British Military Current Events

[daftandbarmy]

If I had a quid for every legitimate claim I submitted 'back in the day' that was disallowed for some uber-trivial reason... I think Monty Python based the movie 'Brazil' on the MoD's travel claim system.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Coroner's anger over decision to send platoon through river which killed teenage soldier

Private Andrew James Borkertas was swept to his death in Risedale Beck, near Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire
A coroner has slammed the fateful decision that led to a platoon of young army  recruits crossing a raging torrent of water resulting in the shocking death of  a young private.
Andrew Borkertas, 17, had been with the army for six months and was  nearing the end of his training when his platoon was asked to cross a flooded  beck during a gruelling eight-mile march.
But today Mr Borkertas's family criticised the  'flawed and ill-considered' crossing.
The beck, near the army base at  Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, was normally a harmless trickle - but huge rainfall had transformed it  into a lethal hazard and in atrocious weather as many as 11 recruits were swept off their feet attempting to cross.
Some managed to scramble out and others were rescued by colleagues -  but Borkertas, described as one of the 'weaker' recruits, drowned in the murky  water as one boy lost his grip on him.
Acting Sergeant Jason Dudley was in charge of the boys due to the illness of a  more senior commander, and led them on a punishing two-hour trek with each carrying 50 llbs of equipment.
But an inquest heard how he was usually based in the gym and was totally  unprepared for the potential danger posed by the beck, which was not even  covered by any risk assessments.
The hearing also heard how the commanders of two other platoons who had earlier  crossed successfully by linking arms had failed to contact Sgt Dudley to warn  him - and he judged it was safe to cross despite two emergency vehicles  deciding it was too dangerous to drive through.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1089030/Coroners-anger-decision-send-platoon-river-killed-teenage-soldier.html

 

[CougarKing]

I don't suppose that Argentina - who actually laid the mines - have offered to help?

Or are we happy to keep them away?

UK Misses Falklands Mine Deadline

Britain will not clear the Falklands of landmines by next year despite signing an international treaty to do so.

The government will ask more than one hundred other countries which ratified the treaty for another 10 more years.

Campaigners say the move this week could damage the UK's international reputation and set a bad example that other nations may try to follow.

The Foreign Office said the remoteness of the Falklands and its varied terrain made the clearance very difficult.

Angus Crawford reports.

There are thought be about 20,000 unexploded landmines on the Falkland Islands planted by Argentine forces in 1982.

Barbed wire

Mike Summers is spokesman for the Islands Legislative Council. The nearest mines are just a five-minute drive away from his office in the capital Stanley.

"You see beautiful sand hills... surrounded with barbed wire with all sorts of mine signs on, saying it's very dangerous," he said.

But surprisingly, despite living with them for the last 25 years, he says the population is not calling for them to be cleared.

"We're rather agnostic about this."


He explains that no civilians have been injured and that with the mined areas covering 0.1% of potential farming land, no-one has any need to venture near them.
"Clearing the mines here is neither an economic nor a serious social issue," says Mr Summers.

"If the money they were thinking of spending here could be better spent in one of those areas where children are still getting their legs blown off… we would be more than happy with that."

But in 1997 the UK signed the Ottawa convention banning landmines which also imposed a duty to clear the weapons.

Dunes to mountains

Britain was given until March next year, but has now said this is not possible.

The Foreign Office said the sheer range of terrain - from dunes to mountains, rock screes and pastures - requires a wide range of techniques that are expensive and time consuming.

Added to this, is the sheer distance of the Falkland Islands from the UK.

At 7,000 miles (11,265 km) sea freight takes four to six weeks' travel time from Britain.

So, under article five of the treaty, Britain is asking the other signatories to give it another 10 years, and this week more than 100 countries meet again in Geneva and will have to consider the request.


Prince Mired Bin Raad Al-Hussein was president of the last meeting of the countries which signed the treaty. He is also chairman of the group looking at the UK's plan and has voiced concerns over the request.
He said: "It's been quite a difficult issue for us."

He was educated in Britain and is quick to praise its de-mining work around the world, but he is worried that this could set a bad precedent.

"Other countries then might say, 'Since the UK has not de-mined the Falklands, we want to do the same'."

In reality it is unlikely that the signatory countries will refuse the UK's request.

'Fragile treaty'

The fear is that in the future the UK will be less able to demand other countries fulfil their obligations.

There is also a concern that if the UK's request is granted but with reservations it could show up weaknesses within the treaty.

This second possibility is what concerns Seb Taylor, chief executive of the non-governmental organisation Landmine Action.

