraltar for training after being invited to a race around Jersey.

Tuesday 24 May 2011

Army Radio News - 24 May 11

The Commanding Officer Of 2nd Battalion The Duke Of Lancasters Regiment Has Been Awarded A Top Estonian Military Honour

Lt Col Robbie Boyd has been recognised for his part in leading the ISAF partner nation’s forces in Afghanistan.

A TA Who Has Returned From A Tour Of Afghanistan With 1 Scots Is Trying To Raise Cash For A Service Charity

Pvt Keith Robinson's a rave promoter for his day job and has decided to put on a charity gig in Edinburgh for Help for Heroes.

Members of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps Have Been Showing Off Their Equipment

The North Yorkshire-based regiment had on display several pieces of kit they used whilst on their recent tour of Afghanistan.

The Finals Of The Army Rugby 7s about To Take Place At The Aldershot Military Stadium

2 Royal Welsh from Tidworth will be taking part.

Monday 23 May 2011

Army Radio News - 23 May 11

4 Rifles Soldiers Are Currently On Exercise In Kenya

The Bulford based troops are on Exercise Askari Thunder for their forthcoming role as the UK's next rapid reaction force.

Members Of The Armed Forces Will From Now On Be Given Top Priority For Housing Help

Housing Minister Grant Shapps made the announcement. The move follows a Military Covenant Housing Summit.

SCOTS Rugby Sevens Tournament Has Taken Place At Dreghorn Barracks In Edinburgh.

Garrison FM covered the event, which featured 16 teams from around the UK competing for the Cup.

A Service Charity Was Given A Boost This Weekend

Wattisham Triathlon for SSAFA Forces Help event took place. Garrison FM was there playing music for the triathletes and giving a commentary from the finish line.

British And Afghan Soldiers Have Taken Part In A Volleyball Tournament In Helmand Province

The aim was for them to get to know each other better and enjoy a bit of time off from patrolling.

A 66 Ultra-Marathon Challenge To Raise Cash For A Service Charity Has Come To An End

Andy McMenemy set out to run 66 ultra-marathons in 66 days to raise cash for ABF: The Soldiers Charity and has now crossed the finishing line in York.

Friday 20 May 2011

Army Radio News - 20 May 11

A Coroner's Ruled Five British Soldiers Shot Dead By A Rogue Afghan Policeman Were Unlawfully Killed

David Ridley recorded the verdict following a four-day inquest in Wiltshire. The troops were gunned down without warning by an officer they'd been living alongside at an Afghan National Police checkpoint in Nad-e-Ali in Helmand Province.

The Defence Minister's Responded To The National Audit Office's Report On The Cost-Effective Armoured Vehicle Capability

Defence Minister Peter Luff has said "The NAO recognises that the Urgent Operational Requirements or UOR process is swiftly delivering world class equipment to the battlefield.  Since May 2010, nearly £350M on new protected vehicles and upgrades to existing ones has been approved through the UOR process to meet emerging threats and requirements on operations. However, the NAO once again highlights serious flaws in the wider procurement process under the previous Government based on chronic over optimism by both Ministers and industry and a fundamentally unaffordable Defence programme."

23 Engineer Regiment Based At Rock Barracks Near Woodbridge Have Exercised Their Freedom Of The Town

Hundreds watched as they marched with bayonets fixed.

A Banker's Taking A Break From His Day Job To Raise Cash For Help For Heroes

Having run a race for the first time 2 years ago, Richard Kell's now completed 34 marathons for the charity. This time he's chosen a bit of a different route inspired by hit TV show Gavin and Stacey.

Wednesday 18 May 2011

Army Radio News - 18 May 11

400 UK Troops Will Be Coming Out Of Afghanistan In The Next Year

The Prime Minister made the announcement to MP's this week.
 
How People Perceive Mental Illness In The Armed Forces Is coming Under The Spotlight

From next month, the Mental Stigma Campaign's being launched.
 
Members Of 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment Of Scotland Have Taken Part In A Five-Day Operation In Helmand Province
 
Before sunrise, A Company, 4 SCOTS, and their ANP counterparts set off from their base at Checkpoint Said Abdullah carrying everything they would need for the duration of the operation.
 
Preparations Are Being Put In Place For 1 SCOTS Rugby 7's This Saturday

It's been two years since the last one, after they had a sabbatical because of the battalion's deployment to Afghanistan last year.

