Defence News

Defence in the Media: 10 February 2012

Summary
BBC Online reports that Argentina's Foreign Minister is to lodge a protest at the UN today against the UK's 'militarisation' of the Falklands. | Various papers report that US Marines posed with a flag emblazoned with the SS emblem while on duty in Afghanistan. | The Times reports that eight children were killed in a NATO air strike in Kapisa province. | The Daily Mirror reports that an inquest has heard that Royal Marine Sergeant Barry Weston, who went to Afghanistan to replace a fallen colleague, was killed after he ventured outside a safety zone. | The Daily Star reports on soldiers from the Parachute Regiment who have been awarded the Military Cross for their bravery in Afghanistan. | The Times reports that Britain has told India that it is willing to lower its price on the Eurofighter Typhoon in an attempt to win back a £13bn contract from France. | The Financial Times reports that Rolls-Royce has received a £60m payment from the MOD for cancelling contracts following the Strategic Defence and Security Review. | The Telegraph reports that Prime Minister David Cameron says that Argentina should be in no doubt that Britain will 'defend the Falkland Islands properly'. | The Daily Express reports that a gang of Muslim extremists who planned to target British soldiers as they returned from Afghanistan were jailed for a total of 95 years yesterday. | Various media outlets report that Taliban members say Prince Harry should use his royal position to help people rather than kill them, adding that its fighters would try to kill the prince if he returns to Afghanistan.

UK forces are not 'growing weaker by the day'
Today's Daily Telegraph includes a comment piece by Con Coughlin entitled 'Prince Harry's in the firing line - but Britain's Armed Forces grow weaker by the day'.

Arguing that Britain is 'no longer taken seriously' on the foreign stage, the article states: 'when the Obama administration announced that it was to end US combat operations in Afghanistan in the summer of 2013 - a year earlier than agreed - it did so without bothering to inform its British counterpart'.

The US has however made no such announcement and there has been no change to the strategy agreed by ISAF nations in Lisbon in 2010. The process of security transition will continue, with international forces gradually handing over responsibility to the Afghan National Security Forces through to the end of 2014. As the US Defence Secretary confirmed just last week: "We've got to stick to the Lisbon strategy. The United States has a very strong commitment to Lisbon and to the strategy that was laid out there."

Con Coughlin's article goes on to state that the British Government 'had to plead with the United States to take part in the flotilla that confronted Iran over its threat to close the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf', because American commanders had overlooked the Royal Navy. This is not true.

Following discussions with our allies, the US welcomed both HMS Argyll and a French vessel to transit the Strait alongside the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Group, sending a clear signal to Iran that the arteries of global trade are being kept free, open and running. The aim of this was to underline the unwavering international commitment to maintaining rights of passage under international law. Furthermore, the Royal Navy has had a constant presence in the Gulf since 1980 and UK frigates regularly pass through the Strait of Hormuz, operating as part of the Combined Maritime Forces.

Equipment programme
Various media report that according to the Public Accounts Commitee, the UK's 15 largest defence projects are expected to cost £6bn more than first estimated and will be delayed by a combined total of 26 years.

Responding to the report, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: "Through a radical reform programme we have taken firm steps to grip the equipment programme and halt the trend of vast cost increases of the past.

"We are now close to eliminating the black hole in the MOD's finances and will soon set out an affordable, deliverable programme. This will see us invest more than £150bn in the right equipment for our Armed Forces while achieving value for money for UK taxpayers.

"Scrapping the ill-fated Nimrod MRA4 was one of many tough but necessary decisions we had to take to deal with an equipment programme that was out of control. The aircraft were more than eight years late, almost £800m over budget, and the unit cost of each aircraft had soared by 200 per cent, with no guarantee they would ever be fit to fly. The Astute programme is now on a much firmer footing with the first boat in service and the second due to leave Barrow soon."

