Tag: force-

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Anti-drone protestors march against UK flight-control centre

By Sharon Black

Organisations protest the navigation from RAF Waddington of unmanned Reaper aircraft in Afghanistan Police have closed sections of the A15 and other roads in Lincolnshire as anti-war protestors gathered on Saturday outside an RAF base today to protest the UK’s use of armed drones in Afghanistan. Members of the Stop The War Coalition, CND, the Drone Campaign Network and War on Want began marching from Lincoln to nearby RAF Waddington at around 12.30pm. The Guardian revealed on Thursday that the RAF had begun remotely operating its Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles deployed to Afghanistan, from the Lincolnshire airbase

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The Falklands funeral: how Margaret Thatcher’s military legacy was reflected

By Sharon Black

All regiments involved in funeral for former prime minister had link to south Atlantic conflict Lady Thatcher wanted her funeral to have a Falklands theme, and though no details were thrashed out before her death, the Ministry of Defence had a good idea which units would have to be involved when the planning for the ceremony began. All of the regiments taking part played an important role during the conflict in the south Atlantic – a reflection of the fact that their sacrifices, and successes, underpinned the former prime minister’s significant military legacy.

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Report criticises handling of armed forces complaints

By Sharon Black

Commissioner says complaints system in armed forces is too bureaucratic and should be simplified The way complaints by men and women in the armed forces about bullying, harassment, and discrimination are handled is ineffective, unfair and unacceptable, a report says. Dr Susan Atkins, the service complaints commissioner , castigates the way the system deals with cases concerning armed forces personnel

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General Sir Nick Houghton to be new chief of defence staff

By Sharon Black

Army commander with reputation as ‘Whitehall warrior’ to take key role amid ongoing deep cuts to armed forces A battle-hardened army commander who has recently earned a reputation as a “Whitehall warrior” is expected to be named on Tuesday as the new chief of defence staff at a time when the armed forces are continuing a painful and prolonged period of cuts.

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Arctic convoy and Bomber Command veterans to get decorations for bravery

By Sharon Black

New medals and clasps will be given to surviving veterans within fortnight after government bows to years of campaigning Surviving veterans of the Arctic convoys and Bomber Command will receive new medals or clasps within a fortnight following the government’s decision to bow to years of campaigning and properly acknowledge their bravery during the second world war. Up to 250,000 veterans will be eligible for the decorations, but those still living or their widows will receive the awards first, the defence minister Mark Francois will announce on Tuesday

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News article: 2 PARA plough on through snowy exercise

By Sharon Black

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.

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RAF C-17 aircraft depart for Mali mission

By Sharon Black

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.

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Soldier from 28 Engineer Regiment killed in Afghanistan

By Sharon Black

The soldier was killed by small arms fire from a suspected member of the Afghan National Army (ANA) who turned his weapon on ANA and ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) soldiers at Patrol Base Hazrat in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Major Laurence Roche, said: It is my painful duty to report the death of a soldier from 28 Engineer Regiment who was shot and killed by a suspected member of the Afghan National Army at a patrol base in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province

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Lost WWII RAF crew laid to rest in Malaysia

By Sharon Black

The crew of a Royal Air Force Liberator aircraft who were killed just before the end of the Second World War have been laid to rest with military honours at the Cheras Road Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.