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Falklands war: new study debunks claims of high suicide rates
• Suicide rate of veterans similar to that of general population • Vets more healthy than population as a whole • Health care and protecting soldiers increase cost of conflict • Questions over role of army in future conflicts The claim, often repeated in the media and by veterans’ groups, that more Falklands vets had killed themselves than died fighting in the actual conflict, has been roundly rejected by a study especially commissioned by the Ministry of Defence. For years there have been reports that the suicide toll of Falklands vets exceeded the 255 who were killed in action during the conflict thirty years ago. The MoD statistical study, released on Tuesday, concludes that the risk of dying as a result of suicide for the Falklands vets was no different from the general population of the UK
British troops face longer tours in Afghanistan
Up to 3,500 troops’ time will be extended by nearly half to ensure smooth handover to Afghan forces next year, say commanders Up to 3,500 British troops will have their tours in Helmand province extended by nearly half as part of the UK’s plans to hand over security to Afghan forces and end all combat operations next year, ministers will announce on Tuesday.
Plans to part-privatise military procurement come under scrutiny
Queen’s speech mentions moves to ‘improve the way this country procures defence equipment’ and boost reserve forces The Queen’s speech mentions two important forthcoming pieces of legislation in defence regarding proposals that are getting more controversial the longer they are scrutinised. The first involves plans to part-privatise the agency within the Ministry of Defence that deals with the buying, supplying and repairing of all military equipment
Why do the British armed forces still allow 16-year-olds to enlist?
Charities have accused the Ministry of Defence of recruiting child soldiers, but it argues that military life offers a wide range of benefit to under-18s In the UK, 16-year-olds cannot vote, drive a car or drink alcohol. But they can join the army, and this week two charities, Child Soldiers International and ForcesWatch, accused the Ministry of Defence of perpetuating the ” outdated ” practice of recruiting children into the forces.The charities argued that the government was wasting taxpayers’ money – as much as £94m a year – recruiting 16-year-olds into the army
Afghan interpreters could be offered relocation to Britain
David Cameron expected to make decision on Tuesday affecting up to 1,100 Afghans who risked lives working with UK forces Hundreds of Afghan interpreters who have risked their lives working with UK forces in Helmand province could be offered relocation to Britain this week when David Cameron reviews the issue at a meeting of the National Security Council. The prime minister has been given three broad options and is expected to make a decision on Tuesday that could affect up to 1,100 Afghan nationals – including more than 600 interpreters, who could be in grave danger from reprisals once Nato forces have left Afghanistan in 2014
Afghanistan’s future after Nato troops leave uncertain, admits Hammond
Afghans will determine their own fate, says defence secretary, as MPs warns country could descend into civil war within years The defence secretary has admitted that no one can predict what will happen to Afghanistan after British, US and other Nato troops end their frontline role there at the end of 2014, and stressed that only the Afghan people can find a lasting solution to the country’s violence, corruption and lawlessness. Philip Hammond’s remarks came as the Commons cross-party defence committee warned that Afghanistan could descend into civil war within a few years and suggests that the British government’s attitude towards the country is one of simply hoping for the best. Hammond told BBC Radio 4′s Today programme that the UK had intervened in Afghanistan to protect its national security and had never intended to stay for a protracted period
MPs fear Afghan civil war after troops leave
Commons committee criticises British government’s attitude towards Afghanistan as simply ‘hoping for the best’ Afghanistan could descend into civil war within a few years of British, US and other Nato troops ending their frontline role there at the end of 2014, the Commons cross-party defence committee warned on Wednesday. The committee suggested that the British government’s attitude towards Afghanistan was one of simply hoping for the best, since it would have little influence over the country’s future
Mick Philpott: if welfare’s to blame, so is the army, prison, feminism, TV etc | Deborah Orr
Calls for benefit reform in the wake of Philpott’s conviction for manslaughter are predictable but troubling. Can one man’s sick psyche really be a political issue? It’s fairly predictable that Mick Philpott’s extreme perversity and
Departing British find reasons for optimism in Afghanistan
Soldiers and civilians prepare to depart with qualified confidence that progress will continue under full Afghan control The Royal Marines don’t intend to make a fuss when they leave Afghanistan in the next few days; there will be a low-key ceremony at their headquarters in Helmand, and a lowering of the white ensign that has flown at their camp since last September.
Portrait of a pacifist: Jo Metson Scott’s images of dissenting soldiers in Iraq
The photojournalist’s book about former soldiers – which coincides with the 10th anniversary of the invasion – shows the consequences of laying down your weapons and speaking out “After I made my public testimony about the atrocities I had experienced, my brother publicly disowned me on Facebook for everyone to see.
Scottish independent military plan a fantasy, says defence secretary
Philip Hammond rubbishes proposals for Scottish defence force, saying officers would miss opportunities of British military Alex Salmond’s government has been accused of offering “woefully thin” and “juvenile” proposals for an independent Scottish military by the defence secretary, Philip Hammond.
