Defence News

Defence News: 30 April 2012

Government announces independent military medals review
Welsh Guards mentor Afghan police as CD is launched to support families
Guardsman Michael Roland killed in Afghanistan
Woolwich Barracks prepares for London 2012
Veterans remember World War Two Kohima battle

Defence in the Media: 30 April 2012

Summary
On Saturday, the Daily Mail published an interview with the former soldier who was charged with battery after allegedly punching a Taliban suspect. The article was critical of the Army for pursuing the case against the soldier, who it says had served his country and seen friends killed but was then betrayed by the Army. | The Times reported that Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles says the establishment of an Afghan Officers Academy is a poor and partial legacy for Britain to leave in Afghanistan. | The Sun reported that rower Heather Stanning has put her Army career on hold to pursue her dream of competing in the Olympics. | The Times reported that industry sources are calling on the Government to scrap plans to buy Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and instead opt for a marinised Eurofighter Typhoon. | Various papers reported that a former soldier who has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder has been denied sickness benefit. | The Sun reported that Jeremy Clarkson has visited Tedworth House to see how money raised by Help for Heroes has enabled the building to be converted into a recovery centre for injured servicemen and women. | The Telegraph reported that RAF Search and Rescue have been involved in a search for a missing eight-year-old boy who fell into a river in County Durham. | The Guardian reported that MOD civilians and Royal Fleet Auxiliary staff are among public sector workers who will strike on 10 May as part of a walkout by members of the Unite union. | The Sunday Mirror reported that Guardsman Dave Watson, a triple amputee who has been chosen as one of the Olympic torchbearers, may face medical discharge. | The Sun on Sunday reported that Sergeant Simon Harper, who lost his legs in Afghanistan, is to cycle over 3,000 miles (4,800km) to raise money for charity. | The Daily Star Sunday reported that a Tornado pilot has told how he landed with just 30 seconds of fuel to spare after a daring mission against the Taliban in Afghanistan. | The Sunday Express reported that British troops who took part in NATO war games, Exercise Joint Warrior, had to carry out pretend attacks and simulate helicopter assaults in lorries after senior generals were forced to slash their budget. | The Sunday Mirror reported that half of the Army's 135 recruitment offices will be shut in the Government's latest round of cuts. | The Sunday Times reported that the MOD has confirmed that CSC has been selected as the preferred bidder for the new seven-year Service Personnel and Veterans Agency contract for HR administration for the UK's Armed Forces. | Today, the Telegraph reports that the Army has retained the Inter-Services Championship rugby title, beating the Navy 48-9.

Guardsman Michael Roland killed in Afghanistan
It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Guardsman Michael Roland from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards was killed in Afghanistan on Friday 27 April 2012. Click here to read more.

Surface-to-air missile sites for Olympics
Various papers have reported today that the Ministry of Defence is evaluating sites for surface-to-air missiles for the Olympic Games, and could place them at residential flats.

As announced before Christmas, ground-based air defence systems could be deployed as part of a multi-layered air security plan for the Olympics, including fast jets and helicopters, which will protect the skies over London during the Games.

Based on military advice we have identified a number of sites and, alongside colleagues from the Metropolitan Police, are talking to local authorities and relevant landowners to help minimise the impact of any temporary deployments.

As part of our ongoing planning, we can confirm site evaluations have taken place. However, no final decision on whether or not to deploy ground-based air defence systems for the Games has yet been taken.

Defence industry strategy
The Times reports that some members of the defence industry are calling for the Government to adopt a clear strategy for working with their sector.

Only three months ago, the MOD published a White Paper, entitled National Security Through Technology, which did just that, and set out how the MOD would work with industry to deliver the equipment our Armed Forces need.

Responding to the comments made in The Times, Peter Luff, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, said:

"The National Security Through Technology White Paper has been welcomed by a large cross-section of the defence industry. Many of our suppliers and trade associations, large and small, have responded in an overwhelmingly positive way. ADS, the largest trade association, welcomed the paper when it was published in February, describing it as a 'step in the right direction'.

