BFBS Radio - Factual & Documentaries

Analysis and expert commentary on the Integrated Review - described as the biggest Review of Defence and Security policy since the Cold War -with former CDS Lord Richards, Professor Michael Clarke, Bronwen Maddox, Director of the Institute for Government and chair of the For Affairs Comm Tom Tugendhat. Also, flexible working in the armed forces with MOD's Helen Helliwell and Royal Marines on night exercises.

Charlie Fife talks to the military community in The Falkland Islands about what lockdown has been like in one of the most isolated places in the world. Adam Powney talks to a veteran who got kids out in the fresh air this summer, by making sure the annual Hells Fells adventure training festival went ahead. Louise from Little Troopers talks to army wife Lianne and her teenage daughter Mai about how they tackled home-schooling during lockdown. Louise Briggs from the RAF Families Federation explains how difficult missing school has been for some forces families. And Jess Bracey talks to SAS: Who Dares Wins star Jay Morton. Team Talk is presented by Charlie Fife and Jill Misson and is a TBI Media production for BFBS with support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

Charlie Fife talks to the military community in The Falkland Islands about what lockdown has been like in one of the most isolated places in the world. Adam Powney talks to a veteran who got kids out in the fresh air this summer, by making sure the annual Hells Fells adventure training festival went ahead. Louise from Little Troopers talks to army wife Lianne and her teenage daughter Mai about how they tackled home-schooling during lockdown. Louise Briggs from the RAF Families Federation explains how difficult missing school has been for some forces families. And Jess Bracey talks to SAS: Who Dares Wins star Jay Morton. Team Talk is presented by Charlie Fife and Jill Misson and is a TBI Media production for BFBS with support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

What could be the future shape of UK Defence after funding settlement? Sitrep focuses on future Defence priorities and funding with the Armed Forces Minister James Heappey, Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey, the former Chief of the Defence Staff, Lord Richards and Professor Michael Clarke from RUSI . Plus Hannah King reports on how 'gun bubbles' are helping troops train for a deployment to Estonia.

How are forces charities helping people with mental health issues during the coronavirus pandemic? Jill Misson's been finding out and hears from one serviceman who got help. 11 year old Imogen tells Amy Casey about winning a Pride of Britain Lockdown Award for her Keepie Uppie Challenge. Louise from Little Troopers talks to Edd, a military spouse from a same-sex couple about life behind the wire during lockdown. Sergeant Alastair Smith-Weston is from the Army LGBT+ Network and explains the support it can offer. And Chris Keen talks to TV presenter Chris Kamara about how he got through lockdown. Team Talk is presented by Charlie Fife and Jill Misson and is a TBI Media production for BFBS with support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

Defence Spending; Afghanistan drawdown; Hurricane aid. Defence is to get a four year funding deal - what should the new money be spent on and how will it reshape UK Defence policy? President Trump orders more US troops out of Afghanistan - but what does that mean for the fragile peace process? And how RFA Argus is supporting Hurricane relief efforts

Jill Misson explores the many ways in which military spouses have been getting through the pandemic, together. Amy Casey talks to army veteran Douglas Morgan about how he lifted morale in his local community by volunteering as a gardener at a care home. Louise Fetigan from Little Troopers talks to Jayne who shares the heartache of getting through her husband's extended deployment during lockdown. Alison Baverstock from Reading Force tells Jill about the extra work the charity has been doing for forces families. And Jess Bracey talks to the Queen of military cooking Beca Lyne-Perkis about her lockdown bakes. Team Talk is presented by Charlie Fife and Jill Misson and is a TBI Media production for BFBS with support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

US and NATO; Falklands mine clearing; Space and Defence What is the future for US-NATO relations under a Joe Biden Presidency? The mission to rid the Falklands of landmines nearly 40 years after the conflict And we look at the role for defence in Space.