Tuesday 17 May 2011

Army Radio News - 17 May 11

For The First Time The Principles Of The Armed Forces Covenant Are Being Written Into Law

It's a statement of the moral obligation, which exists between the nation, the Government and the military.

Thousands Of Youngsters From Across The South West Of England Have Taken On The Army's Annual Ten Tors Challenge

The event, organised by 43 (Wessex) Brigade's in its 51st year and takes place in Dartmoor.

Army Football's 3 Yorks Team's Getting In Some Last Minute Training Before They Face 9 Regiment Army Air Corp

They'll be taking them on in the Army Challenge Cup Final.

A 24 Hour Football Tournament's Now Underway

It's taking place at Catterick's Infantry Training Centre.

Monday 16 May 2011

Army Radio News - 16 May 11

120 Tankies Returned To Tidworth Over The Weekend

The arrival of Badger Squadron marks the end of 2 RTR's deployment of over 300 soldiers on Op Herrick 13.

Servicemen And Women Wanting To Leave The Armed Forces Are Getting Some Extra Help

An Insight into Industry day's being held this week in Aldershot.

Army Football Teams Are Getting Ready For Wednesday's Festival Of Football

It's the first time two cup finals have happened on the same day.

A 1 Mercian Soldier's Been Speaking To Garrison FM About The Moment He presented The FA Cup To Manchester City This Weekend

Cpl Mark Ward was given the honour after receiving the Military Cross following his six month tour in Afghanistan.

Friday 13 May 2011

Army Radio News - 13 May 11

A first from Wattisham's Apache Helicopters

656 Squadron 4th Regiment Army Air Corps fire Hellfire missiles for the first time from the Royal Naval warship HMS Ocean.

The Army Air Corps achievements are recognised elsewhere

Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales took the Royal Salute from members of 9 AAC who were then presented with operational medals and awards.

RMP's from 156 Provost Coy receive their operational service medals

The Lord Lieutenant of Essex presented them to the soldiers who've recently returned from Afghanistan.

Insight to Industry days aren't just for Service Leavers

That's the message from 4th Division who are involved in organising the next one in Aldershot on Thursday May 19th.

Plans for the Army's Cricket Team to tour Pakistan are revealed

President of Army Cricket Major General Bill Moore told Garrison FM about the plans in an exclusive interview.

Army Radio News - 12 May 11

The Head Of The Armed Forces Talks To The Commons Defence Select Committee

General Sir David Richards told them Britain failed to accurately gauge Taliban resistance to UK troops when they moved into the south of Afghanistan in 2006.

More Organisations Are Getting Behind Tickets For Troops

From the races to comedians, they're all backing the charity and offering free tickets to servicemen and women.

The Army's Cricket Team's Determined To Repeat Last Weekend's Rugby Success

They'll meet the RAF and the Navy at the Inter-Services Twenty 20 tournament being held at Lord's next month. 

For tickets to the match that will be raising money for Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion go to http://www.ist20.com/

Preparations Are Underway For This Weekend's Ten Tors Challenge

It's a youth challenge event that's held annually across Dartmoor.

Wednesday 11 May 2011

Army Radio News - 11 May 11

The Last Of 16 Air Assault Brigade Who Served On Op Herrick 13 Have Arrived Home From Afghanistan

Members of 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment were welcomed back by their friends and families.
 
The Commander Of The Army In Scotland's Been Speaking With Garrison FM
Brigadier George Lowder's been giving us an update on what's coming up.
 
A Well Known Comedian's Getting Behind Our Service Men And Women
 
Jason Manford's donating a proportion of tickets for his shows to Ticket's for troops.
 
An Ice Sledge Hockey Squad, Made Up Of Injured Service Personnel Have Taken To The Rink
It followed a year's worth of preparation to get them ready to compete in the National Ice Sledge League.

Tuesday 10 May 2011

Army Radio News - 10 May 11

The First Afghan Uniformed Police Officers Have Graduated From The British-Run Regional Training Centre In Helmand Province

The ten officers passed out in a ceremony in front of the Provincial Chief of Police and a number of local elders.

Wootton Bassett's Been In The Spotlight

The town, which earned the first royal title to be awarded in over 100 years for its tributes to fallen soldiers, has featured in a Documentary.

The British Army Military Book Of The Year Competition's Been Launched

The annual event offers budding authors the chance to get their work recognised.