"Our priority has to be the delivery of the best kit at the best price for the Armed Forces. We will protect those UK capabilities essential for our national security, but what we will not do is sustain uncompetitive, inefficient business.

"Instead we are taking the steps necessary to deliver growth in the UK defence industry now and in the future: sustaining the level of investment in defence science and technology, unprecedented levels of support for defence exports, a range of practical measures to assist defence SMEs [Small and Medium Enterprises], the lifeblood of the industry, and turning around the huge deficit we inherited from the last government and balancing the equipment plan. During the extensive consultation on the White Paper this was what industry told us they wanted."

As the Minister says, the White Paper was welcomed by industry when it was published in February. ADS said it offered real potential for growth in security exports and their chairman was supportive of the Government's approach.

Rees Ward, Chief Executive of ADS, said: "… the White Paper is a positive signal for a key growth sector and demonstrates a real commitment from government for this hi-tech market with enormous export potential. With one of the principal roles of any government being national security, the commitment to evaluate the benefits of a Senior Responsible Owner - or more simply a security champion - in Whitehall, responsible for industry engagement, is a real step forward. Industry looks forward to working with the Home Office and other government departments to making this role possible and a powerful enabler of standardisation and rationalisation.

"The White Paper's commitment to promote UK capabilities in the global security market responsibly will also be of great benefit not only for achieving UK economic growth, but also in helping to achieve the UK's international security objectives. The promotion of UK plc's Security Brand by the UK Government would be a fantastic enabler for exports. Industry will be keen to continue working with government to ensure that the UK maximises its security export potential.

"The security aspects of the White Paper reflect the positive discussions industry is having with the Home Office, the Foreign Office and UKTI [UK Trade & Investment] about increasing UK exports of security systems and services. The proposals outlined in the White Paper reveal a real belief in the potential for the UK security sector, and industry can only welcome today's announcements."

RAF overpayments
Today's Sun reports that a number of RAF personnel in Leeming have been asked to repay wages because they have been overpaid for a number of years.

We are currently undertaking a full review into this and apologise to those affected. Where repayment of monies is appropriate, procedures are in place to prevent any hardship to individuals.

Use of aircraft in Exercise Joint Warrior
The Sunday Express reported that British troops taking part in NATO war games, Exercise Joint Warrior, had to carry out pretend attacks and simulate helicopter assaults in lorries after senior generals were forced to slash their budget. The paper reported that 'so bad are shortages of RAF aircraft the French Air Force has been [was] asked to fly British troops for part of the exercise, senior sources said'.

16 Air Assault Brigade is building a partnership with the French 11th Parachute Brigade to establish a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force for contingency operations. Exercise Joint Warrior's use of French aircraft and the involvement of French troops was a key part of the exercise, to develop interoperability.

All aviation resources allocated to the exercise turned up and all planned air assaults and parachuting took place - not even any bad weather cancellations.

Aviation operations were planned to make best use of the resources available to the exercise, e.g. A Company of 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment jumped from two RAF C-130s, which is the correct number of aircraft required for a company-sized drop.

Two Chinooks, three Apaches and six Sea King helicopters were also used on the exercise and lorries were used for a road move from Carlisle to West Freugh to simulate movement of troops by two C-17s and three C-130s.

Image of the Day: 30 April 2012

Petty Officer (Aircaft Engineering Technician) Marsh Cormack, from 854 Naval Air Squadron, based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, hangs onto his man during the Army versus Royal Navy Babcock Trophy rugby match, held at Twickenham on Saturday 28 April, which saw the Army thrash the Royal Navy by 48 points to 9. [Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

Defence Diary: 30 April 2012

Today, Monday 30 April
Funeral in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, of Corporal Jake Hartley, from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, who was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 6 March 2012.
Publication of the Government's response to the House of Commons Defence Committee reports on 'Operations in Libya' and 'Developing Threats: Electro-Magnetic Pulses'.
2012 Warrior Games, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA (until 5 May) - 20 volunteers from the British Armed Forces will compete as guest athletes in the third annual competition.

