Wednesday 31 August 2011

Army Radio News - 31 Aug 11

3 Mercian's report on advances in the ANA's abilities

Corporal Chris Fitzpatrick updates Chris Sturgess at Camp Bastion.

Soldier's wait to hear who're being made redundant

One thousand will find out whether they've been made redundant as part of the first wave of SDSR job cuts on Thursday.

Wootton Basset marks the end of military repatriations through the town

From 1st September service personnel killed on operations will return to RAF Brize Norton where there is a newly purpose built centre.

Aldershot gets ready for some rugby rivalry

The Army take on the RAF on Thursday at the opening match of the Inter-Services tournament.

Tuesday 30 August 2011

Army Radio News - 30 Aug 11

Garrison FM reports on 3 Mercian's Op Herrick tour from Camp Bastion

Chris Sturgess chats to their Commanding Officer Lt Col Giles Woodhouse on the regiments achievements as they head home to Germany.

A new satellite is improving communications on the frontline

It will be used to provide two Ultra High Frequency tactical communication channels that can be used in Afghanistan.

Colchester's Personnel Recovery Centre takes shape

Liz Mullen talks to OC Major Rob Thomas on how things are progressing and what they aim to achieve once fully operational.

Help for Heroes awards 126 grants to injured troops through the Quick Reaction Fund

Last month the charity's donations to individual injured personnel reached almost two hundred thousand pounds.




Wednesday 24 August 2011

Army Radio News - 24 Aug 11

Garrison FM in Camp Bastion

Lt. Col Tim Purbrick speaks of defining hand shake between Task Force Helmand and Afghan Police.

Catterick Garrison Recovery Centre

Construction is underway and the centre will open in May ahead of expected rush in demand.

Fears for Merseyside War Memorial

A group in Bikenhead's fighting plans to build houses on the site which marks the death of 88 soldiers in WW1.









Tuesday 23 August 2011

Army Radio News - 23 Aug 11

Over 4 tonnes of illegal fertiliser uncovered in Lashkar Gar

Afghan Forces, supported by British troops, destroy biggest find of explosive chemicals since 2006.


Veterans First Point: set up by veterans to support veterans

The Edinburgh service provides support with housing, health and finances as well as therapy for mental health issues.


Walking with Wounded: BBC documentary captures ex-servicemen's expedition

Prince Harry joins injured soldiers in the charity trek- they become first amputees to reach the North Pole unaided.


Mike Tindall speaks about vital support needed to help troops once home

Rugby for Heroes patron drums up support ahead of the release of the charity's anthem.





Monday 22 August 2011

Army Radio News - 22 Aug 11

Billion pound contract awarded to Boeing
14 new Chinook helicopters to be manufactured- they'll be ready for operational deployment by 2015.


Community Military Covenant signed at new supported housing complex
The Beacon on Catterick Garrison will provide accommodation for 31 single service leavers and veterans.


Change in eligibility criteria for Accumulated Campaign Service Medal
The medal can now be awarded after 2 years of service- reduced from 3 years.


Garrison FM's latest report on the transition into civvy street
Lt. Col Jim Robinson is now a Walking Tour Guide- he's even started visits around old military sites.









Friday 19 August 2011

Army Radio News - 19 Aug 11

Hundreds graduate from the Army Apprentice Training College

Garrison FM's Esther Halligan reports from the parade at Harrogate.

A 4 Scots squadron rises to the challenge of mentoring Afghan Policemen

Corporal Alan Chalmers tells Garrison FM their work is going well.

Essex Cadets are taken on an emotional tour of Belgian battlefields

Kristina Carrington was in charge of the visit.

Test match fever comes to Salisbury Plain

Indian soldiers from 3rd Bihar Regiment fielded a team in a friendly match against British troops from 19 Light Brigade.

Thursday 18 August 2011

Army Radio News - 18 Aug 11

The Army responds to a new RUSI report criticising Military Commanders over Afghanistan

They admit errors on troop numbers and equipment in the build up to and during the initial deployment, but say increased ISAF numbers since 2009, and the growth of Afghan Security Forces have improved security in Helmand.

Cadets in Northern Ireland join up

14 Cadets took their oath of allegiance at Enniskillen this week.

A serving soldier who suffered from depression tells her story

Staff Sergeant Vicky Charnock came forward in support of the Army's 'Don't bottle it up' campaign.