MoD accused of neglecting Iraq war casualties
In the first of a three-part series marking the 10th anniversary of the invasion, an army officer tells how he lost his marriage, his career and, for a while, his mind through PTSD Captain Edward Bland left Iraq on an emergency flight in July 2006, airlifted out of the country on a “casualty evacuation” military plane that took off from the Shaibah base, where he had been treated in hospital for a week. His thoughts were scrambled that hot morning as the RAF C-17 arced into the sky. He knew he would not return to combat, and he knew his career in the army, which had been so promising, was over
British soldier Michael Maguire was unlawfully killed, inquest rules
Authorities focus on alleged safety breaches after ranger was shot while resting in “secure area” in west Wales live-fire range A British soldier who died when he was hit by a machine-gun bullet at a live-firing range in west Wales was unlawfully killed, an inquest jury has ruled. Ranger Michael Maguire, 20, was shot in the head as he relaxed after removing his armour and helmet at the range in Pembrokeshire
Royal Marines reservists take part in cold weather training in Norway – in pictures
Troops take part in Exercise Hairspring 2013, which focuses on cold weather survival and warfare training
UK to withdraw 11,000 troops from Germany by 2016
Defence secretary to announce accelerated pullout, which will require £1bn spend on new UK housing for troops More than 11,000 troops currently based in Germany will return to Britain within three years as part of a major restructuring of the army that will require ministers to spend £1bn on new military homes. The announcement on Tuesday marks a sharp acceleration of the withdrawal of British forces in Germany, which have been stationed there since the end of the second world war.
Cameron is right to give aid money to peacekeeping operations | Richard Norton-Taylor
Both the defence and aid budgets are too narrowly defined. Military presence needs to be backed up by civil aid Whatever his motives, David Cameron’s plan to switch money assigned to the foreign aid budget to defence peacekeeping operations must be applauded.
David Cameron gives green light for aid cash to go on military
Hundreds of millions of pounds may be diverted to peacekeeping defence operations in bid to placate backbenchers Hundreds of millions of pounds from Britain’s aid budget are expected to be diverted to peacekeeping defence operations as the government moves to build up support on the Tory benches for overseas development. Amid deep unease among Conservative MPs at the size of the £10bn aid budget, which has increased while defence spending has been cut, David Cameron said on Wednesday that he was “very open” to the idea of pooling more resources. Speaking in Amritsar on the final leg of his Indian trip, the prime minister said difficult decisions would have to be taken by the chancellor, George Osborne, when he outlines the government’s spending review for the first year after the 2015 general election
British and Irish troops to set up infantry training team in Mali
Joint operation will be the first time soldiers from the two countries have worked together since Ireland won independence British and Irish troops will be involved in a joint operation for the first time since Ireland won independence after bloody uprisings and civil war. Six Irish soldiers and 21 British will be deployed in Mali to set up an infantry training team led by troops from the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, the Ministry of Defence announced on Monday.
The lonely soldier and the moral scars of war | James Jeffrey
Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan find little ethical defence in the ‘just war’. Each of us struggles to make peace with our actions In trying to understand the ongoing suicide epidemic among soldiers and veterans a third factor in addition to physical injuries and PTSD is now being discussed: the moral injuries they bring back
Nearly 450 British military drones lost in Iraq and Afghanistan
Ministry of Defence releases figures for crashes, breakdowns and missing vehicles, including loss of half of Hermes 450 fleet Almost 450 drones operated by the British military have crashed, broken down or been lost in action during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq over the last five years, figures reveal. The Ministry of Defence has disclosed for the first time the five Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems used in the conflicts and the number that have perished due to pilot error, technical faults or the undesirability of retrieving them from hostile areas. The figures highlight the military’s increasing reliance on technologies that are regarded as a way of minimising risks to frontline troops.
Britain to announce closer military co-operation with Libya
New defence links with Somalia and Burma will also be revealed as part of shift in military strategy Britain will announce it is has agreed closer military co-operation with Libya, as well as establishing new defence links to Somalia and Burma, as the armed forces begin a significant shift in strategy. The hope is that fostering better relations in areas where the UK has security and business interests will head off future conflicts, prevent terrorism and give Britain a better foothold in north Africa and the Horn of Africa over the next 20 years. The UK has agreed to help train the Libyan military, especially its navy and air force, and will also help to establish bomb disposal and defence language schools
News article: 2 PARA plough on through snowy exercise
In the depths of a Northumbrian winter, soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment ( 2 PARA ) are braving the snow to take part in Exercise Eagle’s Nest at Otterburn Ranges. The two-week-long training, which began last week, is designed so that troops can practise live firing, manoeuvring across hostile countryside, working with fire support from artillery and helicopters, and living in the field for prolonged periods.
Celebrities give morale-boost to injured personnel
David Beckham and Ray Winstone both dropped into the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham to see injured Service personnel and the medical staff who treat them and show their appreciation for the jobs that they do. Ray was the one who instigated the visit and invited his friend David to join him.
Modelling and simulation standards profile
The purpose of the DMSP is to provide an introduction to the standards of modelling and simulation for the acquisition, development and management of training systems across defence.
System of Systems Approach (SOSA) open systems strategy
The SOSA open systems strategy describes the ‘open systems’ vision and the roadmap for achieving the required level of ‘openess across the defence enterprise’. Related information * The defence training and education capability programme * Aquisition Operating Framework (AOF)
RAF C-17 aircraft depart for Mali mission
At Évreux-Fauville Air Base near Paris the aircraft will be loaded with armoured vehicles and other military equipment for transport to the Malian capital, Bamako. French forces are assisting the Malian government to contain rebel and extremist groups in the north of the country.
