News and features

5 RIFLES help develop relations in Helmand

Troops working in Helmand have helped Afghan elders and local government officials meet for the first time

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News in brief 

Captain Ian JohnsonWolverhampton Army Director of Music goes back to school

An Army band leader returned to the Wolverhampton music school that was the springboard for his military career.

Captain Ian Johnson, Director of Music with the Band of the Adjutant General’s Corps (AGC), led a concert on Friday evening, following daytime workshops for about 40 pupils of the school in Graiseley Hill.

It was Bushbury-born Captain Johnson’s last event with the AGC before taking up his next posting with the Light Cavalry Band and he said it was a fitting send-off to return to the roots which so inspired him.

He said: "As a young musician, I played in my school band at St Peter’s Collegiate School, as well as Wolverhampton Brass Band and The Concert Band at the Wolverhampton Music School.

"I have very fond memories of my time playing in these bands, particularly as one of them is responsible for introducing me to my future wife, Tracey. We married 30 years after first meeting at the Wolverhampton Music School.

"One of my proudest moments was performing, with the concert band in the 1985 Schools Proms."

Evolution of armoured vehicles

Armoured vehicles can be the difference between life or death for service personnel on the roads in Afghanistan. Since 2009 vehicles have improved. British Forces News looks at what has changed and speaks to a soldier whose vehicle recently hit an IED.

40 Regt RA lower flag for last time

At Thiepval Barracks in Northern Ireland 40 Regiment Royal Artillery, The Lowland Gunners, have marked the end of their 65 years of service to the crown. The regiment has been put into 'suspended animation' but troops hope to find homes with other units.

Army nurses train medics in Africa

British Army nurse Major Lynda Rickets, of QARANC, as a member of IMATT, has been helping soldiers in Sierra Leone prepare for operations in Somalia next year.

Ten years in Afghanistan

This MOD video shows footage compiled over the last ten years, and tells the history of operations in Afghanistan, explaining why we are there, what progress has been made, and how we are preparing to hand over control to the Afghans in 2015.

Brits and Afghans remember together

During the one day interlude between Armistice and Remembrance Sunday, Afghan and British soldiers set aside differences in nationality, creed, and language in a moment of common respect for those who have laid down their lives in search of peace.

Remembering sacrifice in Nad e-Ali

As soldiers attend the Armistice Day Service at FOB Shawqat, Nad e-Ali, 2Lt Ian Thornton, of 1PWRR, remembers his brother Lt John Thornton of 40 Commando, who died in 2008 in Kajaki. ISAF is currently preparing to hand over security to the Afghans.

Soldier hails progress on patrol

Security in Nad e-Ali has markedly improved. Pte Chris Allport, of 1 YORKS, feels he could don his sports kit and run through the villages around his patrol base without fear of attack. His unit has had virtually no contact since arriving in September.

Sierra Leone troops remember fallen

At a ceremony in Sierra Leone the International Military Assistance Team (IMATT) remembered the fallen. On Armistice Day, the gathering paid tribute to British troops who gave their lives helping Sierra Leone recover from one of Africa’s bloodiest wars.

Lynx Mk9 Alpha makes its mark

661 Squadron of 1 Army Air Corps are currently in Helmand on a four-month tour. So far, they have spent their time with the newest Lynx helicopter, the Mark 9 Alpha. They have been escorting Chinooks and Merlins and assisting the troops on the ground.

Afghanistan campaign is on track

Britain's campaign in Afghanistan is on track to achieve its aims by 2014. Brig Ed Davis, commander 3 Commando Brigade, which has just returned from a six-month tour, said central Helmand had seen a 45% drop in insurgent attacks. BFBS News reports

Herrick 15 begins in Afghanistan

Operation Herrick 15 officially begins with 20th Armoured Brigade taking command of Task Force Helmand. In a ceremony at Lashkar Gah the Commanding Officer of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines hands control to 20th Armoured Brigade's Commanding Offiicer.

Military Cross hero recalls events

Scotsman Sergeant Glen Gardiner, of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, talks about events in Afghanistan, when he tried to save a critically injured Afghan soldier's life, that earned him a Military Cross. Army News Team reports...

Sergeant talks of Helmand heroics

Sergeant Peter Keogh, of A Company 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, is to receive the Military Cross after he led a patrol which completely overran seven enemy positions in a single afternoon. Army News Team reports...

Sappers receive Herrick 14 medals

Troops of Bergen-Hohne Garrison were the first in British Forces Germany to receive their Herrick 14 medals on Tuesday. 7th Armoured Brigade troops are in the process of returning home after six months on the front line. British Forces News reports...

Canine twist to Crossbar Challenge

Troops in Camp Bastion have come up with a twist on the Crossbar Challenge. Members of the Counter IED Taskforce have added an angry dog to the mix. Participants must hit the ball off the crossbar before the dog pounces. British Forces News reports...

Deployment life for families

For those left behind whilst their partner goes away to Afghanistan it can be a tough few months. In the first of a special series, British Forces News has caught up with four wives based in Germany whose husbands are deploying as part of Op Herrick 15.

Unmanned aircraft for UK skies?

Unmanned aircraft are already in use to help firefighters and monitor natural disasters, and could be used to help police fight crime. It would give expensive military equipment a second life, once its operational duties end. British Forces News reports.

New badge for IED search teams

The dangerous work of IED search teams is being recognised with the creation of a Search Badge. The badge, emblazoned with the word ‘search’, has a design of an eye and flame, to represent the nature of the work. British Forces News reports...

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Army Photographer Sgt Tom Robinson RLC (right) and Capt Johanna Timmerann (center) interviewing Capt Ciaron Dyer (left) during a IED clearence patrol.