Essex cricketers get behind Help for Heroes

Spectators will be able to show their support by digging deep and filling the charities buckets at Colchester's Festival of Cricket.






Wednesday 17 August 2011

Army Radio News - 17 Aug 11


Community Covenant Grant Scheme launches
£30 million available to fund projects that promote closer ties between military and local community.


Family Activity Breaks for bereaved military families
60 families have been on the volunteer-run FAB holidays in Cornwall or Whitby so far this year.


Think Before you Share
DMC Online Engagement warns Army families to use social media sites carefully.


From military life to civvie street
Soldier talks his transition from being a staff member at MCTC to becoming a funeral director.












Tuesday 16 August 2011

Army Radio News - 16 Aug 11

Tributes paid to Lt. Daniel Clack from 1st Battalion The Rifles
The 24 year old's colleagues describe him as 'immensely popular' and 'known for his integrity' -the Rifleman was killed in an IED explosion in Afghanistan on Friday.

Paratrooper remanded in custody after last week's riots
Gunner Liam Brotherton of 7 PARA RHA is accused of trying to sell a stolen guitar whilst on leave.

Biggest names in rugby pledge support to Help for Heroes
A charity game will be held at Twickenham to mark the 10th anniversary of the War in Afghanistan.

What does the Poppy mean to you?
Poppy Scotland want to hear from people willing to take part in photography exhibition to mark their 90th Anniversary.






Monday 15 August 2011

Army Radio News - 15 Aug 11

MoD to upgrade IT systems after shortfall in Army pension payments uncovered
The Forces Pension Society advises certain categories of ex-servicemen to contact SPVA over resettlement commutations.


166th Sovereign's Parade takes place at Sandhurst
260 Officer Cadets graduated including 23 from overseas and 30 females.


Afghanistan- 'smooth transition can't be achieved by the military alone'
Commander-in-Chief Gen Sir Nick Parker warns Afghan society has a role to play in creating a peaceful country.


Mother of fallen soldier walks from Scunthorpe to Southend in his memory
Christine Bonner's son Cpl. Darren Bonner from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment was killed in Afghanistan in 2007.



Friday 12 August 2011

12 Aug 11

Afghanistan: the withdrawal

Commander-in -Chief General Sir Nick Parker speaks of sensitivities involved in a successful transition to the Afghan Security forces


Army Air Corps fly high over Salisbury Plain

They're providing aircraft to make sure Battle Groups, Air crew and Helicopter Force staff are ready for Afghanistan.


Army Training Support Unit Belize is drawndown

BATSUB closes in line with SDSR- the unit was formed in 1994 when British Forces Belize closed.


From shouting to support- RSM to UWO

2 Scots' Captain Martin McNally talks of the huge transition he's made.






Thursday 11 August 2011

Army Radio News - 11 Aug 11

Apaches involved in raids deep inside Libya
Saturday night saw 16 of Qadhafi's military vehicles damaged or destroyed.

Front-line leaders speak about Operation Omid
The reports relay high levels of confidence in the Afghan National Army.

Funding cuts cause a 3 year delay in Army accommodation upgrade programme
From 2013 routine and response maintenance only will be carried out by The DIO.

The AINC reports 25,720 serious accidents since May 2005
Experts now leave reports to reduce chances of repeat incidents.














Wednesday 10 August 2011

Army Radio News - 10 Aug11

The Commander-in-Chief of Land Forces speaks about achievements in Afghanistan

General Sir Nick Parker says ISAF has succeeded in undermining the insurgency in southern Afghanistan.

There's going to be a pause in the upgrade of family and single soldier housing

It's all part of measures being taken by the MOD to reduce it's funding gap and to balance defence priorities.

Waterproof bacteria-zapping socks are being issued to troops in Afghanistan

The knee length socks will help keep soldiers feet dry while wading through ditches and streams.

The son of a former Royal Engineer's on a mission

Richard Cook plans to raise a million pounds in two years for Help for Heroes.

Tuesday 9 August 2011

Army Radio News - 9 Aug 11

Foreign Office Minister denies stalemate in Libya

Alastair Burt MP says Colonel Qadhafi's regime is being continuously degraded by NATO operations.


1 Medical Regiment complete conflict training in Germany

The soldiers worked alongside amputee actors to simulate injuries that might happen on tour.


Family of soldier deployed to Afghanistan give personal insight into life back home

Regular updates are crucial and the Operational Medal Ceremony gives a chance for family to be involved.