Preparations Are Underway For The Army Boat Fishing Championships

They're happening at the end of this month.

Monday 9 May 2011

Army Radio News - 09 May 11

The MOD's Launched An Improved Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

It now incorporates all of the recommendations made by Admiral the Lord Boyce in his review of the scheme last year.

Scientists From The Defence Science And Technology Laboratory Have Been Recognised

They've been short-listed for the MacRobert Award by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
 
There Will Be Further Debate On The Armed Forces Bill According To The Government
 
That is despite claims the bills third reading, scheduled for this week was delayed because the government is rethinking enshrining the military covenant into law.
 
Thirty Junior NCO's Are Being Trained To Become Officers In The British Army

They've just started the Potential Officer Development Course at Worthy Down in Winchester.
 
The Army Was Able To Take Home The Babcock Trophy From The Army Navy Rugby Grudge Match This Weekend
 
They beat their old rivals 44 - 10 at Twickenham.
 
A Team Of Gunners From 105 Regiment Royal Artillery Are Taking Part In A Marathon Charity Cycle Ride
 
They're undergoing a "timeball challenge" - a race from Edinburgh to Greenwich, which both have timeballs which set off time-guns.

Friday 6 May 2011

Army Radio News - 06 May 11

Soldier's damp down the flames

Eight from the Infantry Battle School were dispatched to transport water on quad bikes to more remote areas affected on the Brecon Beacons.

The Army was also drafted in to support firefighters tackling blazes at Swinley Forest in Berkshire.

Tributes are paid to WO2 Graham Bean from 73 Engineer Regiment who died in Cyprus

He collapsed while serving on operations as part of Op TOSCA the United Nations Peacekeeping Force based at Nicosia.

Joint Fire Teams from 26 Regiment RA take part in Exercise Mountain Dragon

Gunners are put through their paces using the high tech facility at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire on a simulated exercise preparing them for Op's in Afghanistan.

A Battlebacker has been selected for Great Britain's adaptive rowing team

Captain Nick Beighton made the grade after attending a selection weekend at Caversfield in April.

Thursday 5 May 2011

Army Radio News - 05 May 11

Communities Have Shown Their Support For The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2 SCOTS

Homecoming Parades have taken place in Ayr, Glasgow and Penicuik this week.

They May Be Battling Insurgents And Temperatures Close To 40 Degrees... But That's Not Stopping British Troops Getting Some Top Nosh

Lance Corporal Angela Kay from 3 (UK) Division Headquarters Signal Regiment is currently based in Gereshk.

A Soldier's Getting Ready To Take On A Huge Challenge This Weekend

On Sunday Cpl Danny Skelly is taking part in the Halsted and Essex Marathon.

Soldiers Have Been Given The Chance To Take On Two Of The World's Best Squash Players

World champion Nick Matthew and British champion Daryl Selby threw open the court door to some of the Army's elite players.

Wednesday 4 May 2011

Army Radio News - 04 May 11

Colchester Based Military Police Have Returned From Their 6 Month Tour Of Afghanistan

Around 100 soldiers from 156 Provost Company, RMP were met by their friends and families at Goojerat Barracks.

Members Of The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment Of Scotland Have Been Recognised

They've received their operational medals following their six month deployment to Afghanistan.

A New Training Centre For Afghan Troops Has Been Officially Opened In Helmand Province

It's in Camp Shorabak, which is next to Camp Bastion.

Members of 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Have Taken Part In Their First Major Operation Since Recently Arriving In Helmand Province

They carried out a search operation in an area thought to be a Taliban safe haven.

Preparations Are Underway For The Army v Navy Grudge Rugby Match

It's taking place at Twickenham this Saturday.

Tuesday 3 May 2011

Army Radio News - 03 May 11

"We Must Continue To Battle Al-Qaeda"

That's the message from the Defence Secretary as he speaks to the media following the death of Osama bin Laden who was killed in a US operation in Pakistan on Sunday.

Members Of 16 Air Assault Brigade Have Broken Away From Parade Ground Norm

Soldiers and civilians that served with the Head Quarters for Task Force Helmand were presented with their Operational Service Medals on the summit of Pen-y-Fan.

Teams From Oxford And Cambridge Officer Training Corps Are Set To Go Head-To-Head

They'll take each other on in the Varsity Triple Crown Challenge, a 1,000 mile bike race across the UK starting in September.