Defence in the Media: 9 February 2012

Summary
Various media outlets report that the Arab League may resume their mission in Syria, according to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who has accused the Assad regime of making too many broken promises and says the 'disastrous' failure of the UN to get a resolution has encouraged Damascus to 'step up its war against its own people'. | The Times reports that the US is considering arming the Syrian rebels or establishing a humanitarian corridor, but the paper makes clear that no such plans are under discussion in Whitehall. | There is extensive media coverage of Prince Harry completing his Apache helicopter training and his award for being the top gunner on his course. | The Daily Telegraph reports that an official in Afghanistan has revealed that America's special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan has met with Taliban leaders in Qatar. | The Independent reports that the Pakistani Army has met with NATO and Afghan forces to improve co-ordination along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. | The Financial Times reports that the UK has stepped up its diplomatic effort to win a $20bn contract to supply Typhoon jets to India. | The Daily Star and Independent report that the MOD is to buy another C-17 aircraft. | Various media outlets report that Downing Street has rejected the Argentine President's claims that Britain is militarising the South Atlantic and fuelling tensions by deploying Prince William and HMS Dauntless to the Falklands. | The Daily Telegraph and Daily Express report that the campaign to build a memorial to Bomber Command has received a boost after Prime Minister David Cameron announced that the Government would provide a grant to cover the project's tax bill. | The Daily Telegraph, Guardian and Sun report that according to a report by the National Audit Office, deep cuts in military personnel are undermining morale, and will cause long-term harm because they are leaving the MOD short of vital skills.

Defence in the Media: 8 February 2012

Summary
Various media outlets continue to cover the worsening security situation in Syria along with the Russian Foreign Minister's visit. | There is also various media coverage of the decision to release from prison radical Muslim cleric Abu Qatada. | Sky News reports that Argentina is to make a formal complaint to the UN Security Council after accusing Britain of 'militarising' the dispute over the Falkland Islands. | The Daily Mirror reports on the inquest into the death of Trooper James Leverett who died when his Viking vehicle triggered a low-metal improvised explosive device. | The Guardian highlights a report claiming the MOD tried repeatedly to hide the truth of how Tanik Mahmud died in 2003 while being transported to a secret Iraq detention camp. | There is widespread coverage of the death of Britain's last First World War veteran Florence Green. Mrs Green, aged 110,  served as a mess steward at RAF bases in Marham and Narborough.

Sustaining military operations
Various papers report that the Defence Select Committee has warned that Britain will face 'significantly greater challenges' sustaining a military operation on the scale of last year's mission over Libya.

The Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, said: "This report highlights the success of our Armed Forces in saving thousands of civilian lives in Libya by taking action against the Gaddafi regime. I welcome the Committee's praise of the courage, dedication and professionalism of our Service personnel and the quality of the equipment available to them.

"The Libyan campaign shows that we retain the contingent capability to conduct operations in addition to our commitments in Afghanistan, counter-piracy off the Horn of Africa, Gulf security, and standing tasks such as the Falklands and defence of the UK.

"Conducted against the backdrop of a multi-billion pound black hole in the Defence Budget, the SDSR [Strategic Defence and Security Review] required tough decisions whose underpinning logic the Committee has previously agreed with. We retain the capability to project power abroad and meet our NATO obligations, supported by what is the world's fourth largest defence budget."

Defence in the Media: 7 February 2012

Summary
There is continued media coverage of the worsening security situation in Syria. | The Daily Mail reports that drones guided by thought control raise the possibility of machines instead of men being blamed for military accidents and war crimes. | The Independent reports that US Army officer Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis has criticised the Pentagon for failing in its peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan. | Various papers report that BAE Systems is considering reducing the price of the Eurofighter Typhoon to try to win back a $20bn fighter jet order from India. | The Guardian reports that soldiers could have their minds plugged directly into weapons systems, undergo brain scans during recruitment and take courses in neural stimulation to boost learning if the Armed Forces embrace the latest developments in neuroscience. | Various papers report that the Military Wives Choir has raised half-a-million pounds for charity. | The Daily Express reports that a scrap metal dealer was so disgusted when thieves stole a war memorial that he picked up the £21,000 repair bill to replace it. | The Times reports that King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery has moved from their barracks in St Johns Wood to a new facility in Woolwich.

Reports that Britain 'pleaded' with the US to join naval exercise
The Daily Mirror and Telegraph report that Britain had to plead with the US to join the US carrier strike group that sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, challenging Iranian power in the Gulf, after American commanders decided the Royal Navy had nothing to contribute to the mission.

This is not true. Following discussions with our allies, the US welcomed HMS Argyll and a French vessel to transit the Strait alongside the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Group, sending a clear signal to Iran that the arteries of global trade are being kept free, open and running. This underlines the unwavering international commitment to maintaining rights of passage under international law. The Royal Navy has had a constant presence in the Gulf since 1980 and UK frigates regularly pass through the Strait of Hormuz, operating as part of the Combined Maritime Forces. 