He said: "The worst-case scenario is that it is passed with a number of abstentions. It will show the fragility of these kinds of treaties."

"I think it reflects badly on the UK as one of the leading state signatories," he added.

Unnecessary depletion

Mr Taylor points out that the British government gives £10m a year to clearance operations around the world and has a good reputation when it comes to arms control.

"It seems to be me this would be depleted unnecessarily."

The Foreign Office stresses that clearing the Falklands will be costly, difficult and possibly damaging to the environment and it points out that 14 other countries are also applying for more time.

A spokesman said: "The UK is fully compliant with all other aspects of the Convention, which sends a positive message to all other... parties."

That leaves Mike Summers and his fellow islanders stuck in the middle of a problem they didn't create.

"The UK government does have this obligation; the fact they can't deliver is I guess regrettable," he concedes.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7742661.stm
 

 

[Kirkhill]

And the Islanders themselves don't seem particularly bothered........


The Beeb looking for a story.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Prison staff drove 40 miles to buy £3,500 worth of takeaway curries for Muslim inmates

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 2:45 PM on 24th November 2008

Muslim prisoners at a maximum security jail were treated to £3,500 of takeaway curries to mark a religious festival.
Some 200 inmates at Whitemoor prison near March in Cambridgeshire had meals worth around £18 each after complaining about the quality of jail food.
Staff, who also tucked into the meals, drove 40 miles to pick them up from a takeaway in Peterborough.
The meals were bought at the end of October this year to celebrate Eid, a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.
Main dishes included lamb rogan josh and beef madras.
A former non-Muslim inmate said: 'They tried to do the curries in-house but the prison chefs couldn't meet the budget of £1.80 per prisoner - and the Muslim inmates complained that it tasted rubbish.
'The smell of it wafting was torture for the rest of us.'
A Prison Service investigation is to now look at the 'unacceptably' high costs of the meals.
It is also likely to look into reports that standard security checks to ensure weapons or contraband were not being smuggled in with the dishes were not carried out in case the meals got cold.
The prison houses 458 of the most dangerous men in the country, including one third who are Muslim. Among them are al-Qa'eda terrorists.
Stewart Jackson, Tory MP for Peterborough, said yesterday: 'It is an absolute disgrace that this happened. Decent, law-abiding taxpayers will be appalled that their taxes are going on this.
'The Government, and particularly the Ministry of Justice, needs to get a grip on penal policy.'
Mark Wallace, of the TaxPayers' Alliance said: 'This is totally outrageous.
'This is meant to be a prison, not a luxury hotel. If they don't like prison food then don't commit the crime.'
HMP Whitemoor opened in 1992 and two years later was at the centre of a scandal after six prisoners, including five IRA members, escaped from the Special Secure Unit after smuggling guns into the prison.
In recent years its Muslim population has swelled as security services have begun investigating terrorist plots. It now has the highest proportion of Muslim inmates of any jail in the country.
In August, documents revealed emergency plans had been drawn up amid fears a prison officer could be taken hostage and beheaded by Muslim fanatics following mounting racial tension.
There was uproar last week when it emerged a convicted al-Qa'eda terrorist who planned a 'dirty bomb' attack in London had taken part in comedy workshops in the prison.
Zia Ul Haq, 29, who was sentenced to 18 years for his part in the failed plot, joined 17 other inmates on the eight-day course.
It was only halted when details reached Justice Secretary Jack Straw who branded the scheme 'totally unacceptable'.
Whitemoor governor Steve Rodford was unavailable to comment.
A Prison Service spokeswoman said: 'Such high costs for food are not acceptable and an investigation is under way.
'While the Prison Service respects and is required to facilitate religious and cultural festivals, and

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1088883/Prison-staff-drove-40-miles-buy-3-500-worth-takeaway-curries-Muslim-inmates.html

 

[cameron]

I don't suppose that Argentina - who actually laid the mines - have offered to help?

Or are we happy to keep them away?

I was thinking along the same lines, if the Argentines planted them, why isn't the onus on them to remove them?

 

[geo]

£3,500 in takeaway curries for Some 200 inmates + staff = £17.5 perperson = > 35$

not bad as far as it goes.... but this is feeding convicted felons - shouldn't have exceeded 3.50$ IMHO

 

[The Bread Guy]

BZ

A Royal Marine rugby-tackles suicide bomber
Ben Farmer, military-world.net, 25 Nov 08
Article link

The 40-year-old from Devon, who asked not to be named, wrestled the bomber to the ground after spotting him reach for a detonator switch on the motorcycle's petrol tank.