Royal Navy teams help prevent tug sinking
Sailors from the frigate HMS Lancaster and offshore patrol ship HMS Severn struggled in dark, freezing conditions to plug a hole in the damaged hull of the Christos XXII and pump out tonnes of water to prevent it sinking. They fought against the in-rushing English Channel, hammering wooden wedges into a foot-long gap caused when the vessel the tug was towing crashed into it shortly after 2100hrs on Sunday, 13 January, off Hope’s Nose, near Torbay.
Royal Navy teams help prevent tug sinking
Sailors from the frigate HMS Lancaster and offshore patrol ship HMS Severn struggled in dark, freezing conditions to plug a hole in the damaged hull of the Christos XXII and pump out tonnes of water to prevent it sinking.
RAF Typhoon aircraft exercise in UAE
This has been the first time that aircraft, engineers and pilots from the squadron, normally based at RAF Leuchars, have deployed together on the Advanced Tactical Leadership Course ( ATLC ), which runs each year at Al Dhafra Air Base. Wing Commander Mike Baulkwill, Officer Commanding 6 Squadron , said: We have been sent out here to conduct this multinational exercise that looks at large scale air operations involving many aircraft. The exercise has been run over a number of weeks, giving the pilots, ground crew and support staff an opportunity to work alongside other nations.
Sapper Richard Reginald Walker killed in Afghanistan
Sapper Walker was shot in an apparent ‘insider attack’ by a member of the Afghan National Army ( ANA ) at Patrol Base Hazrat in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on Monday 7 January 2013. He was working on a construction task with other military engineers from his Troop, as part of the preparations to hand the camp over to Afghan security forces, when the Afghan soldier turned his weapon on ANA and ISAF soldiers at the base.
Sapper Richard Reginald Walker killed in Afghanistan
Sapper Walker was shot in an apparent ‘insider attack’ by a member of the Afghan National Army ( ANA ) at Patrol Base Hazrat in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on Monday 7 January 2013. He was working on a construction task with other military engineers from his Troop, as part of the preparations to hand the camp over to Afghan security forces, when the Afghan soldier turned his weapon on ANA and ISAF soldiers at the base. The incident resulted in a number of casualties, all of whom were extracted to the Bastion Role 3 medical facility where Sapper Walker was pronounced dead.
Marines train to tackle pirates
Among the ship’s company of HMS Monmouth is a detachment of Royal Marines , vital for HMS Monmouth’s tasking at sea. One of the major roles of the Marines is conducting boarding missions against suspected pirates and smugglers. To hone these skills they used their time on land to visit a specialist ‘Ship-in-a-Box’ facility owned by the US Coast Guard in Bahrain
The defence training and education capability programme
Overview The DTEC programme was born from the SDSR 2010 that stated that the Ministry of Defence ( MOD ) should embrace a step change in its exploitation of modern simulation training systems in order to increase operational effectiveness, reduce costs and minimise the MOD ’s environmental footprint. A key aspect of the change is to increase the pace of MOD ’s acquisition processes to better exploit rapidly improving technology and to address the broader cultural barriers to the use of simulations. Current activities DTEC is reviewing a number of its activities including: An end-to-end approach to training led by operational needs and front line commands A systems approach to training products Standards and networking Research and possible industry input to DTEC A need to overhaul procurement arrangements to enable rapid acquistion of off-the-shelf solutions and applications Wider exploitation of networked training and learning systems to support mission planning/preparation Capability test, experimentation and evaluation For DTEC project support contact: Jon Brooking email: DESPTG-DTSI-PSF-ABMgr@mod.uk Tel: 030 679 30428 Mob: 07747 898124 Grant Bailey email: DESPTG-DSTI-PSF-RSMgr@mod.uk Tel: 030 679 71321 Mob: 07787 526920
Pilots prepare for landing on Royal Navy’s new carriers
RAF and Royal Navy personnel have been training with the Flight Control Office – or Flyco – of the carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth at the BAE Systems simulator at Warton in Lancashire. When the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the F-35 comes in to land on the deck of the UK’s next carriers it will be vital that pilots are well-versed in the skills of landing on a moving deck.
Playful pup newest recruit to Irish Guards
To the untrained eye, he is just a rather large, playful puppy. But in a few months, Irish Wolfhound Domhnall will be leading the way as the new regimental mascot for the 1st Battalion Irish Guards
Army Olympic gold medalist awarded MBE
Captain Stanning, of 32 Regiment Royal Artillery , and her rowing partner, Helen Glover, were the first British Olympians to win gold medals in the 2012 Olympic Games , and the first female pairing to win Olympic gold medals in a women’s rowing event at the Games.
JWP 3-50: The Military Contribution to Peace Support Operations (second edition)
JWP 3-50: The Military Contribution to Peace Support Operations (second edition) provides practical guidance for military personnel involved at the Operational Level in Peace Support Operations ( PSOs ) and in training programmes.
