BFBS Radio Sitrep

This week, Sitrep finds out how three Generals are preparing for the future and Army 2020?

Could Syria have biological weapons and what impact could that have on the Geneva talks?

The State of the Union – what are President Obama’s plans for 2014?

Plus: a security warning to Britain’s Olympic athletes as they prepare for Sochi

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

BFBS Reporter, James Hirst, discussing the interviews with:

General Officer Commanding 1 Div, Major General James Chiswell

GOC Germany – John Henderson

Major General Nick Pope

weapons consultant and former commanding officer of the UK's joint chemical Biological radiological nuclear regiment Hamish De Bretton Gordon, on Syria

The BBC’s Diplomatic Correspondent Bridget Kendall, who has been following the Syrian talks in Geneva

Gena Turgel speaking to BFBS reporter Laura Hawkins about her time in various concentration camps, in the week the world remembers the Holocaust./

The final round of armed forces redundancies have been announced…so what shape does this leave our Army in?
 
The long road to peace in Syria – has the journey begun?
 
Why the EU wants to send troops to the Central African Republic
 
And ‘Row to Recovery’ -  how four British soldiers completed the gruelling three thousand mile row across the Atlantic.
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
BFBS Reporter James Hirst on redundancies
Professor Rosemary Hollis, Professor of Middle East Policy Studies and Director of the Olive Tree Scholarship Programme at City University.
 
BFBS  reporter Cath Brazier

Is Robert Gates right to criticize Britain’s defence capabilities?

What’s going on behind the scenes in Syria and will the West have to talk to Assad?

And….who’s odds on favourite to take over the Chair of the Commons Defence Committee?

Plus,  deathbed remorse from the inventor of the AK – 47  - but who else lived to regret their invention?

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

The Times’  Correspondent Michael Evans – talking about Robert Gates’ comments on Britain’s defence capabilities

Sir Andrew Green, former ambassador to Syria

BBC’s political correspondent, Rob Watson on the Defence Committee

Dr Paul Rogers, from the Department for Peace Studies at Bradford University discussing the AK47

Find out about the book that's causing a stir in The White House & why President Obama's coming under fire over Afghanistan - from one of his own statesmen.

What’s behind the escalation of violence in Iraq? 

Does the Armed Forces Covenant actually work?  

And why Putin's mobilizing his troops ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee  

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

Simon Marks, chief correspondent of Feature Story News discussing Robert Gates’ memoirs & increasing violence in Iraq

Chair  of the House of Commons Defence Committee

James Arbuthnot discussing the Armed Forces Covenant

BBC’s diplomatic correspondent, Bridget Kendall talking about the forthcoming winter Olympics in Russia

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum) 

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website

Sitrep looks back on 2013 & looks ahead to the big issues next year.

Will the MoD ever manage to sort out its procurement problem ?
 
French Forces are in the Central African Republic, but are they making a difference?
 
What are Putin’s plans for the Arctic?
 
And why a US military command centre is tracking Santa’s worldwide flight.
 
 
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
BFBS reporter James Hirst on the MoD and  procurement.
 
A report from BFBS’s Ali Gibson who went to Lashkar Gah Durai, the furthest outpost in Task Force Helmand with ‘A’ Company from 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment in their warrior armoured vehicles
 
Paul Melly from Chatham House looking at the situation in the Central Africa Republics.
 
Sylvain Biville from ‘The Elders’  group discussing Nelson Mandela.
 
An interview with Stacey Knott, the co-ordinator for ‘NORAD Tracks Santa’ – how the US military track Santa for children worldwide!
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
Sky Channel 0211
Alternatively listen again on the website

Was it the right decision to name the Royal Marine convicted for murdering a Taliban fighter?

NATO puts pressure on President Karzai sign a new security agreement for Afghanistan.

What does the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement mean for the military?

Find out the latest from the crisis in the Central African Republic

And………. when will we see a female Chief of Defence Staff?

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS:

Documentary maker and journalist Chris Terrill, discussing the naming of Marine A

Lieutenant General John Lorimer, the Deputy Commander of ISAF, talking to BFBS reporter Ali Gibson

BBC Africa Correspondent Andrew Harding

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211
Alternatively listen again on the website

What Scottish independence would mean for defence

The significance of the Iranian nuclear deal

Could gamers be the key to the UK’s Cyber Defence?

How British forces have helped Mali get back on its feet

And should soldiers protect cultural heritage in conflict zones?

