Podcasts about Defence Forces

Geraldine is back and feeling uncharacteristically pessimistic about the state of the world. So as the Australian government works hard to cement stronger ties in the Indo-Pacific region following China's display of military and political might, Hamish and Geraldine are joined by the Chief of the Australian Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart for a frank conversation about whether Australians need to come to terms with the possibility of a war in our region.  Recommendations:Geraldine Doogue: Address by Former senior Chinese diplomat Madame Fu Ying to the AFR Asia Summit 2025. Once available, it can be found HERE. Hamish Macdonald: ABC 7:30 Monday 8 September - interview with Julie Inman Grant (commences about 9:00 minutes in)+ The News Agents podcast - Nick Clegg: What really happened at Facebook?Get in touch:We'd love to hear from you! Email us at global.roaming@abc.net.auFind all the episodes of Global Roaming now via the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts. 

The New Zealand Army is embracing the race to the latest drone technology. A tri-service team is being sent to the UK for the Military Drone Racing Tournament. It aims to develop the Defence Force's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities as drones become a key part of combat systems. Major Richard Adams, the NZ Army's lead on Uncrewed Aerial Systems, told Mike Hosking that if you look at what's happening in Ukraine at the moment, every six months looks completely different to the last, given the way this technology is changing. He says they're looking to adapt as quickly as possible, so they have the most up to date equipment available to their people. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Bondi Beach clash. *Defence Force concerns. *Machete ambush.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Bondi Beach clash. *Defence Force concerns. *Machete ambush.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Bondi Beach clash. *Defence Force concerns. *Machete ambush.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 years ago this week, the lifeless body of three-year-old Syrian boy Alan Kurdi was pictured washed up on a Greek beach…The picture taken at the peak of the European migrant crisis received headlines around the world.How have things been 10 years on, and how should we reflect on it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Mark Mellett, Chief of Staff of Ireland's Defence Forces from 2015 until 2021 and John Lannon, CEO of Doras.

In the past week, we've seen several noteworthy legislative moves across sectors.  First, the government is seeking to address New Zealand's supermarket duopoly as the cost of groceries for kiwi remains high across the motu.  Economic Minister Nicola Willis announced numerous legislative changes that she hopes will improve supermarket competition in New Zealand. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has also shared some proposed changes to the Alcohol Sale and Supply Act, including limiting barriers to the approval of liquor licenses and making it easier to provide alcohol in special circumstances. Finally, Defence Minister Judith Collins has approved changes that make it easier for the Defence Force to cover the operations of striking workers. 

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Daniel Thomas all about ‘interactions'  For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Host Sara spoke to MP Carl Bates about the government's plans to fix up the supermarket duopoly, changes to the Alcohol Sale and Supply act, and Judith Collins legislation for Defence Force workers For Green Desk, Sara spoke to University of Otago's Dr Thomas Mattern about the Tawaki Project on New Zealand's penguin populations Faith spoke to psychological medicine researcher Dr. Aida Dehkhoda about assisted dying, and how doctors, patients, and their families can be better supported

In the past week, we've seen several noteworthy legislative moves across sectors.  First, the government is seeking to address New Zealand's supermarket duopoly as the cost of groceries for kiwi remains high across the motu.  Economic Minister Nicola Willis announced numerous legislative changes that she hopes will improve supermarket competition in New Zealand. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has also shared some proposed changes to the Alcohol Sale and Supply Act, including limiting barriers to the approval of liquor licenses and making it easier to provide alcohol in special circumstances. Finally, Defence Minister Judith Collins has approved changes that make it easier for the Defence Force to cover the operations of striking workers. 

Police have a balance to manage as they continue the hunt for Marokopa fugitive father Tom Phillips and his three children. Police have released CCTV footage of a retail burglary in the King Country town of Piopio on Wednesday involving two people they believe to be the Marokopa father and one of his children. Lawyer Matthew Hague, who has served in the Police and Defence Force, says Police need to balance bringing this to a conclusion - with the risk of Phillips having weapons. But he told Heather du Plessis-Allan that this doesn't mean Police will be passive. Hague says they'll be working with the community, and using a variety of resources - but they'll be trying to avoid a direction confrontation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UN security council has voted to terminate the UNIFIL peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon. The operation in which Irish peacekeepers have been involved with for decades, will end in 2027. All to discuss with Cathal Berry, Former TD and Former Member of the Defence Forces.