New Year Honours for Service personnel and Defence civilians
42 civilians have also been honoured either for work in the Ministry of Defence or in other aspects of UK Defence. The 162 Defence personnel named in the New Year Honours list for 2013 are as follows: ROYAL NAVY AWARDS PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH As Knight Commander Vice Admiral Andrew David Hugh MATHEWS CB As Companions Vice Admiral Charles Anthony JOHNSTONE-BURT OBE Rear Admiral Simon Robert LISTER OBE PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE As Commanders Rear Admiral Simon Boyce CHARLIER Colonel Matthew Edward PORTER OBE As Officers Captain Andrew BETTON Commander Nicholas Geoffrey DUNN Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas John GRACE Commander Timothy Mark HULME Surgeon Commander Anthony Wayne LAMBERT Commodore Richard William MASON Commodore James Mark SLAWSON As Members Warrant Officer 1(Abovewater Warfare Weapons) Paul Michael Stewart BARKER Warfare Specialist Commander Nigel David BOND Lieutenant Commander Christopher Paul CANNING Lieutenant Commander Damian Andrew Giles EXWORTHY Lieutenant Commander Terence GILLARD Royal Naval Reserve (Sea Cadet Corps) Warrant Officer 1 (Abovewater Warfare Tactical) James Edward HALL Warfare Specialist Lieutenant Commander Thomas Maxwell Philip HENDERSON Lieutenant Commander Rodney Leslie LESTER Lieutenant Commander Brian MEADOWS Warrant Officer 1 Annette Eileen PENFOLD Royal Naval Reserve Warrant Officer 1 David John ROACH Royal Marines Warrant Officer 1 (Air Engineering Technician) David Alun ROWLANDS Warrant Officer 1 Simon TOTTLE Royal Marines APPOINTMENTS TO THE CIVIL DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE As Commander Commodore William Michael WALWORTH OBE Royal Fleet Auxiliary QUEEN’S VOLUNTEER RESERVES MEDAL Acting Commander Simon Roscoe COTTAM Royal Naval Reserve ARMY AWARDS PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH As Knight Commander Lieutenant General James Jeffrey Corfield BUCKNALL CBE late Coldstream Guards As Companions Major General Shaun Alex BURLEY MBE late Corps of Royal Engineers Major General Ian Martin COPELAND late The Royal Logistic Corps Major General Gregory Stephen SMITH QVRM TD DL late The Royal Green Jackets Territorial Army PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE As Commanders Colonel Gareth Paul COLLETT late The Royal Logistic Corps Brigadier Peter Andrew FOX late Royal Regiment of Artillery Brigadier Edward Oliver FORSTER–KNIGHT OBE late Adjutant General’s Corps (Royal Military Police Brigadier John Craig LAWRENCE MBE late The Royal Gurkha Rifles As Officers Lieutenant Colonel Barry William BENNETT MBE Royal Regiment of Artillery Lieutenant Colonel Ian Miles COMERFORD Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Lieutenant Colonel Robert James HEALEY Royal Corps of Signals Colonel Garry HEARN late Royal Corps of Signals Lieutenant Colonel Peter Michael LITTLE The Royal Regiment of Scotland Colonel Nicholas Charles Tristram MILLEN late The Royal Dragoon Guards Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Marc Piers MOUNTFORD Intelligence Corps Lieutenant Colonel Robin Charles SMITH The Royal Logistic Corps Colonel Roger John Nathaniel STEWART late Corps of Royal Engineers Lieutenant Colonel Simon Philip STOCKLEY Corps of Royal Engineers Lieutenant Colonel Neil UNSWORTH The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Colonel Murray Courtenay WHITESIDE MBE late Army Air Corps As Members Staff Sergeant Christopher Charles ATTRILL The Royal Irish Regiment Territorial Army Major Kenneth Harry BAKER The Royal Logistic Corps Major Joanna Jane BRAIN Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch) Bombardier Alexander Robert BUCHANAN Royal Regiment of Artillery Warrant Officer Class 1 Robert James COLLINS The Parachute Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Jonathan DEANS Adjutant General’s Corps (Educational and Training Services Branch Major Leigh James DRUMMOND The Royal Regiment of Scotland Lieutenant Colonel Paul John EDWARDS The Royal Logistic Corps Major Alastair Neil FIELD The Rifles Major Darren John FISHER The Royal Logistic Corps Corporal (Acting Sergeant) Terry John FITZGERALD Royal Corps of Signals Captain Andrew James FLETCHER Intelligence Corps Warrant Officer Class 2 James Alexander FORD Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch) Territorial Army Warrant Officer Class 2 Christopher James FULLER Corps of Royal Engineers Major Frederick William GREENHOW Royal Regiment of Artillery Major Rowena Charlotte GRIFFITHS Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch) Major Charles Edward Digby GRIST The Rifles Major Barry HEAP Corps of Royal Engineers Major Cameron Arthur HILL The Royal Logistic Corps Territorial Army Major Steven Robin HOOK The Royal Logistic Corps Warrant Officer Class 2 Leslie John HUNT Corps of Royal Engineers Territorial Army Captain (Acting Major) Christian Glyndwr LAMB The Rifles Captain (Acting Major) Guy William John LOCK Coldstream Guards Major Matthew John Frederick MIDDLEDITCH QGM The Royal Logistic Corps Lieutenant Colonel Stephen John MORGAN Royal Corps of Signals Staff Sergeant Stuart Andrew NASH Royal Corps of Signals Territorial Army Major Andrew James PARKER The Royal Logistic Corps Lance Bombardier Benjamin James PARKINSON Royal Regiment of Artillery Major Hemchandra RAI BEM Adjutant General’s Corps (Gurkha Staff and Personnel Support Branch) Major Fabian Andrew David Lechmere ROBERTS MVO Irish Guards Lieutenant Colonel Brian Mackenzie ROSS The Royal Regiment of Scotland Major Robert SADLER Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry Territorial Army Captain Andrew James SANGER Corps of Royal Engineers Major Mathew Timothy James SHORT Corps of Royal Engineers Captain Martyn Jonathan THOMPSON Royal Army Veterinary Corps Major Mark Lloyd WELHAM The Royal Welsh Captain Nicholas Simon WILSON The Yorkshire Regiment Major Kevin YOUNG Royal Regiment of Artillery Territorial Army QUEEN’S VOLUNTEER RESERVES MEDAL Major (Local Lieutenant Colonel) Stephen Wyatt BARTLETT TD The Rifles Territorial Army Brigadier Simon Michael John BELL TD late The Cheshire Regiment Territorial Army Major Philip Guy DAVIS Corps of Royal Engineers Territorial Army Chaplain to the Forces 3rd Class Reverend Louis KINSEY TD Royal Army Chaplains’ Department Territorial Army Sergeant Sonja McCOY Royal Corps of Signals Territorial Army ROYAL AIR FORCE PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH As Knight Commander Air Marshal Timothy Michael ANDERSON CB DSO Air Marshal Andrew Douglas PULFORD CBE As Companions Air Vice-Marshal Raymond Jackson PENTLAND Air Vice-Marshal Julian Alexander YOUNG OBE PROMOTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE As Commanders Air Commodore Nigel Philip BEET OBE Air Commodore Margaret Elaine WEST Group Captain Domonic Anthony STAMP As Officers Wing Commander Roderick Alexander BOUNDY Wing Commander Roderick John DENNIS Wing Commander Christopher John FISHER RAF Volunteer Reserve (Training) Group Captain James Cameron McGregor JOHNSTON Group Captain Michael Dawson LAVENDER Wing Commander Justine Elizabeth MORTON Wing Commander Stephen Michael Robert WARD MBE As Members Flight Lieutenant Timothy Alexander BARLOW Chief Technician David Jeremy BRIGGS Squadron Leader Benjamin John CLARK Sergeant Benjamin David CROSSLEY Squadron Leader Glynis Mary DEAN Warrant Officer Kevin John Patrick FOXWELL Squadron Leader Phillip Leslie JONES Squadron Leader Tal Thomas Adam LAMBERT Flight Sergeant Martin Alan PURVIS Squadron Leader Simon Edward READE Flight Sergeant Derek Charles SMITH Chief Technician Barry John STRINGER Warrant Officer Paul WHEABLE Warrant Officer David John WOODHEAD Flight Sergeant Dale Edward Spencer WOOLMAN-LANE QUEEN’S VOLUNTEER RESERVES MEDAL Warrant Officer Maureen KENDALL Royal Auxiliary Air Force CIVILIANS IN DEFENCE KNIGHT BACHELOR (Kt) Professor Hew Francis Anthony For services to the Ministry of Defence COMMANDERS OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (CBE) James Michael Thomas COCHRANE For services to Health OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (OBE) Mrs Anthea DOLMAN GAIR Ministry of Defence, Gloucestershire Mrs Diana DONOVAN For voluntary service to The Gurkha Welfare Trust James HEPBURN Ministry of Defence, London Christopher HURRAN Ministry of Defence, London Dr Vincent MIFSUD, TD For services to Defence Industry David Charles PENLINGTON Ministry of Defence, Gloucestershire Dr Cynthia Kit Man SHAW Ministry of Defence, London Mrs Sylvia Nina QUAYLE, TD For voluntary service to SSAFA Forces Help MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (MBE) Mrs Ann Elizabeth CABLE For voluntary service to St John Ambulance William Andrew CAMBRIDGE For services to the Defence Industry Mrs Gail CAMPBELL For voluntary service to the Royal British Legion Colonel Stamford James CARTWRIGHT, TD For voluntary service to the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association Horace MacDonald CROSS For voluntary service to the Royal British Legion George Barrie DAVIES For voluntary service to St John Ambulance Malcolm DYER Ministry of Defence, London Jeremy JOBSON Ministry of Defence, London Lieutenant Colonel Graham John LAWRENCE Ministry of Defence, Andover Donald Albert MABEY For voluntary service to the RAF Association Colonel John Robert MacKENZIE, TD For voluntary service to St John Ambulance Nigel MAIN For services to the Defence Industry Miss Rachel McLAUGHLIN Ministry of Defence, London Paul Rossiter NEWSOME, JP For voluntary service to SSAFA Forces Help Christopher PAGE Ministry of Defence, Yeovil Ken PAYNE Ministry of Defence, London Harry PITCHFORTH For services to the Defence Industry Miss Mary Elizabeth PLUME Ministry of Defence, London David REES For services to Defence Capability William John SCOTT For voluntary service in the Air Training Corps Miss Hannah SEAKINS Ministry of Defence, Hitchin John UNDERHILL For voluntary service to the Royal British Legion THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL (BEM) David Arnold BURCHELL For voluntary service to St John Ambulance Mrs Janet Stewart CAMPBELL For voluntary service to the British Red Cross Society Robert Paulin CLINTON For services to Veterans Aid Ian CLOUGH Ministry of Defence, Mid Glamorgan Mark Ellis GRINNALL Ministry of Defence, Monmouthshire Mrs Carole Jean HILLMAN For voluntary service to St John Ambulance Peter William SKELLON For voluntary service to the RAF Association Mrs Jean SLATER For voluntary service to St John Ambulance Colonel Alan Ronald TAPP For voluntary service to SSAFA Forces Help
Establishing stability in Afghanistan
Issue We are in Afghanistan for one overriding reason – to protect our national security by helping the Afghans take control of their own.