Tomorrow, Tuesday 1 May
House of Commons rises.
Royal British Legion stakeholder conference, 'Armed Forces Welfare in the 21st Century', London.
London School of Economics debate - After the Arab Spring: power shift in the Middle East?
TV programme of interest: 'War Hero in My Family', Channel 5, 2000hrs. Celebrities uncover the heroic stories of their ancestors (Episode 1 of 6).

Wednesday 2 May
Funeral in Huddersfield of Private Anthony Frampton, from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, who was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 6 March 2012.
Presentation of Afghanistan medals to civilians, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
MOD and International Institute for Strategic Studies conference: Transatlantic and European Security Relationships - What is the Best Balance for Britain?
British Medical Association Armed Forces Conference, BMA House, London.
4th Nordic Defence Industry Seminar, Copenhagen (and 3 May).
King's College London War Studies seminar - The fundamental problems of Afghanistan.

Thursday 3 May
1 Logistic Support Regiment medal parade, Gutersloh, Germany.
2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment homecoming parade, Palace Barracks, Holywood, Belfast.
Staffordshire Armed Forces Community Covenant signing at the National Memorial Arboretum.
King's College London Gresham Lecture: You shouldn't believe everything you read... The psychological health of the UK Armed Forces.

Friday 4 May
Funeral in Huddersfield of Private Daniel Wilford, from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, who was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 6 March 2012.

Saturday 5 May
73 Engineer Regiment (Volunteers) freedom parade, Nottingham.
Royal Anglian Regiment Beating Retreat, Loughborough Grammar School.

Sunday 6 May
Falklands memorial service, Portsmouth's Anglican Cathedral.

Monday 7 May
Early May Bank Holiday.

Defence News: 27 April 2012

Prince William honours Service personnel's Antarctic race
Wounded troops fly to US for Warrior Games
Royal Gibraltar Regiment soldiers guard the Crown Jewels
Foreign Secretary - we're on track to complete transition

Defence in the Media: 27 April 2012

Summary
Various media report that Charles Taylor, the former Liberian president, has been convicted of aiding and abetting war crimes and is likely to face a prison sentence in the UK. | Various media report that the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has accused the Syrian regime of breaching the peace plan it has signed up to because it has failed to withdraw heavy weapons and troops from cities and towns. | The BBC Radio 4 Today programme has reported that Sudan and South Sudan are on the brink of a return to war and campaigners are calling on the UK to do more to prevent the conflict. | Various papers report that the Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has confirmed that 500 UK military personnel will be withdrawn from Afghanistan this year, with a further 200 switching from front line to support roles. | The Telegraph reports that British companies have been banned from selling equipment to Argentina's Armed Forces as ministers grow increasingly concerned over a possible military blockade of the Falkland Islands. | The Times has published a feature on the terrorist threat to the UK in the run-up to the Olympics, with Scotland Yard and MI5 said to regard complacency as an enemy. | The Telegraph reports that members of the Armed Forces and emergency services have been criticised for auctioning off their Jubilee medals on eBay within days of being awarded them. | Various papers cover the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's attendance at  a reception to celebrate the Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race to the South Pole in support of the Royal British Legion. | The Telegraph has published a feature on the effort to recover 60 Spitfire aircraft buried in Burma.

Image of the Day: 27 April 2012

A 'rehearsal of concept' drill held on board HMS Illustrious during Exercise Joint Warrior prepares the Royal Marines embarked on the ship for an assault ashore. The exercise came to an end this week. Click here to read more. [Picture: PO(Phot) Ray Jones, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

Defence Diary: 27 April 2012

Today, Friday 27 April
Funeral in St Annes-on-Sea of Sergeant Nigel Coupe, from 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, who was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 6 March 2012.
Chatham House Under 35s Forum: Was it Worth it? Reflections on the Libyan Revolution.