Amy Casey has some amazing stories from the Coronavirus front line. Thousands of British troops deployed as part of Op Rescript in support of the NHS. Many of them found themselves doing extraordinary things. Amy talks to some of them including the soldier who delivered a baby. Chris Keen tells us about the Lockdown Victory of getting the performing arts online for “Army at the Virtual Fringe”. Louise Fetigan from Little Troopers talks to Gill, a female soldier, mum and army wife who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer but went on to compete at The Invictus Games. We hear from David Wiseman from The Invictus Games Foundation about the opportunities available to ex-servicemen and women online, after the 2020 games were postponed. And Adam Powney speaks to Katherine Jenkins about how she took her concerts online during lockdown. Team Talk is presented by Charlie Fife and Jill Misson and is a TBI Media production for BFBS with support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

Covid military response; US Election; Remembrance Sunday The armed forces helping to carry out rapid coronavirus testing in the government's first mass pilot... What are the future defence, foreign and security challenges for the winner of the Presidential election in the US? And how different will Remembrance Sunday be this year due to the Covid pandemic?

Covid military response; US Election; Remembrance Sunday The armed forces helping to carry out rapid coronavirus testing in the government's first mass pilot... What are the future defence, foreign and security challenges for the winner of the Presidential election in the US? And how different will Remembrance Sunday be this year due to the Covid pandemic?

What's life been like for Gurkha soldiers and their families during the pandemic? Binod Khadka from BFBS Gurkha Radio brings us stories from Brunei, the UK and Nepal. Adam Powney talks to Cadet Ben Hall who spent lockdown by building and then sleeping in an Anderson shelter in his garden to raise money for his local Air Ambulance Service. Louise Fetigan from Little Troopers talks to forces teenager Megan about the difficulties of family life in the RAF and starting a podcast during lockdown. Jill talks to Jenna Richardson the employment and training specialist at the Army Families Federation about help for forces school-leavers planning their next steps. Chris Keen talks to actress Laura Aikman from Bluestone 42 about her life in lockdown. Team Talk is presented by Charlie Fife and Jill Misson and is a TBI Media production with support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for BFBS.

As part of Black History Month Akylah Rodriguez talks to serving soldiers about their experiences. It's quite a personal exploration. Akylah's parents, who are from Jamaica, both joined the army in the 1970s.

As part of Black History Month Akylah Rodriguez has been finding out about the experience of black people serving in the British Army. Here she explores what it's like to be a minority within a minority. Black and female.

As part of Black History Month, Akylah Rodriguez has been finding out about the experience of black Commonwealth soldiers. Akylah's parents, who are from Jamaica, both joined the army in the 1970s but here she explains how her family connection to the British Forces goes all the way back to the Second World War.

As part of Black History Month Akylah Rodriguez has been talking to serving soldiers about their experiences. Here she looks at representation across the ranks, in particular, the number of black officers.

Akylah Rodriguez has been talking to serving soldiers about their experiences as part of Black History Month. Here she's finding out how the Army is trying to improve diversity.

Akylah Rodriguez has been talking to serving soldiers about their experiences as part of Black History Month. Here she's finding out how the Army is trying to improve diversity.

In less than a week, the United States chooses its next President. In this week's Sitrep, we get the latest on the race for military votes, and ask what four more years of Donald Trump, or a new start under Joe Biden, would mean for the UK, and for Nato. In the week special forces raided an oil tanker in trouble off the Isle of Wight, we ask whether the military could dragged into the ongoing Channel migrant and refugee crisis. We'll find out how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted Gurkha recruitment, and hear from a former head of GCHQ who says we could all learn a lot by thinking the way spies do. Plus the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, tells us about his own relationship with the military, and why he thinks MPs should spend time with the forces learning how they work.