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS:

Dr Phillips O'Brien from Glasgow University on Scottish independence.

BFBS Reporter Will Inglis on Cyber threats.

BFBS Reporter James Hirst reports from the capital of Mali, Bamako.

Major Hugo Clarke on UK Blue Shield
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Alternatively listen again on the website

How should Britain decide to go to war?

The UK reviews it’s Navy options in Gibraltar.

What’s the significance of the bomb outside the Iranian embassy in Beirut?

And how do toys shape opinions of war?

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS:

James de Waal, from Chatham House on changes to the decision process that took Britiain to war in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Conservative MP Bob Neill discussing the dispute between Gibraltar and Spain

Child’s play expert Dr Tara Woodyer from Portsmouth University
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Alternatively listen again on the website

In Sitrep this week…….

Details of the humanitarian aid British Forces are giving to the Philippines

What next for the UN's talks with Iran over its nuclear plans?

How much money did this year’s Poppy appeal raise?

And soldier first, Olympian second – Heather Stanning talks about life in Camp Bastion.

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

The RBL’s 'Head of Fundraising’ - Charles Byrne 

Captain Heather Stanning talking to our reporter Tim Cooper.

Mark Hibbs is a Senior Associate on the Nuclear Policy Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and joins us from Germany…

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Alternatively listen again on the website

Why Britain’s Intelligence Chiefs have gone public.
 
What’s the future for  British ship building?
 
Nato gets Jazzy in Eastern Europe.
 
And remembering the fallen - the Royal British Legion’s Head of Remembrance shares her thoughts.
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS:  Will Inglis speaks to  First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Jonathon Band in Portsmouth about the Bae job losses.
 
Dr Phillips O'Brien, history lecturer at Glasgow University on the future of British ship building
 
Rob Olver  with Nato’s Exercise Steadfast Jazz in Poland.
 The RBL’s 'Head of Remembrance' - Helen Hill .
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
Alternatively listen again on the website

A new warning over PTSD…are young and disadvantaged soldiers at greater risk?

As violence escalates in Iraq, could the  problems have been avoided.

A special report from Bahrain on Exercise Omar.

And…how remembrance is being marked by people of all faiths…and none.

PRESENTER: Clare Sadler

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

A report on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, by  BFBS reporter Rosie Laydon

Jake Wood ,former TA soldier who diagnosed with chronic PTSD.

His book “Among You” is about to be published in paperback

Colonel Richard Kemp ,former Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan , discussed the situation in Iraq

BFBS Reporter Laura Hawkins reporting  form Exercise OMAR

BFBS Reporter Kaija Larke reporting on how people of all different faiths, or none at all, will be marking this year’s remembrance day.

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Alternatively listen again on the website

NATO defence ministers have met in Brussels as a new phase begins in Afghanistan..
 
As the so-called Sandhurst in the Sand opens for business Sitrep looks in detail at what makes British military training so special….
 
Why the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is the envy of the world and how African Union troops in Somalia have benefited from British military training.
 
Plus:With piracy being  given the Hollywood treatment in the latest Tom Hanks’ blockbuster– hear how the EU Naval Force are winning the real fight off the African coast
 
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 BFBS reporter Rosie Laydon interviews the Defence Secretary Philip Hammond at a meeting of defence ministers in Brussels.

 
BFBS reporter Ali Gibson at the official opening of the Afghan National Army Officer Academy
 
Colonel Roy Parkinson from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
 
Former commander of IMATT, Colonel Jamie Martin.

by Rear Admiral Bob Tarrant, Operation Commander of the European Union Naval Force Somalia and Commander UK Maritime Forces.
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
Alternatively listen again on the website
 

Transition continues in Afghanistan but the fighting goes on.
 
Why there’s a call to postpone more cuts to the army.
 
A preview of the NATO defence ministers meeting, 
 
And retirement plans for HMS Illustrious:, how will she end up: museum, hotel or razor blades?
 
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst Christopher Lee
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
 
Colonel Stuart Tootal who commanded 3 Para discussing Afghanistan.
 
Hugh Milroy,Chief Executive of the charity Veterans Aid, talking about the cuts to the Army and recruitment issues.
 
Bill Ferris, Chief Executive of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, who preserve the destroyer ‘Cavalier’ as a tourist attraction.
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
Alternatively listen again on the website

What’s behind the kidnapping of Libya’s prime minister?