The end of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon will bring an end to nearly 50 years of Irish Defence Force involvement. We're joined by Independent Senator Tom Clonan, who also wore a blue helmet when serving with the Defence Forces in Lebanon.

Rossa Mulcahy, Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General of the Defence Forces was appointed his role on 1st june. taking this position, Lieutenant Mulcahy faces multiple issues. Firstly, Irish peacekeepers must wait to find out the future of the Lebanon peace mission as a un vote will take place later this week. Also, the Defence forces face recruitment and retention issues as personnel numbers continue to fall. Rossa Mulcahy, Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General discuss all with Pat this morning on the show.

State-owned Denel is “standing naked in the US courts” after being sued by a US company for non-delivery of jets. Armscor is “struggling”. The SA defence sector is “in tatters”. The SANDF is “rudderless…and in free fall”. Such is the crisis in the Defence Force that Chris Hattingh, the Democratic Alliance spokesperson on Defence and Military veterans, warns: “We are in a very precarious position and we see what's happening in North Mozambique. We see what's happening in the Mozambique Channel…and we are exposed”. Asked how likely it is that South Africa could face that kind of Islamic insurgency somewhere along its borders, Hattingh says: “Well, that's speculation, but remember that once we become defenseless, we become an easy target. There's a saying that there will always be a capable military on our soil, whether it's our own, it's our own choice.” Hattingh also slams the failure of both the President and the Minister of Defence to act on the SANDF-Iran scandal. “…we have this deafening silence from the Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, the President, on this issue. The President can act, he can act now. It's opportune, but we don't really have a history of the President taking decisions specifically on issues such as that, and certainly not in a hurry.”

On this episode of Peak Pursuits, we sit down with SJ Miller — mother of three, high school teacher, and one of Australia's highest-ranked trail runners. From her breakout in 2014 at Buffalo Stampede to her return to the national team in 2025, SJ shares the highs and lows of racing at the pointy end while juggling work, family, and life on the move as a Defence Force family. We talk through her UTA injury and recovery, the community that has carried her through countless relocations, and the mindset that keeps her grounded in both running and motherhood. Tune in to hear the full story.***Don't forget, use code PPP at Bix's website for 20% off Bix products, exclusive to PPP listeners!***Thanks for tuning in to Peak Pursuits! Connect with us on Instagram @peakpursuits.pod to share your thoughts, questions, and trail stories. Until next time, keep hitting the trails and chasing those peak pursuits!Follow SJ Miller: Instagram | StravaFollow James: Instagram | Strava | WebsiteMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: K08PMQ3RATCE215R

Mark Mellett, former Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, discusses the UNIFIL mission in South Lebanon, as the UN Security Council considers renewing its mandate amid opposition from Israel and the US. Thomas Byrne, Minister of State, Department of Defence, on the possibility of the peacekeeping mission in South Lebanon being ended.

For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party Oto spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March about the government's plan to purchase $2.7 billion worth of US-made aircraft to replace the Defence Force's 757s, The high court case against the disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ora - the Māori Health Authority and The Green party's petition to restore funding to polytechnics. And he spoke with Valerie Morse from Peace Action Wellington for a follow up conversation about the government's plan to purchase almost $3 billion in military aircraft. Max spoke to ChildFund CEO Josie Pagani, to talk about the recent declaration of a famine in Gaza. And he spoke to Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa co-chair John Minto, to talk about the potential vote to suspend Israel from the United Nations, led by Turkey

Last week, Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Minister Winston Peters revealed plans to purchase almost $3 billion worth of US aircraft to replace the Defence Force's ageing 757s. The five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters involved in the purchase, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, would be procured directly through the United States' Foreign Military Sales programme. This week, a legal challenge against the disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority, will be heard in the High Court in Wellington. The case will be argued on the grounds that the government breached the Treaty of Waitangi and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act when making the decision to disestablish the Māori Health Authority. And the Green party recently launched a petition calling on the government to restore adequate funding to Polytechnics and to reverse cuts to vocational education and training. For our weekly catchup with the Green Party, Oto spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March to get the party's take on all of these issues.