Employment anxiety. Many people have lost their jobs during the Coronavirus pandemic but if you're a former member of the armed forces and have job worries, can you re-join the services? Nicky Smith speaks to Squadron Leader Gordon Ferguson who has re-joined the RAF after going on furlough from his civilian job at Heathrow Airport. Flight Lieutenant Chris Thornton from RAF Cranwell explains how it's done. Chris Keen talks to military spouse Emma Henderson who founded Project Wingman, a way of supporting NHS workers during the crisis. In Family Time Louise from Little Troopers talks to army wife Emma about her experience giving birth during the pandemic and Jill talks to Katy McGarry from Mum Born Every Minute. Former Royal Marine and actor Cassidy Little talks about his lockdown experience. Team Talk is presented by Charlie Fife and Jill Misson and is a TBI Media production for BFBS with support from The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

Integrated Review; Drone technology; GCHQ history. The future of the Integrated Security and Defence Review. Why is NATO planning to open a new Space Centre ? How will Drone technology change combat? And what impact did GCHQ have in the Falklands War?

Army Recruitment; North Korean missiles; Submarine Hunters How has Army recruitment been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic? Sitrep speaks to the Assistant Director, Army Recruiting. What lies behind North Korea's decision to showcase its latest missile? The RAF has welcomed the arrival of the first of the P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft to its permanent home at RAF Lossiemouth. And the campaign to honour Caribbean armed forces personnel with a new monument at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Russian armed forces; Women in Royal Navy; Gurkha training A new report from the IISS think tank says the Russian armed forces are significantly smaller than their Soviet predecessors, but better equipped with more professional personnel. We mark thirty years since women were first deployed operationally at sea with the Royal Navy. And why the Gurkhas are doing ‘wet gap crossing' training in Northumberland.

Integrated Operating Concept; HMS Queen Elizabeth; NHS & military The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter, has set out the 'Integrated Operating Concept' this week. It's been described as the most significant shift in military thinking in generations. What is it and what impact could it have on the armed forces in the future? The new carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is to join a major NATO exercise from this weekend. We hear from a former Naval commander on its capabilities. What's the best way to improve NHS services for serving armed forces families and veterans?

Former National Security Adviser on Chemical and Bioweapons. Lord Sedwill, the former National Security Adviser and Cabinet Secretary who stepped down this month, talks exclusively to Sitrep about chemical and biological weapons, the changing nature of threats and the Integrated Defence and Security Review. Why a new Institute has been set up to study air and space power issues in defence and security and - out mortar training with the Duke of Lancaster's regiment.

NATO on future extreme threats; Battle of Britain NATO's Assistant Secretary-General for Defence Investment talks exclusively to Sitrep about possible long-term extreme threats to the UK and other NATO members. And remembering the Battle of Britain 80 years on - we hear about the letters written by a Pilot Officer about the battle to his wife in France.

Cyber security; US troops; British Army in Germany Where are the Cyber threats to the UK coming from? The former head of the National Cyber Security Centre, Ciaran Martin, on Russia, China and the impact of Covid 19. More than two thousand US troops are to leave Iraq but is it the right time to drawdown forces? We speak to the Chair of the Commons Defence Committee Tobias Ellwood. More than a million British soldiers have lived and served in Germany over the past 75 years. A new exhibition at the National Army Museum examines this unique deployment .

Novichok Poisoning; Gurkha recruitment; Tensions in Eastern Med How will the international community react to Germany's claims of a Novichok poisoning in Russia? What's behind the recent tensions between Greece and Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean? Sitrep looks at how the Gurkhas are changing their recruitment process. We join the Royal Marines on training exercises. And how some of Britain's rarest reptiles are thriving in a military fuel site.

Defence Review; Mali deployment; Sennelager training We look at the options facing the government as part of the Integrated Review of foreign policy, defence and security. Lord Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff, tells us that the government must find more money for defence We ask what will be the impact of the recent coup in the West African state of Mali on plans to send 250 British troops there as part of a UN mission? Sitrep reports on how German soldiers are using the British run Sennelager training area to prepare for a mission in Afghanistan next year. And we hear how the last surviving landing craft from D-Day has finally reached its new home.

As protests continue in Belarus, this week's Sitrep looks at the wider implications. In the United States, the race for the White House is hotting up, with Joe Biden setting out his pitch to American voters. A former head of GCHQ joins us to discuss the idea of “principled spying” — is it even possible? Plus we report from Biggin Hill airfield, 80 years after it played a key role in the “hardest day” of the Battle of Britain.

