Heading for exit – but what will Afghanistan look like after 2014?

What  can the international community  do about North Korea's nuclear tests?

How Mali and Algeria can learn from the democratic progress made in Somalia

And the TA on TV - but will the recruitment drive work?

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

Michael Evans, the Pentagon correspondent from The Times looking at withdrawing troops from Afghanistan

Andrea Berger from RUSI on North Korea and arms control

Author James Fergusson discussing Mali and Somalia

British Forces News reporter James Hirst discussing Argentina’s Foreign Minister’s visit.

British Forces News reporter Charlotte Cross on the TA

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

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How long will French troops stay in Mali; and could Tunisia see more unrest?

What’s behind the MoD’s announcement on international soft defence?

Why the Argentine minister refused to meet the representatives from the Falklands Islands

And why the Forces Snow championships in Meribel are key to good morale

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

Dr Berny Sebi from Birmingham University looking at the French military involvement in Mali.

Professor Michael Stathis from Southern Utah University discussing the use of drones.

British Forces News reporter Will Inglis speaking to Lt Gen Adrian Bradshaw, Commander Land Forces and Afghanistan’s chief of the General Staff, General Sher Mohammed  Karimi

British Forces News reporter James Hirst discussing Argentina’s Foreign Minister’s visit.

British Forces News reporter Jon Knighton from Mirabel.

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

The Secretary of State for Defence Phillip Hammond speaks to Kate Gerbeau on Sitrep and discusses the British deployment to Mali and today's news about defence spending......

Also this week: how do you stop extremism – is education the answer rather than conflict?

And find out why the Defence Select Committee want to hear your views on the provision of Service children’s education

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

The Secretary of State for Defence Phil Hammond discussing Mali, defence cuts and Syria

Lt Gen Jonathan Riley on the British Forces mission to Mali

President of the Quilliam Foundation Noman Benotman on extremism

The Chair of the Defence Select Committee James Arbuthnot on Service children’s education

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

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Should more troops should go to Mali and why North Africa is now a global concern?

What shape will the Army be in after the latest round of redundancies?  And can the Reserves plug the hole?

Who are the new names at the top of the military command?

How should the centenary of the First World War be commemorated?

And how does the Prime Minister’s Europe speech affect the Armed Forces?

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee & Major General Julian Thompson

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

Forces News reporter Charlotte Cross with a report from Mali

The Shadow Secretary of State for Defence Jim Murphy discussing Mali, defence cuts and women on the front line

WW1 Centenary commemorations with Professor Sir Hew Strachan (pro: STRAWN) and Major Sir Michael Parker – organiser of many Royal Tournaments and military events.

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

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Is the Hostage crisis in Algeria retaliation against the French intervention in Mali or something else?
 
Why Russia’s top general tells Nato that Afghanistan pull out spells disaster
 
Are forces children getting a good deal when it comes to their education?
 
And what prompts A-listers like David Beckham and Ray Winstone to visit injured troops in hospital?
PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS:
Analytst Jon Marks on Algeria
BBC Mark Doyle in Mali
Headteacher Su Scrimshaw telling us what it’s like to run a school where the majority of students are from Forces’ families.
Sir Bob Russell from the Commons Defence Select Committee discussing Service children’s education
Forces News reporter Claire Sadler talking to actor Ray Winstone
 
You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

Will America keep its commitment to Afghanistan post 2014

And what difference will the new faces in the US Administration make to the transition?

What can we do to increase our cyber security awareness?

Why there’s an increasing worry that Syria will use chemical weapons

And how do you stop the violence and demonstrations in Northern Ireland…..

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee & Dr Martin Macauley from University College London

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

Professor Michael Stathis, political scientist from Southern Utah University

Forces Radio reporterTim Cooper on the National Audit Office Report, speaking to Phillip Hammond

Forces Radio reporter Rosie Laydon on Cyber Security interviewing Major General Jonathan former head of cyber-security at the MoD.

Northern Ireland analyst Chris Ryder on Belfast.

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

This week there’s more pressure from Argentina over its claims to the Falklands Islands

Why America thinks Europe should pay for its own defence and security including Afghanistan.

There’s a warning over military intervention in Syria & the consequences of drone strikes in Yemen.

And there’s concerns over the future capabilities of the Royal Navy.

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee & Professor Paul Rogers, from the Dept of Peace Studies at Bradford University.

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

Jonathan Foreman from Civitas Institute discussing moving the international aid budget to the armed forces.

Professor Sir Paul Newton on Syria 

Iona Craig, the Times Yemen correspondent, on drone strikes in Yemen

Steve Bush editor of British Warships And Auxiliaries 2013/14

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

This week Sitrep looks back at events that have shaped 2012  & Britain’s Armed Forces
 
From transition in Afghanistan to civil war in Syria
 
A year that remembered the Falkland's conflict & saw trouble returning to the streets of Belfast
 
It was a summer of celebration and ceremony for the military, but what’s in store for 2013?
 
Listen to this week’s Sitrep and find out…
 
You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.
 PRESENTER:  Kate GerbeauSTUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee and Major General Julian Thompson
 
OTHER Contributors:
 
BFBS Reporters Tim Cooper in Cyprus, Rob Olver in Germany and Steve Britton in Brunei.

The Chancellor’s Autumn statement – what does it mean for  Defence?