British Forces mark Christmas in Helmand
British forces serving in southern Afghanistan have been marking Christmas at military bases across Helmand Province today (25 December). The festivities took place as the troops completed a full day of operational duties. Many soldiers from the UK-led Task Force Helmand spent the day on patrol in support of the Afghan security forces, yet still most found time to open presents and ring home – and enjoy a freshly-prepared Christmas lunch with all the trimmings
HMS Diamond arrives home in time for Christmas
The new Type 45 destroyer sailed more than 31,000 miles (50,000 kilometres) on security and counter-piracy patrols in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Oman and the Gulf. HMS Diamond left Portsmouth in June shortly after launching the nation’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations with a ceremonial entry into the naval base .
Dartmoor firing times, map of the danger areas, guide for walkers and riders and who to contact
Dartmoor Training Area’s firing times are presented in 3 file formats so that the information is accessible to everyone. The TXT format is browseable on mobile devices such as Blackberry, smart phones and tablets. The CSV format enables the MOD to post information on data.gov.uk and therefore remain transparent
Dartmoor Training Area: The need for military training on Defence Training Estate South West, 2007
The need for military training on Defence Training Estate South West, 2007
Princess Royal attends naval cadets’ passing out parade
The Princess Royal , accompanied by her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, was the guest of honour at BRNC ’s final passing-out-parade of the year. As the rain eased off, and with the Royal Marines band playing festive tunes, the Princess Royal was invited to inspect the cadets and take the salute during the march past. The parade signified the end of 30 weeks intensive training for the 67 Officer Cadets who can now enjoy Christmas with their families before embarking on the next stage of their Royal Navy careers
Dartmoor Training Area: scoping report for environmental appraisal, 2006
Dartmoor Training Area: scoping report for environmental appraisal, 2006
Dartmoor Training Area: evaluation of the impact of sediment on breeding Salmonids
Dartmoor Training Area: evaluation of the impact of sediment on breeding Salmonids.
Dartmoor Training Area: environmental appraisal addendum report, 2008
Dartmoor Training Area: environmental appraisal addendum report, 2008
Cramber Tor survey photos
Cramber Tor survey photos in support of the Cramber Tor Defence Training Estate Survey 2012.
Dartmoor Training Area integrated rural management plan, volume 1
The Dartmoor Training Area integrated rural management plan (DTA IRMP) is a strategic land management plan to provide optimal and sustainable military training, to support estate management and to guide development control issues with stakeholders including landowners, statutory bodies and non governmental organisations.
Dartmoor Training Area Steering Group meeting minutes
Minutes from the Dartmoor Training Area Steering Group meetings, 2009-2011
Whole Fleet Management Programme Management Office
Introduction Whole Fleet Management ( WFM ) allows the Ministry of Defence ( MOD ) to meet defence outputs through more effective equipment capability management and is crucial to supporting and enabling future training in order to meet operational commitments with smaller fleets whilst offering significant benefits. WFM is a continuous improvement change programme, being delivered incrementally, supported by a number of enablers: Joint Asset Management Engineering Solution Joint Asset Management Engineering Solution ( JAMES ) is an Information System that provides global and near real-time visibility of asset and engineering data
Prime Minister announces reduction in UK troop numbers in Afghanistan
The Prime Minister told Parliament that UK forces would shift from mentoring Afghan troops at battalion level to brigade level next year.
Female Officer Cadet wins Sandhurst’s Sword of Honour
The top accolade from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst was awarded to Officer Cadet Sarah Hunter-Choat, who received the award during her commissioning at the Sovereign’s Parade on Friday 14 December.
HMS Portland sets sail after £27 million refit
With more than 260,000 man-hours invested in the almost year-long project, the 133-metre HMS Portland has returned to sea bristling with the latest high-tech equipment, maintaining its role at the cutting-edge of the Royal Navy fleet. A total of 19 major system and capability upgrades have been undertaken on the Type 23 frigate , including the installation of new anti-submarine warfare sonar, full upgrade of the ship’s computer systems, an overhaul of the Seawolf missile system, replacement of guns, refurbishment of the galley and upgrades of accommodation
Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards speech to the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), 17 December 2012
Introduction Thank you Lord Hutton for your kind introduction. It is good to see so many friends and colleagues here and may I take the opportunity to thank you all for your strong support to the Armed Forces
Christmas message from the Defence Secretary
The full text of the message is reproduced below: 2012 has been a busy and challenging year for Defence – on operations in Afghanistan, on our many other overseas commitments, and here at home, delivering security for the Olympics and beginning the huge process of Defence Transformation.