Defence in the Media: 6 February 2012

Summary
There has been widespread media coverage this weekend of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan report which shows a sharp rise in the number of Afghan civilian deaths in the country for the fifth year in a row. | Various media report that the situation in Syria is worsening, with reports claiming that nearly 350 people have been killed by government forces in the city of Homs and failure by the UN to reach a consensus on sanctions. | Various media report that Prince William has started work as an RAF Search and Rescue pilot in the Falkland Islands. | Various papers reported on Saturday on President Obama's decision to begin the pull-out of combat troops from Afghanistan, with the Financial Times saying it was a political gamble designed to help the President's re-election chances. | The Times highlights comments from Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Secretary General of NATO, who is urging Britain and other member nations to train together more frequently to help maintain unity after troops withdraw from Afghanistan. | The Telegraph reports that there has been a spate of equipment thefts from defence establishments around the country. | The Mail on Sunday and various news websites reported that Britain and France are expected to sign a deal to develop a high-tech unmanned aircraft based on the Mantis project developed by BAE Systems. | The Sunday Mirror reported that the morale of British soldiers is at rock bottom. | This morning the BBC had live coverage of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery leaving St John's Wood Barracks in London for the last time prior to their move to Woolwich. | The Telegraph reports that Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has pledged his armed forces would fight alongside Argentina in any conflict with Britain. | The Daily Star reports on the start of Apprenticeship Week, with a focus on military apprenticeships, saying the Army has the largest National Employer Apprenticeship Scheme in the UK, taking on about 8,000 apprentices per year. | The Daily Mail reports that taxpayers face a bill of up to £600m if defence firm BAE Systems closes its historic dockyard in Portsmouth. | The Sun reports that Royal Navy sailors have captured a notorious pirate who has six toes on each foot. The Somali gangster - dubbed 'Six Toe Joe' in defence circles - also has 10 fingers plus two thumbs due to a rare condition.

Top military personnel redundancies
The Daily Telegraph has claimed that military top brass have managed to dodge redundancies compared to 6,000 lower ranks that have lost their jobs under the Armed Forces Redundancy Programme.

The MOD is making reductions in the numbers of civilian and military personnel, including senior officers. Work already undertaken by the Single Services has included the reduction of some two-star roles and individuals. Importantly, in line with Lord Levene's recommendation, the Department is currently conducting a review of all senior posts to determine where those reductions can sensibly be made.

Two-stars and above are not included in the Armed Forces Redundancy Programme as they serve under different terms and conditions of service than those of one-star rank and below - they are employed on a post-by-post basis and can be released without any redundancy compensation at the end of their existing posting. Where an individual's post is cut during their expected posting length they are considered for equivalent redundancy compensation.

Officers' household staff
The Sunday People reported that the five top-ranking officers in the Army, Royal Navy and RAF cost the taxpayer £600,000 in household staff.

Senior officers in certain posts are required to undertake official hospitality for defence purposes, and were allocated properties for this purpose. As some of these buildings are listed, they are expensive to maintain. In December 2011, a new official hospitality and domestic assistance policy was implemented which will save a minimum of £3m a year.

Soldiers' personal insurance
Various papers report that Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy has claimed that troops are not taking out PAX insurance as they are unable to afford the policy.

PAX is just one of several insurance schemes available to Service personnel all of which are heavily publicised to members of the Armed Forces, especially those deploying on operations. These schemes have existed for a number of years under this and previous governments and criticisms of PAX affordability ought to be seen in context.

The Government has doubled the Operational Allowance which sees servicemen and women receive on average an extra £5,400 in their pay packets for a typical six-month operational tour in Afghanistan. This equates to about £900 per month out of which they would have to pay £74.10 for the highest level of personal accident and life insurance cover (15 PAX units).

Insurance cover is voluntary but the obvious benefits of take-up are made clear to personnel, particularly those who are undertaking high risk roles. Media reports that up to 50 personnel have been killed in Afghanistan without PAX doesn't take into account that these servicemen may have had other insurance policies in place.

Furthermore, personal accident and life insurance cover is separate from the increased amounts of money already provided by the MOD under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme to Service personnel injured as a result of service. We continue to work with insurers to make sure that PAX insurance premiums remain affordable and that PAX continues to provide the right amount of cover for servicemen and women serving in Afghanistan.