Military staff member selected to represent England

SSgt. Zoe Bruce from The Army Foundation College makes it into the national Small-bore Shooting Team.

Monday 8 August 2011

Army Radio News - 8 Aug 11

Our task in Afghanistan remains undiminished by Chinook disaster

That's according to the Minister for the Middle East and South Asia Alastair Burt.

British troops fly deep into Libyan airspace in Apache helicopters

One of Colonel Qadhafi's HQ buildings and 12 military vehicles were hit in strike in the Western Highlands of Djebel Nafousa.

Detainees from Colchester's MCTC put to work

Soldiers resurface a community centre carpark- leaving them equipped with useful skills for civvy life.

Army Fencing Team celebrate performance at Inter-Services Championships

Team left the event at RAF Cosford with a near clean-sweep of trophies and several new Army Colours.













Friday 5 August 2011

Army Radio News - 05 Aug 11

The Head of NATO's Afghan Training Mission has spoken of the progress being made

Commander Lieutenant General William Caldwell's comments come as returning troops also report real improvements to security in parts of Helmand.

The Regional Commander of 43 Wessex Brigade bids farewell

Brigadier Steve Hodder's leaving his post to become Commandant of the Royal School of Military Engineering.

The Inter-Services Cricket tournament ends in frustration for the Army

Bad weather on the final day prevented them taking on the RAF who were overall winners with the best run rate.

Thursday 4 August 2011

Army Radio News - 04 Aug 11

Army Families are being encouraged to voice their concerns

The AFF want to hear from any families who have concerns over recent redundancy announcements and MOD cuts.

BOOMERANG III is proving a hit with troops in Afghanistan

It's the new acoustic shot detection system that's been introduced to patrol bases across Helmand Province.

Plaques are unveiled in memory of two of the Guards fallen

Two new single soldier accommodation blocks are named in honour of former Welsh Guards Commanding Officer Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe and Grenadier Guards RSM WO1 Darren Chant who were killed in Afghanistan.

We get a taste of acts who'll be performing at Edinburgh's Military Tattoo

Producer Brigadier David Alfrey describes who'll be showcasing their talents.

Wednesday 3 August 2011

Army Radio News - 3 Aug 11

The Defence Committee's Report concludes SDSR is not sustainable

But Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey defends cuts as necessary and says the Army's not over-stretched in Libya.

2 soldiers- killed in action- are honoured at opening of new buildings

Accommodation blocks at the Infantry Training Centre are named after Sergeant Craig Brelsford and Corporal Lee Brownson.

Honoured soldiers families pay tribute whilst in Catterick at the official opening

Widow of Corporal Lee Brownson CGC has given birth to his son since he died and the mother of Sergeant Craig Brelsford MC says it was 'smashing' that the Army named new building after 'her boy'.


Army psychiatrist urges soldiers 'not to bottle it up'

Lieutenant Colonel Peter McCallister wants troops with any mental health problems not to use alcohol to cope and to be brave enough to ask for help.













Tuesday 2 August 2011

Army Radio News - 2 Aug 11

Army Redundancy: 5000 personnel will hear of a decision in coming weeks

Service and civilian staff being considered for compulsory redundancy will be contacted in the next 2 weeks to let them know arrangements for giving people individual decisions that are being made on 1st September.

An Army A&E doctor warns over the danger summer fun can have for kids

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Hughes is embedded at Colchester Hospital and he's treated lots of children with injuries from trampolines.

New Army uniform launched and ready to be put to the test in Afghanistan

20 Brigade will be the first soldiers to wear lighter-coloured kit designed to offer improved protection against blasts, shrapnel and hot temperatures.

Celebrity chef brings ration packs to life

Peter Sidwell added local ingredients to Army fayre at The Defence School of Transport's cookery display.













Monday 1 August 2011

Army Radio News - 1 Aug 11

The Foreign Secretary defends UK Forces in Libya

William Hague denies Operation Ellamy is failing as Colonel Qadhafi remains in power.


Don't Drink and Drive!

Family Fun Day at Colchester tries to get the message through...as police report an 8% increase in drivers failing breath-tests so far this summer.


Warthogs cover the equivalent of around the world in 80 days

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards travel over 25,000 miles in Afghanistan in the new vehicles.


From commanding a Brigade to controlling showbusiness

Brigadier David Allfrey has left Army life to become Director of The Edinburgh Military Tattoo.