Find out how much progress has been made with the military covenant one year on

The new Deputy Commander of ISAF speaks about his hopes for the Afghan people.

Was this week’s NATO meeting Hilary Clinton’s farewell as US Foreign Secretary?

And, could the new US Ambassador be wearing Prada…….

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS: 

BFBS Reporter James Hirst on the Autumn Statement and James Blitz – the security and defence editor of the Financial Times

Catherine Spencer, Chief Exec of the Army Families Federation on the military covenant & the hardships facing US Army wives .

The Deputy Commander of ISAF Lt General Nick Parker

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

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What’s the state of Britain’s military justice system?
 
Find out what concerns Nato's Secretary General has for Afghanistan and his hopes for a smooth transition.
 
Who are the M23 & why we should be concerned
 
And, the search for Burma’s missing spitfires

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee
 
 
You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

A ceasefire’s been declared but what’s next in the long quest for peace between Gaza and Israel?

Find out why the British Army in Kenya have been building a new base

And why former Cypriot dissidents might sue the British Army

Plus...  the story behind Portsmouth’s new Book shop and Naval art gallery

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

The Chief of Defence Staff warns ministers not to expect too much from a cut-down military. 

A Royal Navy Submariner admits attempting to pass secrets to the Russians. Professor Eric Grove explains the dark history of spying submariners.

Britain calls for restraint in Gaza - what could be the consequences of this latest outbreak of violence?

Geoff Meade reports from Exercise Albanian Lion.

And after the Petraeus scandal, we look at America's relationship with it's generals.

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau 

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee and Professor Michael Clarke from his studio at the Royal United Services Institute.

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

The Government's plans to attract more reservists to the Army
 
What’s the global reaction to President Obama’s election victory? Find out which countries wish he hadn’t won and why
 
Should we trade arms with the Middle East?
 
And why the CIA are funding social media in Cuba
 PRESENTER:  PAUL OSBOURNE
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee
 
 
You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

With one week to go until America elects its President who has the best foreign and defence policy

And why the Middle East will be foremost in the next President’s mind

Why getting inside a terrorists mind could help us counter the terrorism threat

Find out about the campaign to protect the graves of Victoria Cross heroes

And British Forces say goodbye to the last Military hospital in Cyprus

PRESENTER:  JAMES HIRST

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

Interviews:

Dr Michael Stathis  , from Southern Utah University on the US Elections.

Roger Griffin on his new book ‘the

British Forces News’ reporter Tim Cooper reporting on the closing of the last military hospital

Ben Harris from the think-tank The Bow Group on protecting the graves of the Victoria Cross recipients.

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

Why British troops could be involved in Mali, Africa (pro: Mar-lee)

Who’s leading the race to become America’s next President?

The logistics of withdrawal from Afghanistan, what  plans are being drawn up for the eventual exit?

Plus.... the forgotten voices of the Second World War who still have so much to say………

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

Stephen O’Brien, David Cameron’s special advisor on Mali.

British Forces News’ reporter James Hirst reporting from the States on the forthcoming Presidential elections

Major General Julian Thompson discussing logistics of withdrawing from Afghanistan & his new book, Forgotten Voices ‘Desert Victory’. 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP Oct 18th 

Gen Mike Jackson tell Sitrep what he thinks about the ‘generals for hire’ scandal

The Scottish National Party finally reveal their plans for an independent Scottish defence policy

Why the Fusiliers are marching to Parliament today

And should Commonwealth soldiers be given the right to stay in the UK when they leave the

Services…….

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

Interviews:

General Mike Jackson discussing the lobbying generals

SNP defence spokesman Angus Robertson on Scottish defence plans

The Chief Executive of Veterans Aid, Dr Hugh Millroy

British Forces News reporter Charlotte Cross with the marching Fusiliers.

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

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What’s behind the collapse of the defence merger between BAE & EADS?
 
Why the Foreign Secretary William Hague remains committed to the combat mission in Afghanistan
 
And why a new report casts doubt over Afghanistan’s future post 2014
 
What the Tory Party have had to say about defence in this week’s Party Conference
 
And the story of the former Para who nearly became a Taliban recruit.
 
 PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee
 
Interviews:
James Blitz, Defence and Diplomatic Correspondent from the Financial Times
British Forces News reporter James Hirst speaking to William Hague, and reporting from the Conservative Party Conference
Paul Quinn Judge of the International Crisis Group on Afghanistan.
Alexander Khan, author of ‘Orphan of Islam’.
 
 
 
You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

As tensions rise between Syria & Turkey what are the implications of this latest development

Are NATO troops heading for an earlier than expected exit from Afghanistan?

Find out what Labour has on its agenda for defence

And ….the Navy’s aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth won’t be ready for at least 8 years, so why has it already got its own crew

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP September 27th

World leaders converge in New York for the UN General Assembly, but what's the true value of the United Nations?

Water cannons are fired during a three way wrangle over islands in the far East, but what does it say about China's military plans?

What do the Lib Democrats think about Defence?

And find out the significance of the parades  through the streets of Belfast this weekend.....

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee and Dr Martin MacCauley the international affairs analyst  from University College London  Martin Macauley

INTERVIEWS:

Steve Britton BFBS’s man in Brunei on China

British Forces News’ reporter James Hirst on the Lib Dem conference

Northern Ireland  analyst Chris Ryder on the marches in Northern Ireland.

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.