Meet more Millies heroes
Judges’ Special Recognition Award 1 – Operation Olympics Olympians Victoria Pendleton and Greg Rutherford presented the first of two Judges’ Special Recognition Awards to the Armed Forces for their contribution to the London 2012 Olympics. At its height, more than 17,500 personnel stepped in when G4S were not able to provide sufficient guards for all the venues.
Defence Infrastructure Organisation: Service Family Accommodation (SFA)
Introduction The provision of good quality living accommodation for service personnel and their families is a top priority for the Ministry of Defence. This includes the management of around 50,000 properties; major upgrades and other improvements; providing a comprehensive repair and maintenance service; managing allocation; and overseeing service personnel move in and move out of properties. Entitlement Am I entitled to Service Family Accommodation ( SFA )?
Royal Marines help train latest batch of Afghan police officers
Royal Marines have helped the latest batch of Afghan police officers complete their training in Helmand.
Paras drop into Spain to train for future operations
As the Army prepares to draw down its forces in Afghanistan, soldiers from the Parachute Regiment are on a joint military exercise in Spain training for the threat of future conflicts around the world.
Royal Navy’s 847 Squadron returns from USA trained and ready to fight
After a gruelling month-long training package in the hot and arid deserts of Arizona, 847 Naval Air Squadron personnel, along with their Lynx Mk9A aircraft, have made the 6,000-mile (9,700km) return journey to RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.
Royal Navy’s 847 Squadron returns from USA trained and ready to fight
After a gruelling month-long training package in the hot and arid deserts of Arizona, 847 Naval Air Squadron personnel, along with their Lynx Mk9A aircraft, have made the 6,000-mile (9,700km) return journey to RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.
Scottish Reserves host Canadian and American troops
Army reservists from 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS) hosted a joint training exercise with Canadian and American troops in the Scottish Highlands.
RAF firefighters train Afghan counterparts
RAF firefighters serving in Afghanistan have been training Afghans to take the lead for fire safety in Camp Shorabak, Helmand province.
Battle Back Centre opens in Lilleshall
An adaptive sports and adventure training centre to enhance the recovery of injured Service personnel was officially opened at Lilleshall yesterday.
HMS Northumberland prepares for patrol
Sailors and Royal Marines from Royal Naval warship HMS Northumberland have carried out final boarding training in Crete for their upcoming maritime policing patrol in the Indian Ocean.
Royal Marines stateside for live firing exercise
Despite the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Sandy, 42 Commando Royal Marines have commenced training in Twentynine Palms, California.
Navy Lynx crews train in US for Afghanistan ops
After months of meticulous preparation, 847 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) has deployed to the US Naval Air Facility at El Centro in California for the final stages of their training before deploying to Afghanistan in January 2013.
Royal Engineers prepare for FA Cup Final rematch
The Royal Engineers have been hard in training and have conducted their final practice session before attempting to reverse the loss suffered in the first FA Cup Final 140 years ago.
Rifles reservists train with Regular Army colleagues
A hundred Army reservists from 6th Battalion The Rifles (6 RIFLES) recently spent two weeks in Germany training alongside their regular regimental colleagues from 5 RIFLES.
RAF Leuchars pilots train in Tay Estuary
Typhoon pilots from No 1 (Fighter) Squadron and No 6 Squadron based at RAF Leuchars took to the icy waters of the Tay Estuary to complete essential training drills testing their ability to survive in an emergency situation at sea.
Prime Minister takes the salute at Royal Naval College
The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has taken the salute at Britannia Royal Naval College as 68 cadets became the first to complete a newly-enhanced Initial Naval Training Course for officers, introduced in February 2012.
Midlands reservists train for new role alongside Danish Army
As the Government seeks to develop and modernise the Reserve Forces, Army reservists from the West Midlands have been training in Denmark for future operations on Exercise Viking Star.
Civil servants to receive 10 days’ paid leave for Reserves training
The Defence Secretary has announced that, from December, civil servants in central government departments who volunteer as reservists will receive a minimum of 10 days’ special paid leave per year to conduct their military training.
Sailors train to save lives at HMS Raleigh
In a unique mock-up of the lower decks of a warship, 17 sailors have played victims and rescuers as a week-long first aid training course reaches its climax at HMS Raleigh.
Naval force gears up for Cougar 12
More than 3,000 sailors and marines are gearing up for a three-month training deployment to the Mediterranean – this year’s key workout of the UK’s high-readiness task force.
HMS Sutherland’s top gunners fend off French top guns
HMS Sutherland came under attack from supersonic French fighters based in Djibouti as the frigate swapped counter-piracy duties for a brief return to traditional war-fighting training.
Royal Navy unveils carrier training facility
A training facility has been opened to prepare Royal Navy sailors to man the first of the Queen Elizabeth Class carriers, due in 2016.
Officer Cadets prepare for the rigours of Sandhurst
Students on the MOD’s Defence Technical Officer and Engineer Entry Scheme prepare for officer training at Sandhurst.
West Midlands Soldiers prepare to keep peace in Cyprus
Soldiers from the West Midlands have been completing their training to join the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus.
Combat medic reservists learn infantry skills
Front line combat medics are being put to the test in a new overseas training exercise to make sure they are not only first-rate trauma medics but can also think and act like fighting troops on patrol in Afghanistan.