75 years on - what's the legacy of VJ day? How should the government review the UK's security and defence needs? We hear what military personnel are doing to help after the devastating explosion in Beirut. Why did the script of the film 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' cause concern in the War Office?

Covid 19 and food supplies; Gurkha training; Balaclava medals. The Government offers aid and support from military personnel after the massive explosion in Beirut. What impact is the Covid 19 pandemic having on food supplies around the world? And a special report on training with the UK Gurkha Company.

US plans to withdraw 12 thousand troops from Germany. What will be the impact on NATO? What is the role of Artificial Intelligence in future combat air systems? And the end of the daily tot of Navy rum…50 years ago this week.

Russia Report; Commando Helicopter Force; Staying in the military. What should be done to counter cyber threats from Russia? A new report says there needs to be more investment in military personnel and their families to keep them in the armed forces. We report on Exercise Merlin Storm with Commando Helicopter Force.

Servicemen and women have been playing a key role in the UK's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. At the height of the crisis, 20,000 military personnel were on standby as part of the Covid Support Force (CSF). Thousands were deployed each day as part of Operation Rescript to support the civil authorities and the NHS. Their work has been formally recognised by the Prime Minister. A group of servicemen and women who've made an outstanding contribution to Op Rescript joined a Zoom call with Boris Johnson who expressed his thanks. Listen to the servicemen and women who got to speak to the PM talk about their experiences. Presented by Amy Casey

HMS Queen Elizabeth; Yemen appeal; Potsdam conference. Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham on the future deployment of aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. The Red Cross tells Sitrep how the conflict in Yemen is having a devastating impact on the treatment of those affected by COVID-19. We report from Germany on the 75th anniversary of the Potsdam Conference that shaped the future of post-war Europe.

Servicemen and women have been playing a key role in the UK's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. At the height of the crisis, 20,000 military personnel were on standby as part of the Covid Support Force (CSF). Thousands were deployed each day as part of Operation Rescript to support the civil authorities and the NHS. Here, servicemen tell BFBS about their experience and how it's been different to their previous deployments. Presented by Amy Casey with Jess Bracey and Rachel Cochrane.

Louise from Little Troopers talks to Sian who explains how she coped when her Royal Navy husband set sail the day after their wedding. Sara Scott, a trustee from the Military Wives Choir, explains why the choirs are about so much more than just singing. We celebrate a Little Victory with Mano in Brunei who cycled 500 km in South Korea to raise money for SSAFA. And there's more from soldier and magician Lance Corporal Richard Jones who talks about his work with the military charity Scotty's Little Soldiers. Team Talk is presented by Charlie Fife and Jill Misson and is a TBI Media production for BFBS.

The Chief of the Defence staff on the future shape of the armed forces. Why have so many countries become involved in the conflict in Libya? A day in the life of military personnel working on coronavirus Mobile Testing units. What will the Government do about Huawei and 5G? The significance of the Battle of Britain in the Second World War.

Servicemen and women have been playing a key role in the UK's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. At the height of the crisis, 20,000 military personnel were on standby as part of the Covid Support Force (CSF). Thousands were deployed on Operation Rescript each day to support the civil authorities and the NHS. Here, some of the personnel involved talk about their experience of the working with the civilian population. BFBS spoke to those who have been staffing mobile testing units, supporting ambulance services, delivering PPE and helping patients. Presented by Amy Casey with Hal Stewart and Jess Bracey

Louise from Little Troopers talks to Ceri about growing up as a child in the forces to becoming a military wife. Chris Leahy, a senior social work practitioner from British Forces Cyprus, talks about how to prepare your children for an overseas posting. We celebrate a Little Victory with Delilah who copes brilliantly while her dad is deployed on his submarine. And there's more from WO1 Glenn Haughton OBE, who talks about negative social media and how it's affected his mental health. Team Talk is presented by Charlie Fife and Jill Misson and is a TBI Media production for BFBS.