The 20-year-old insurgent had managed to wheel his explosive-laden vehicle close to 130 British and Afghan Army troops when he attempted to blow himself up.

His motorcycle's panniers were packed with enough explosive to have caused devastation over an estimated 200-yard area.

The bomber's first device misfired, but the popping sound of the detonator alerted the marine in time to spot him reaching for another switch connected by a bundle of wires to the saddlebags.

The marine from L Company 42 Commando grappled the bomber to the ground away from the device while comrades rushed to help....

More on link

 

[PMedMoe]

A Royal Marine rugby-tackles suicide bomber
Ben Farmer, military-world.net, 25 Nov 08
Article link

The 40-year-old from Devon, who asked not to be named, wrestled the bomber to the ground after spotting him reach for a detonator switch on the motorcycle's petrol tank.

Awesome, and modest, too! 

 

[geo]

Rugby players make their foes eat dirt!!!
Hua....BZ

 

[daftandbarmy]

42 Cdo eh? I bet that he liberated the guy's wallet and watch as well...

 

[daftandbarmy]

Lesbian soldier pestered for sex by her male boss wins 'obscene' £200,000 payout

By Michael Seamark
Last updated at 11:10 AM on 27th November 2008

Lesbian Kerry Fletcher claims she has 'been through hell' after a male colleague pestered her for sex

A lesbian soldier last night celebrated winning almost £200,000 compensation after being subjected to a lewd campaign of sexual harassment by a male sergeant.
Lance Bombardier Kerry Fletcher was pestered for sex by her boss  -  identified for the first time yesterday as Staff Sergeant Ian Brown  -  who sent her a text saying: 'Look, I might be able to convert you.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1089685/Lesbian-soldier-pestered-sex-male-boss-wins-obscene-200-000-payout.html

 

[daftandbarmy]

A TOP secret RAF spy plane that can spot a man on the ground through cloud from seven miles up has joined the fight against the Taliban.

The Sentinel R1 — crammed with sophisticated radar — is the most advanced surveillance aircraft in the world.
High-definition images are beamed to troops’ monitors on the ground, meaning they can see over the far side of hills, compounds and towns to check for enemy fighters. The pictures they receive are moving and in real time.
The capability will also prove a vital new weapon in the hunt for al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders.
The planes’ high altitude and long range mean their sensors can look into deep valleys where insurgents often go undetected.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/our_boys/article1989052.ece

 

[geo]

D&B.... admit it, you were scaning the Sun for the page 3 beauties....
and you were in luck... they had 5 of them in Helman for a morale visit

 

[daftandbarmy]

3D terrain analysis always interests me (especially if it concerns size 44D!)  ;D

 

[daftandbarmy]

Armed Forces enjoy recruitment surge thanks to the credit crunch
Britain's Armed Forces are enjoying a recruitment boom thanks to the credit crunch, with the promise of job security spurring hundreds more young people to sign up.

By Simon Johnson
Last Updated: 2:50PM GMT 30 Nov 2008

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has published figures showing a 14.5 per cent increase year-on-year in the numbers volunteering for active service in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
An extra 2,190 recruits are expected to pass through the doors of Britain's training barracks in 2008-9 compared to the previous 12 months.
The number entering their initial training is at its highest point since June 2004 and there has also been a 9.1 per cent increase (1,790) in the number of recruits who have been trained up.
In addition, the number of personnel leaving the Armed Forces has fallen 3.5 per cent over the same period and is at its lowest since the year ending June 2005.
More than 3,000 serving men and women are taking advantage of incentive schemes designed to encourage them to stay on. Britain's Armed Forces are now running at 96.8 per cent of its full-time trained strength requirement.
The sudden surge is also being seen in the United States, where new recruits are being told they will have to wait five weeks before entering boot camp because of swelling numbers signing up.
A MoD spokesman said: "No one has ever been made redundant in the armed forces. The retention figures are particularly strong at present.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/financialcrisis/3536738/Armed-forces-enjoy-recruitment-surge-thanks-to-the-credit-crunch.html

 

[geo]

Retention is the ticket..... You can recruit all you want - if you can't hold on to the new troops & the old(er) troops are cashing in at 20 or 25 yrs of service, you've got a problem.

Hopefuly, the CF will benefit from the present civy job (in)security while troops stay in.

The recruitment surge we've seen over the past couple of years needs time for troops to complete their training & get them into the right spots.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Weapons technician killed in Afghanistan to receive top award for courage
Michael Smith, Sunday Times, 7 Dec 08
Article link

AN army weapons technician who died after rescuing a paratrooper blown up by a landmine is to receive a top award for courage.