The Government has announced a $2.7 billion defence spending boost to upgrade the aircraft fleet. The money will be spent on five Seahawk helicopters and two Airbus aircrafts, to replace the Defence Force's "embarrassing" planes, in Judith Collins' words. It's part of National's pledge to boost defence spending by $9 billion over the next four years, but why now? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has purchased 5 new Seahawk helicopters and 2 Airbus A321 XLRs, costing a total of $2.7billion. These will replace the Defence Force's ageing Sea-sprites and Boeing 757s, that have broken down numerous times. Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour says that it's a much-needed upgrade to NZ's Defence Force. ‘The 757s were bought secondhand, in 1993 when I personally was at primary school.' LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The long-awaited refresh of the Defence Force's ageing aircraft has arrived. The government is buying five new 'Seahawk' maritime helicopters to replace its eight 'Seasprites'. It will also buy two new airbuses to replace the 32-year-old 757s that have broken down around the world in recent years, sometimes stranding the Prime Minister.

A $2.7 billion defence spend could help to boost recruitment to the forces. The Government's investing in new aircrafts, including two new Airbus A321 planes, in a lease-to-buy plan. Five Seahawk helicopters are also being bought. Air Force Chief Darryn Webb told Mike Hosking this will be appealing to potential new recruits. He says morale lifts when they have new equipment, and they're always able to get the most out them. Webb says the investment will benefit the forces well into the future – saying we always get more out of our assets compared to most countries, and predicts the aircraft will have around a 30-year service life. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world watched Trump and Zelenskyy's meeting yesterday, the topic of security guarantees for Ukraine emerged. But, what exactly was said, and what role will our Defence Forces have after the war?Joining Kieran to discuss is Shona Murray, European Correspondent for Euro News and Tom Clonan, Independent Senator and Security Analyst.Image: Reuters

Two Clare women will represent Ireland at one of the world's biggest military rugby tournaments next week. Former Ennis Fire Brigade member and current Clare County Council employee, Lieutenant Norah Murphy from Kilkishen, and Gunner Patricia Coote from Inagh have both been selected for the Irish Defence Forces women's team competing in the International Defence Rugby Competition in the UK. The tournament will bring together elite military teams from across the globe, with fixtures at venues including the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst and the championship final at Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester. Ireland took on Zambia on August 17th, and will take on the UK on August 21st, and Tonga on August 25th. To tell us more about the competition and their selection, Alan morrissey was joined by Norah Murphy, Irish Defence Forces women's team and Patricia Coote, Irish Defence Forces women's team. PHOTO CREDIT: defence_forces_rugby via Instagram

Today marks eighty years since VJ Day - Victory over Japan Day - when Japan surrendered and World War Two ended. Post-war, twelve thousand New Zealand troops went to Japan to 'de-militarise' the country. To commemorate the anniversary, Nga Taonga Sound and Vision is sharing some 200 historical audio recordings of New Zealanders who served in Japan as part of "J-Force". Sound Historian Sarah Johnston has been working with these recordings and shares some of them with Emile.

A soldier with links to far right groups and who is accused of spying will face a court martial hearing next week - a first-of-its-kind prosecution that's for now shrouded in secrecy. The Linton-based soldier's name is suppressed and so is the foreign country at the centre of the espionage case. RNZ is opposing these orders and a suppression hearing is set to take place on Monday morning, before the court martial begins. Courts martial are in many ways similar to jury trials in civilian courts. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Due to budget constraints, the Government failed to pay members of the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) last year due to greater-than-expected recruitment.Recruitment to the Reserves has increased in the number of years, with demand set to increase.What is the role of the reserves, and how important is it to invest in them?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Declan Power, Security Analyst and Declan Ganley, Businessman and Entrepreneur.

In this bulletin, the Prime Minister is reportedly seeking a call with Benjamin Netanyahu after weekend protests in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia's Defence Force grows for the first time in over four years. And in Formula One, Lando Norris beats Oscar Piastri by less than a second to win the Hungarian Grand Prix.