On this week's Sitrep, as Afghanistan deals with the spread of Coronavirus, a British Army officer tells the programme what precautions are being taken on their deployment in the country. A new National Security Adviser has been appointed but what will be the impact of the change at the top of Whitehall? Professor Michael Clarke unpicks the changes. And searching for the right words to find fitting inscriptions for military graves. We speak to Peter Francis from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Servicemen and women have been playing a key role in the UK's response to the Covid-19 pandemic. At the height of the crisis, 20,000 military personnel were on standby as part of the Covid Support Force (CSF). Thousands were deployed each day to support the civil authorities and the NHS. Here, some of the two thousand reservists who volunteered for mobilisation tell BFBS about their experiences. Presented by Amy Casey with Mark McKenzie and Hal Stewart.

Louise from Little Troopers talks to Verity about becoming a military spouse and adapting to forces life. Chris Leahy, a senior social work practitioner from British Forces Cyprus, explains how to maintain a happy relationship and why counselling might be useful for some couples. We celebrate a Little Victory with Izzy who developed a very rare inflammatory disease just months before starting secondary school. And there's more from Mark “Billy” Billingham from SAS: Who Dares Wins. This time he talks about how BFBS kept his morale up as a young soldier in Belize. Team Talk is presented by Charlie Fife and Jill Misson and is a TBI Media production for BFBS.

In Armed Forces week, the military's response to Covid 19; Russia's security services under the spotlight; What was it like to be one of the RAF's first female fast jet pilots; And our ambassador to Washington enlists the help of the Army, the Navy and the RAF in making the perfect cup of tea!

Louise from Little Troopers talks to Claire about becoming a military spouse and the challenges of forces life when a parent and child have additional health or support needs. WO2 Gill Charlton from the Army Welfare service and the Armed Forces CANDID Network talks about the help available for those with life changing or life limiting conditions, impairments or disabilities. Key worker children at Episkopi Early Years talk about their time in school during the Coronavirus pandemic. And WO1 Glenn Haughton OBE recalls his early experiences as a teenager in the army. Team Talk is presented by Charlie Fife and Jill Misson and is a TBI Media production for BFBS.

Tributes are paid to the 'Forces' Sweetheart' Dame Vera Lynn who's died at the age of 103. The Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee tells Sitrep of his deep concern over the fatal clashes at the border between China and India. And why a new research project has been launched to see how veterans are managing during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Louise from Little Troopers talks to Steve and Becky. Steve is serving in the army but was diagnosed with a brain tumour shortly before the couple got married. WO2 Gill Charlton from the Armed Forces CANDID Network talks about the support available for those diagnosed with serious illness while serving. We celebrate a “Little Victory” with 10 year old Marley who makes new friends through sport and music. And Mark “Billy” Billingham from SAS: Who Dares Wins speaks about his experience as a young soldier in The Parachute Regiment. Team Talk is presented by Charlie Fife and Jill Misson and is a TBI Media production for BFBS.

Competitive sport in the armed forces came to halt in March 2020 due to the COVID 19 pandemic. So, when will we see it return? Jon Knighton hosts a virtual round-table discussion with those in charge of sport in the forces. In this podcast you'll hear from SO1 Navy Sport, Commander Steve Shaw, the Army Sport Control Board's Chief of Staff, Colonel Paul Leighton, Deputy Director of RAF Sport Rich Fogden and Secretary of the UK Armed Forces Sports Board Colonel Bede Grossmith. They talk about the impact of coronavirus on forces competitors and their plans for the way forward.

Men and women who are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and trans-gender talk about their experiences while serving in the UK armed forces. Some decided to keep their sexuality hidden, while others have come out. Some talk about how they were forced to give up the job they loved because they were found out. This programme was originally broadcast in February 2019, for LGBTQ History Month.

One of the Army's most senior officers has told BFBS Sitrep why he wrote an open letter about tackling racism, following the protests over the death of George Floyd. We also speak to a former US permanent representative to NATO about a warning this week from the organisation's head about the growing economic and military power of China. And in the week he celebrates his 99th birthday, we hear about Prince Philip's war time experiences - including witnessing Japan's surrender.