Wind farms
The Daily Telegraph reports that Britain's nuclear submarines risk running aground or colliding with other vessels if plans for a series of offshore wind farms near Faslane go ahead.

The MOD has been in dialogue with the Scottish Government during the production of the report identifying potential areas for future offshore wind farm development in Scottish waters. We have identified areas that may affect defence naval interests. We will continue to engage with the Scottish Government in the preparation of plans for potential offshore wind farm development zones.

We do not routinely discuss the specifics of submarine movements. However, any areas that could be classed as obstacles would be taken into account when deploying naval assets.

Defence in the Media: 3 February 2012

Summary
Various media report that the Duke of Cambridge has deployed to the Falkland Islands to begin his tour as part of a Royal Air Force Search and Rescue crew. | The Daily Telegraph reports that Pakistan is ready to use whatever leverage it has with the Haqqani Network and the Taliban to help push for peace in Afghanistan. | The Guardian runs an opinion piece by Simon Jenkins arguing that Britain has not learnt from the foreign policy mistakes of Iraq and Afghanistan and is likely to end up at war with Iran. | The Daily Telegraph reports that  the MOD has denied that military equipment is causing radio interference in villages close to Army barracks where remote-controlled car locks have mysteriously stopped working. | The Daily Telegraph, Guardian and Independent report that hopes for a breakthrough in the deadlock over a UN Security Council resolution on Syria rose yesterday as references to regime change were dropped to overcome Russian objections to the Western-backed draft motion.

Combat operations in Afghanistan to continue as planned
Various media speculate that British troops face only one more summer of major combat in Afghanistan after reports of comments made by the US Defence Secretary and French President.

There has been no change to the strategy agreed by ISAF nations in Lisbon in 2010: the process of security transition will continue, with international forces gradually handing over responsibility to the Afghan National Security Forces through to the end of 2014.

As the NATO Secretary General said yesterday, Thursday 2 February 2012, the decisions made at the Lisbon Summit 'will remain the bedrock of our strategy'.

And the US Defence Secretary reaffirmed the US commitment to this Lisbon strategy yesterday evening, saying: "We've got to stick to the Lisbon strategy. The United States has a very strong commitment to Lisbon and to the strategy that was laid out there."

UK Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: "We all recognise that in 2013 there will be an evolution of the mission, the Afghans will be having lead responsibility for security throughout the whole country; but we will remain there in a combat support role and we will continue to do so, in our case, until the end of 2014."

Security transition is a process, not a one-off event. In the coming days, once the second tranche of security transition is fully underway, over half the country's population will live in areas in which the Afghans have the lead for security. By mid to late 2013, all districts and provinces will have entered the transition process, but entering the process is not the end of the story. ISAF will continue to train, mentor and support the Afghan National Security Forces, building their capability until the completion of transition at the end of 2014.

The UK remains fully committed to the task in Afghanistan. And our support to the Afghans will not end with our combat role in 2014 as evidenced by the long-term partnership agreement signed by the Prime Minister and President Karzai last weekend.

Defence in the Media: 2 February 2012

Summary
Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Peter Luff discussed the White Paper, 'National Security Through Technology', on Sky's Jeff Randall Live show yesterday, outlining the steps he has taken to boost the UK defence industry such as new support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and the introduction of measures to help defence firms export products abroad. | Various papers report today that Pakistan has rejected the leaked US military report alleging that its intelligence services exercise a tight control over the Taliban. | Various papers also report that the US and other international forces expect to end their combat role in Afghanistan by 2013, according to US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta - the first time the Obama administration has said it could foresee an end to regular US and NATO combat operations by the second half of next year. | The Daily Star trails their Soldiering On Awards 2012. | The Guardian reports that British diplomats have accused Argentina of plotting an economic blockade of the Falklands by attempting to stop all flights from Chile reaching the islands. | And various papers report that Argentina has accused Britain of military belligerence by deploying Prince William 'in the uniform of a conqueror'. | The Sun reports that the Prime Minister will order all departments across Whitehall to clear the red tape delaying assistance to wounded troops at the first meeting of the 'Heroes Committee'.

National Security Through Technology
Several media today report on yesterday's publication of the White Paper 'National Security Through Technology' which sets out how the Government will provide the best equipment for our Armed Forces while achieving best value for money for UK taxpayers.