Tomorrow, Saturday 28 April
Army vs Navy Babcock Trophy rugby match, Twickenham.

Sunday 29 April
Last Lower Block, 'LB05', of one of the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers moves from Portsmouth to Rosyth.

Monday 30 April
Funeral in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, of Corporal Jake Hartley, from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, who was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 6 March 2012.
Publication of the Government's response to the House of Commons Defence Committee reports on 'Operations in Libya' and  'Developing Threats: Electro-Magnetic Pulses'.
2012 Warrior Games, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA (until 5 May) - 20 volunteers from the British Armed Forces will compete as guest athletes in the third annual competition.

Tuesday 1 May
Royal British Legion stakeholder conference, 'Armed Forces Welfare in the 21st Century', London.
London School of Economics debate - After the Arab Spring: power shift in the Middle East?
TV programme of interest: 'War Hero in My Family', Channel 5, 2000hrs. Celebrities uncover the heroic stories of their ancestors (Episode 1 of 6).

Wednesday 2 May
Funeral in Huddersfield of Private Anthony Frampton, from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, who was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 6 March 2012.
Presentation of Afghanistan medals to civilians, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
British Medical Association Armed Forces Conference, BMA House, London.
4th Nordic Defence Industry Seminar, Copenhagen (and 3 May).
King's College London War Studies seminar - The fundamental problems of Afghanistan.

Thursday 3 May
House of Commons rises.
1 Logistic Support Regiment medal parade, Gutersloh, Germany.
2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment homecoming parade, Palace Barracks, Holywood, Belfast.
Staffordshire Armed Forces Community Covenant signing at the National Memorial Arboretum.
King's College London Gresham Lecture: You shouldn't believe everything you read... The psychological health of the UK Armed Forces.

Friday 4 May
Funeral in Huddersfield of Private Daniel Wilford, from 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, who was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 6 March 2012.

Defence News: 26 April 2012

Reduction of 500 Service personnel from Afghanistan explained
RAF Reserves combine for major UK exercise
Royal Military Police receive Afghanistan medals
Army brothers united in Helmand
MOD and SEPA agree Dalgety Bay plan
Prince Philip honours REME soldiers for work in Afghanistan
Hellfire-first as Apaches exercise with Navy off Scotland



Defence in the Media: 26 April 2012

Summary
BBC Online reports that a fleet of RAF surveillance planes, grounded after a fault was found on one of the craft, has been cleared to fly again. | Various papers report that the former President of Liberia Charles Taylor is due to appear in a war crimes court at The Hague to learn his fate at the end of a four-year trial and begin a journey that may end in a British prison cell. | The Times reports that the Indian Defence Ministry said that it would investigate fresh allegations of corruption in the awarding of a contract to buy 12 helicopters from AgustaWestland. | The Times has published a day-in-the-life feature about Flight Lieutenant Adam Booth and his role in leading a co-ordinated helicopter rescue mission in Afghanistan. | Various papers report that France has threatened to demand international intervention against President Bashar al-Assad if a peace plan failed to stop the violence in Syria. | The Scotsman reports that radar surveys and the digging of trial pits are to form part of an investigation into radiation on a Fife beach.

British soldier accused of striking Afghan detainee
Several newspapers have reported the dismissal of a case brought against a British soldier who was accused of striking an Afghan detainee. Some media have criticised the decision to attempt to prosecute the soldier.

This incident was first subject to an independent Royal Military Police investigation before it was considered by the independent Service Prosecuting Authority, who decided that it should proceed to court martial. Like his civilian counterpart, the Director of Service Prosecutions is under the superintendence of the Attorney General. Neither the Ministry of Defence, nor the Army chain of command, play any part in such decisions.