How the growing terror threat is challenging the UK’s intelligence services

President Karzai’s criticises NATO’s performance in Afghanistan and there’s a warning from The Taliban in Pakistan.

Who are the new faces in defence in the Government and opposition party?

And the campaign to keep British soldiers clean, fit and healthy.

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

Former Ambassador to Libya, Oliver Miles.

BFBS reporter Tim Cooper from Camp Bastion.

BFBS reporter James Hirst reporting on MI5’s Andrew Parker’s speech 

The BBC’s Rob Watson looking at the new faces in Defence

 BFBS reporter Will Inglis reporting from Germany on keeping soldiers fit.

How Britain’s footprint in Afghanistan is getting smaller.

Are reservists at greater risk of PTSD than regular troops?

How high on the agenda was defence at the Tory Party Conference/

And we hear from Jeremy Paxman about his new book “Great Britain’s Great War”

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

BFBS reporter Tim Cooper speaking to Lieutenant Colonel Jon Swift, CO first Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in Afghanistan.

The Defence Secretary Philip Hammond speaking to BFBS reporter James Hirst

BFBS reporter Kaija Larke reporting on Combat Stress

BBC Newsnight's Jeremy Paxman discussing his new  book "Great Britain's Great War".

In Sitrep this week, terror in Nairobi.  Who’s behind it and could it happen in Britain?

Is Iran coming in from the cold?

Why Labour insists it wants to be the political party of the armed forces.

And a warning to soldiers to beware of taking gym supplements which could lead to the end of their army career…

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

The BBC’s Mark Doyle, from Kismayo inside Al Shabab territory

BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee on what Al Quaida might have planned for America.

Patrick Smith, Editor in Chief of Africa Confidential discussing Kenya

BFBS Reporter  James Hirst reporting from the Labour Party conference & talking to Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy

BFBS Reporter  Will Inglis special report on banned substances that soldiers may have unknowingly taken

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Alternatively listen again on the website

President Assad of Syria says he will destroy his chemical weapons – but will the Americans have to pay for it?
 
What can America expect from Al Qaida
 
And what does the future hold for Afghan women?
 
Find out what the Liberal Democrats have been saying about defence
 
Will Germany drawdown lead to a shortage of school places for Forces’ children?
 
And  find out why Tunnocks Teacakes were banned by the RAF in the 1960s.
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST:  Professor Michael Clarke, Director General of the Royal United Services Institute for defence and security studies.
 
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
Clare Lockhart director of the Institute for State Effectiveness, discussing the plight of Afghan woman.
 
BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee on what Al Quaida might have planned for America.
 
BFBS Reporter James Hirst on the Liberal Democrat party conference that took place in Glasgow this week
 
BFBS Reporter  Ali Gibson speaking to Lieutenant General Andrew Gregory, Chief of Defence Personnel on the New Employment Model,
 
Catherine Spencer, Chief Executive of the Army Families Federation, commenting on fears that Forces families will face a lack of school places in Wiltshire, when they return to the UK from Germany.
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
Alternatively listen again on the website
 

The reaction to President Putin’s direct appeal to the American people about Syria.
 
What are the practicalities of removing Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile?
 
Why are the Afghan National Army suffering such big losses in Sangin?
 
What’s the future for defence procurement?
 
And,what was life like for the women working at Churchill’s School for Spies?
 
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee  & Professor Eric Grove, Professor of Naval History and Senior Fellow in Security Studies at Liverpool Hope University
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
Chris Abbott, a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Specialist, discussing Syria's chemical weapons.
 
BFBS reporter Geoff Meade reporting from Camp Bastion
 
BFBS reporter Will Inglis  Defence Equipment Minister Philip Dunne about the defence industry
 
BFBS reporter Claire Sadler interviews Noreen Riols author of “The Secret Ministry of A G and Fish”
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
Alternatively listen again on the website
 

Can the international community agree on a plan of action for Syria?
 
What will be the long-term impact of the growing humanitarian crisis?
 
There’s increased military activity in the Mediterranean, but what does it mean for Cyprus?
 
Find out about the young Winston Churchill’s early battle experience in Afghanistan.
 
And ….discover a place where computers can still take a backseat to old-fashioned maps
 
PRESENTER: Claire Sadler
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee  & Daily Telegraph’s Defence Editor Con Coughlin
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
BFBS reporter Carla Prater from Akrotiri , Cyprus
 
BFBS reporter Will Inglis investigating war games
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
Alternatively listen again on the website