The White Paper was broadly welcomed by the defence industry, who particularly supported news that the Defence Science and Technology budget will now be protected to ensure the UK continues to develop cutting-edge new equipment to give our troops the advantage in battle.

However, some trade unions expressed concern that the White Paper's commitment to ensure Defence and Security tenders were as open and competitive as possible, with equipment bought off-the-shelf where practical, would damage the UK defence industry and potentially lead to job losses.

In response, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff, said: "Given the defence black hole we inherited, my priority must be to get the best equipment to our Armed Forces at the best price for the taxpayer. That is why we will take full advantage of competitive domestic and international markets and - where appropriate - purchase proven off-the-shelf solutions that meet our current military needs. Striking the right balance between developing bespoke solutions and purchasing kit off-the-shelf is in the interest of both our Armed Forces and UK taxpayers.

"We do nothing to help our economy and sustain jobs by wasting taxpayers' money on unproven, costly capabilities, and we do nothing to help UK industry by allowing the defence funding black hole to once again blight the sector.

"The vital UK defence industry is highly competitive and will continue to win lucrative contracts. Just this week, we announced a £483m contract with MBDA (UK) to develop state-of-the-art Sea Ceptor missiles for the Royal Navy which will sustain 500 jobs.

"To assist UK firms we will preserve government investment in Science and Technology, help smaller companies win more contracts, champion UK exports and protect sovereign industry capabilities that relate to national security. These principles will underpin our relationship with industry as we invest more than £150bn in military equipment over the next decade."

The Times wrongly alleges that where the MOD's previous industrial policy - the 2005 Defence Industrial Strategy - stated that equipment essential to national security such as submarines had to be made in Britain, the 2012 White Paper has abandoned those principles.

Mr Luff said: "The White Paper sets out the approach we are taking to protect the UK's operational advantages and freedom of action necessary to protect our national security. We will make no compromise with that security. The 2005 Defence Industrial Strategy was an unfunded and unrealistic wish list. This White Paper, along with the publication later this year of our ten-year defence equipment plan, will set out an affordable, deliverable programme that will see us invest more than £150bn in the right equipment for our Armed Forces while achieving value for money for UK taxpayers."

Defence in the Media: 1 February 2012

Summary
There has been widespread coverage of the upcoming deployment of HMS Dauntless to the Falkland Islands. | Various papers including the Telegraph and the Independent highlight a secret NATO report that says the Taliban are set to retake control from President Karzai's government. | The Times reports plans to exit Afghanistan will be high on the agenda at a meeting of NATO ministers in Brussels this week after France announced an early withdrawal. | The Financial Times reports that the MOD will no longer give UK companies priority over their foreign rivals when buying equipment and weapons for the Armed Forces. | The Daily Mail reports that the head of the Army has hit out at the 'zero-risk culture' which fuels unrealistic demands that no British blood should be shed on battlefields.

Defence in the Media: 31 January 2012

Summary
In an ITV report last night Brigadier Bill Aldridge, Commander of British Forces in the Falklands, made clear that the forthcoming deployment of the Duke of Cambridge to the Falkland Islands was entirely routine for a search and rescue pilot. | The Times reports that coalition forces in Afghanistan suffered a fresh setback yesterday when a French court began an unprecedented criminal inquiry into alleged blunders that led to the deaths of ten soldiers in a Taliban ambush. | The Wall Street Journal looks at whether statements released by the Taliban calling on insurgents to reduce civilian casualties and a softening of their approach to female education is an attempt to improve their image. | The Guardian runs a comment piece critical of the US and UK's use of unmanned aerial vehicles. | In the Telegraph, Major General Julian Thompson, Commanding Officer of 3 Commando Brigade during the 1982 conflict in the Falklands, criticises recent defence cuts and claims that should Argentina try to take the Falkland Islands back now, the UK would be unable to prevent them. | The Sun reports that International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell has visited Somalia, and, notably, the prison where convicted pirates are held, ahead of the international conference on Somalia in London next month. | The Daily Star reports that the Army has been put on standby as Britain braces itself for freezing weather. | The Independent runs a comment piece attacking expenditure on the 2012 Olympics. | The Sun reports that Prince Harry was hooded and threatened during brutal hostage training to prepare him for his return to the Afghanistan front line. | The Guardian reports on the humanitarian and security situation in Mogadishu and states that though confidence is slowly returning to the Somali capital, capital aid remains scarce and Al-Shabaab still control much of the country. | Finally, the Telegraph and Financial Times report that there is increasing diplomatic pressure on Russia to consent to UN Security Council resolutions on Syria that will be discussed at a council meeting in New York.