Army Reserves regiment soars to new heights with Wildcat trials
Army Reserves ground crew were all set to soar to new heights as they tested out the Army’s next-generation helicopter, the Wildcat, during their annual training exercise.
‘Black Rats’ prepare to continue Afghanistan transition process
Members of 4th Mechanized Brigade (4 Mech Bde) are finalising their training ahead of their deployment to Afghanistan this autumn as the UK’s Task Force Helmand on Op HERRICK 17.
Close protection personnel undergo intense training
The Royal Military Police’s Close Protection Unit guards ministers, senior military officials and diplomatic staff on global deployments, so thorough training for new recruits is vital.
UK and US carry out air tanking exercise
Air Force personnel from the UK and the US have carried out a joint training exercise to improve the way NATO carries out air-to-air refuelling.
Final passing out parade at Bassingbourn Barracks
The last tranche of soldiers to complete their Phase 1 training at Bassingbourn Barracks have marched off the parade square and into the history books.
HMS Sutherland relieves Westminster east of Suez
HMS Sutherland has relieved her sister ship HMS Westminster in the Indian Ocean after some final boarding party training in Crete and passage through the Suez Canal.
Royal Military Police train for close protection
Members of the Royal Military Police (RMP) have opened up their training camp at Longmoor to give the public an insight into the training of the Close Protection Unit (CPU).
DIO delivering on rehab centre for Devon Royal Marines
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has delivered a £3 million dedicated training facility for injured Royal Marines at Lympstone in Devon.
Royal Navy bomb disposal expert awarded for efforts in Afghanistan
A Royal Navy bomb disposal expert has been officially commended for his outstanding work training the Afghan National Army (ANA) to deal with deadly improvised explosive devices.
MOD experts to help Iraqis destroy legacy chemical weapons
Scientists from the Ministry of Defence are to provide training which will support the Iraqi Government’s efforts to dispose of remnants of the chemical weapons amassed during Saddam Hussein’s regime.
New rehab centre for Marines injured in training
The first dedicated centre of excellence for treating Royal Marines recruits injured in training opened yesterday in Devon.
Police dogs help airborne gunners broaden their horizons
Colchester-based airborne gunners have been chased down by police dogs during training.
DIO delivers critical rehabilitation facilities to Royal Marines
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has completed a new Physical and Remedial Training Centre for 40 Commando Royal Marines (40 Cdo RM ) at Norton Manor Camp in Somerset.
Army-led youth training camp aims to steer youngsters away from trouble
An Army-led outreach course using military training is boosting young people’s skills and steering them away from trouble.
Army’s Foxhounds prepare to be unleashed in Helmand
British Army crews and commanders are training with the new Foxhound vehicles at Camp Bastion before the platform heads outside the wire. Report by Richard Long.
British commandos train with US Marines in Arizona desert
Commando Gunners from 148 Battery, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, have been training with US Marines in the dusty heat of the Arizona desert.
British Gunners train with US Marines in Arizona desert
Gunners from 148 Battery, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, have been training with US Marines in the dusty heat of the Arizona desert.
II (AC) Squadron prepares for Afghan deployment
One of the oldest fixed-wing flying squadrons in the world has become the latest to complete its pre-deployment training for Afghanistan.
HMS Illustrious trains with French Navy
Royal Navy helicopter carrier HMS Illustrious has been undertaking air warfare training alongside the French Navy in the Bay of Biscay.
Paras train with Omani soldiers
British paratroopers have been training alongside the Royal Army of Oman over the last two weeks to hone the infantry skills of both armies’ soldiers.
Glowing review for Military Corrective Training Centre
The Chief Inspector of Prisons has heaped praise on the Military Corrective Training Centre (MCTC) in Colchester in his report published today, 18 June 2012.
Firearms training centre opens at Clyde
A £3.8m firearms training facility was opened at HM Naval Base Clyde yesterday, 13 June, for use by military personnel and Ministry of Defence Police.
Gibraltar Regiment soldier provides medical training to Afghans
A Royal Gibraltar Regiment soldier is currently working with an advisory team in Helmand to provide lifesaving medical training to Afghan soldiers.
Training estate bidders begin site visits
Private sector bidders for the largest-ever UK military training estate contract have begun a nationwide tour of key training areas and facilities under the MOD’s Next Generation Estate Contracts (NGEC) programme.
Jubilee Sports Hall opened at RAF Shawbury
A new physical recreation training centre has been officially opened by HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO at RAF Shawbury in Shropshire.
Irish Guards prepare for contingency role
Troops from No 1 Company of the Irish Guards have been conducting public order training to prepare them for their upcoming role as part of the UK’s contingency operations battalion.
Earl of Wessex visits the RTMC
His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex has made his first visit to the Reinforcements Training and Mobilisation Centre (RTMC) at Chilwell in Nottinghamshire.
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Dartmoor firing times
Dartmoor Training Area’s firing times are presented in three file formats so that the information is accessible to everyone. The TXT format is browseable on mobile devices such as Blackberry’s, smart phones and tablets.
Guidance: JSP 315 Services accommodation code: Volume 1
JSP 315 sets out the official standards for MOD buildings, accommodation, offices and physical training grounds.