Cpl Jay Barnes, 25, from Exeter, was an armourer attached to 2 Battalion, The Parachute Regiment and was supposed to remain back at the forward operating base at Kajaki.

But when news came through that L/Cpl Tom Neathway had been blown up by a mine, Barnes insisted on driving the ambulance on to the frontline to rescue him.

Neathway, a 25-year-old sniper, was part of a force sent out to prevent the Taliban from firing mortars and rockets at their base, near the strategically important Kajaki Dam.

The force came under a hail of Taliban fire during the late afternoon of July 22 and as Neathway sought cover behind some rocks he trod on the pressure plate of a landmine.

Neathway, who subsequently lost both legs and one arm, had to be got out of the line of fire so he could be evacuated back to the army’s frontline hospital at Camp Bastion.

Barnes managed to get to Neathway and get him in the ambulance under heavy Taliban fire and then ensured that he was put safely onto the ambulance and evacuated.

But as he drove the ambulance back to base it was blown up by a roadside bomb, he received medical treatment at the scene but died within a few minutes of the explosion.

Lt-Col Joe O’Sullivan, 2 Para commanding officer, said Barnes “died helping others when he could have taken an easier path, and in doing so demonstrated commitment and bloody-minded determination.”

Paratroopers meeting the Prince of Wales last week suggested Barnes might even get the George Cross, the highest civilian award for bravery, because he was not himself taking part in the fighting.

But a senior officer played down the suggestion he would receive a civilian award since the main element of the courage he showed was that his action took place while under Taliban fire.

“Military personnel can get the George Cross, and there have been a number of examples in Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said. “But that only happens if the enemy isn’t involved.

“Barnes was under heavy Taliban fire so I would expect him to get a top military award. But that is a decision for the honours and awards committee"....

More on link

 

[daftandbarmy]

Well done that man. Humbling...

I learned to curb my disdain for the 'loggies' after seeing some excellent people in action - when they didn't technically have to be there. Cooks, drivers, storemen... men and women, I've seen 'em all at one time or another digging out in harm's way. I even had a company clerk and the Padre's assistant as part of my Coy HQ brick at one point and would calss them as 'very good' operators on the ground. Anyways, they sure set the example I needed to make sure that my skills weren't slacking...

 

[daftandbarmy]

Unfortunately, he's the only one I know who wears the red beret without having passed P Company. At least 'Steady Eddie' attempted the Commando Course, and failed.

Prince Charles to open 'living Paras' museum
Prince Charles will open a state-of-the-art museum for the Paras on Monday and unveil a unique digital archive which will track the record of every soldier who has served with airborne forces since World War II.

By Sean Rayment, Defence Correspondent
Last Updated: 7:25PM GMT 06 Dec 2008
The £4 million complex based at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, in Cambridgeshire, will give visitors a vision of military life from Arnhem to Afghanistan and include an online database detailing all who have served with the red berets.
Planners have spent years designing the museum, which will include a host of exhibits that tell the story of soldiers who go to war from the air and have played a major role in every operational conflict since they were created.
Called ParaData, the system has taken several years to collate and will eventually include the names and details of thousands of airborne soldiers, including Prince Charles, the Colonel in Chief of the Paras, who will see his own details he opens the facility.
ParaData will include historical accounts from men who took part in the Bruneval raid, when paratroopers dropped into occupied France to capture key parts of a radar station, as well as events at Suez, Aden, Sierra Leone, the Balkans and Iraq.
Among those who paid the ultimate price for the regiment was Paratrooper Robert Edward John, who was just 16 years old when he died in Normandy with the 6th Airborne Division. He had lied about his age and joined the Army as a 14-year-old.
On being appointed Colonel-in-Chief of The Parachute Regiment in April 1977, a few months before he turned 30, the Prince volunteered to undergo parachute training. He joined paratroopers for several weeks of basic ground training and then carried out a series of eight jumps from a Hercules wearing a PX4 parachute from a height of 800 feet, jumping on to Weston-on-the-Green in Oxfordshire.
In an interview with Jonathan Dimbleby 15 years later he commented that he could not "look them in the eye" or wear The Parachute Regiment's famous beret and wings badge unless he had done the course.
The Prince, who keeps in close contact with the Paras and is widely admired by its soldiers, said in the interview: "I felt I should lead from the front or at least be able to do some of the things that one expects others to do for the country."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/onthefrontline/3569938/Prince-Charles-to-open-living-Paras-museum.html