Defence in the Media: 30 January 2012

Summary
The Times reported on Saturday that the Government plans to axe the MOD's specialist police investigation force. | Various outlets reported that Serco has won a £55m contract to support Army training. | The Daily Mail published a feature on the Falkland Islands, which included an interview with Brigadier Bill Aldridge, Commander British Forces South Atlantic Islands, who said that if he thought the future security of the Islands was under threat he wouldn't have brought his family to live in the Falklands. | The Daily Telegraph reported that Sheenie Chant, the widow of Warrant Officer Class 1 Darren Chant, who was killed in Afghanistan in November 2009, has claimed that pension payments to war widows and the financial compensation offered by the MOD through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme are not sufficient. | Various papers on Sunday reported on Afghan President Hamid Karzai's visit to the UK and meeting with the Prime Minister David Cameron. | The Sunday Telegraph reported on the current situation in Libya, with evidence of ordinary people turning against the former rebels who now lead the country. | The Sunday Telegraph also reported that the UK's chief prosecutor is promising 'robust' action against criminals who target war memorials for their scrap metal value. | Various media outlets today report that YouTube footage has shown government tanks and armoured vehicles apparently retaking control of Damascus suburbs. | The Wall Street Journal and Independent report that plans are being made by the Afghan Government to meet the Taliban in Saudi Arabia in the next few weeks for peace talks. | There is widespread media coverage of the MOD announcement this weekend of the development of a new Royal Navy missile defence system, Sea Ceptor, which will be able to intercept and destroy enemy missiles travelling at supersonic speeds.

Lance Corporal Gajbahadur Gurung killed in Afghanistan
It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Lance Corporal Gajbahadur Gurung, from 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan on Friday 27 January 2012. Click here to read more.

Defence Chief's comments on Afghanistan
Yesterday's Sunday Mirror reported comments made by Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir David Richards in a new book 'War Against the Taliban' by TV reporter Sandy Gall describing Britain's tactics at the start of the war in Afghanistan as 'woeful' and the move into Helmand province in 2006 as 'amateurish'.

The Chief of the Defence Staff and others have said a number of times in the past that in the early years of the campaign, the international community at times lacked a cohesive plan and adequate resources to respond to a resilient and adaptable insurgency.

As previously acknowledged, the development of effective Afghan security and governance capabilities was slow, alongside a lack of investment by the international community. It became clear soon after the UK deployment to Helmand province in 2006 that more resources were required there. 

General Richards has been clear that the situation is now very different, with significant progress having been made, particularly in Helmand where Lashkar Gah is under Afghan control already, and with the transfer of authority in Nad 'Ali following recently. The strategy in Afghanistan is now focused, the international coalition is strong and the Afghan Army and Police are increasingly taking the lead for Afghanistan's security. The mission is on track to succeed ahead of UK forces ending their combat role by the end of 2014.

The Falklands
In an interview in yesterday's Sunday Telegraph former Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Mike Jackson, was quoted as warning that military cuts mean Britain would be unable to retake the Falklands should Argentina mount a new invasion.

Today, Brigadier Bill Aldridge, Commander of British Forces in the Falklands, said: "I am entirely confident that I can do the job that is required of me. Deterring aggression is my top priority but I am fully confident that I have the capability to defend the Islands. I am not expecting to hand the Islands over to anybody and therefore put us in a position where we would have to retake them."

Head of the Army interview
The Daily Telegraph reports on an interview with Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Peter Wall, from the latest edition of Soldier magazine, in which he addressed the concerns of his soldiers and officers. The Telegraph article claims General Wall says cuts in the Army are creating gaps and redundancies are starting to bite.

General Wall said: "Of course this is a difficult time for our people as we sustain operations in Afghanistan whilst restructuring the Army to be sustainable in the future. We seek regular feedback from our soldiers and officers so I can reassure them that their concerns are being taken seriously.

"A lot of work has gone into deciding how and where these reductions should come from across all three Services, changing force structures and reforming the way in which we do business so that we are best prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Only certain trades, specialisms and ranks [known as fields] within the Armed Forces will be considered for redundancy. Armed Forces personnel selected for redundancy are given the opportunity to apply to transfer into areas where gaps may exist."