*Defence Force dramas. *Divorce rates fall. *Landlords v Tenants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Defence Force dramas. *Divorce rates fall. *Landlords v Tenants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Defence Force dramas. *Divorce rates fall. *Landlords v Tenants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oliver Barbour chats about 45 years in the Defence Forces and 'psychological first aid'

There has been an overwhelming rise in the sum of sanctioned Russian ships, known as shadow fleet vessels, sailing through Irish-controlled waters. The alarming trend has caused the Defence Forces and Department of Transport to escalate monitoring of these vessels as they pass Ireland. With more on this Pat spoke to Cathal Berry, Former TD and Former Member of the Defence Forces.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The seizure of the MV Matthew, with its massive consignment of drugs, off the Irish coast in September 2023 was as daring as it was skilful.After days of a cat and mouse chase in challenging weather between the Naval Service and the Matthew, members of the elite Army Ranger Wing descended from a helicopter on to the deck of the cargo ship. The crew were arrested and the drugs found.Operation Piano – which brought Revenue, the Garda and the Defence Forces together – resulted in Ireland's largest ever drugs seizure, worth €156 million.While the operation was an undoubted success, a showcase of ability, power and intent, it also highlighted how ill-equipped the Defence Forces are.Only one ship was available for the operation, and only one helicopter. So many things could have gone wrong.Eight men have been jailed over the drugs seizure, their significant sentences a signal from the Irish courts that anyone involved in such international drug smuggling will be treated severely.Irish Times crime and security correspondent Conor Gallagher describes how the Matthew was intercepted and seized.Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*Life saving app. *Defence Force job cuts. *Worrying signs for AUKUS deal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Life saving app. *Defence Force job cuts. *Worrying signs for AUKUS deal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*Life saving app. *Defence Force job cuts. *Worrying signs for AUKUS deal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many will remember a powerful 2013 video of the then Australian army chief David Morrison ripping into soldiers who denigrated women, saying there was no place for them in the military. But today, after another set of allegations of rape in the ADF have been revealed, we wonder if anything has really changed. Today, investigative reporter Nick McKenzie - who broke the story for our mastheads and 60 minutes.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many will remember a powerful 2013 video of the then Australian army chief David Morrison ripping into soldiers who denigrated women, saying there was no place for them in the military. But today, after another set of allegations of rape in the ADF have been revealed, we wonder if anything has really changed. Today, investigative reporter Nick McKenzie - who broke the story for our mastheads and 60 minutes.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, 8 men were jailed for their roles in trying to smuggle 2.2 tonnes of cocaine, worth over €157m, the largest cocaine seizure in Irish history. The drugs were seized following a joint garda, customs & Defence Forces operation. For more Marie Gleeson, Former Irish Navy Ships Captain & Cormac O' Keefe, Security Correspondent, Irish Examiner.

In today's episode, the union representing midwives says Wellington Hospital cutting beds from its gynaecology and maternity wards in a trial aimed at making more room for patients from the overcrowded Emergency Department is a bad move, Health NZ says gynaecology has 12 "resourced" (staffed) beds, with capacity to flex to 14, and 26 resourced maternity beds, with the ability to flex to 37 beds (11 unresourced) in response, the Finance Minister says several thousand more families will benefit from the changes to FamilyBoost, monitoring potential dangers, such as intruders or eavesdroppers, is the focus of the country's new space squadron, and it has been a huge weekend of music in the United Kingdom - with Black Sabbath performing a farewell show in Birmingham, and Oasis back on stage together to kick off their high-anticipated reunion tour in Cardiff in Wales.

Monitoring potential dangers, such as intruders or eavesdroppers, is the focus of the country's new space squadron. Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

An investigation by the Auditor-General has found Defence Force staff accepted gifts and hospitality from commercial suppliers, potentially undermining the integrity of those contracts. David Lemmon, who headed the Auditor-General's investigation spoke to Corin Dann.

In today's episode, the Government announces it will introduce new penalties for those who hurl coward punches, to reflect the gravity of their crime. The weight-loss injection Wegovy, that has the same active ingredient as Ozempic, hits shelves in New Zealand. The Auditor-General reprimands the Defence Force for accepting gifts and hospitality from commercial suppliers. Billionaire entrepreneur Anna Mowbray and her former-All Black husband Ali Williams, have been given permission to build a helipad at their 24 million dollar luxury Auckland waterfront home. And New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox is lending his support to the campaign to save the Takapuna Golf Course on Auckland's North Shore.

LGBT people face widespread discrimination in sexually conservative Myanmar but are playing important roles at many levels in the struggle to oust the regime. They include People's Defence Force commander, fashion designer in exile, woman trade union activist who was sexually abused in custody, and a community organiser, who speak of their experiences.

A Defence Force Hercules leaves Auckland on Monday bound for an undisclosed location in case it can help New Zealanders stranded in Iran and Israel.