right calibre: The NEW GLOCK 17 PISTOL DefenceFocus Royal Navy | Army | Royal Air | Ministry of Defence | issue #267 FEBRUARY/13

pull-out poster p16 health for dummies

getting In ship shape The Royal Navy’s new basic fitness test p13 combatbarbie NANAVIGATORVIGATOR

Repatriation: when the worst has happened P8 P14 fit for purpose Ian Carr on the Royal Navy’s new fitness test P16 P16 physical jerks Regulars Blow away the winter blues with our keep fit poster p5 In memoriam Tributes to the fallen P20 wildcat The first Wildcat attack helicopter takes P18 verbatim to the skies Meet minister Philip Dunne who is delivering MOD’s equipment plan P22 glock and load UK will have a new weapon to draw P20 P28 my medals on as the Glock replaces the Browning W01 Ashok Chauhan looks back on his 35-year Army career P24 Debt: don’t do it Programme of financial awareness to P31 Come drive with me make personnel more financially-savvy Win a drive in a super car and be the envy of your family and friends

Features

P8 dignity and respect Bringing home the fallen, the work of the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre

P10 compassionate visit When you suddenly need to come home, P22 who are you going to call? The JCCC

FEBRUARY 2013 | ISSUE 267 | 3 EDITOR’SNOTE

But remember, people in our profession DefenceFocus FIONA SIMPSON don’t have that great a reputation for healthy living – so it’s probably wise not to For everyone in defence It’s a familiar get your hopes up too much! Published by the Ministry of Defence tale; at the start Our own Doctor Nick gives you some Level 1 Zone C of the new year tips on keeping going with your fitness MOD, Main Building we all make resolutions on page 26. Whitehall London SW1A 2HB some wide- It’s also a case of new year, new kit, General enquiries: 020 721 8 1320 ranging and as we take a look at some of the latest well-intentioned equipment to come out for the Services, EDITOR: Fiona Simpson Tel: 020 7218 3949 commitments. including the new Glock 17 pistol and the email: [email protected] Get fit. Stop or inaugural flight of the Royal Navy’s first

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Ian Carr start something Wildcat attack helicopter. Tel: 020 7218 2825 that is either There’s also an interview with Philip email: [email protected] bad or good Dunne, Minister for Defence Equipment, ASSISTANT EDITOR: Tristan Kelly for us. Do more Support and Technology who reflects on Tel: 020 7218 4252 or less of something. Or generally his first few months at the department email: [email protected] become a more fabulous and well- and looks forward to the issues affecting ASSISTANT EDITOR: Leigh Hamilton rounded individual. defence equipment this year Tel: 020 7218 5988 Well-rounded is often the operative Also in this edition, Ian Carr looks email: [email protected] phrase as, by February, we have normally into the essential and sometimes ASSISTANT EDITOR: Lorraine McBride slid back to the comforting biscuit- sombre work of the Joint Casualty and Tel: 020 721 82341 munching familiarity of our pre-resolution Compassionate Centre (JCCC). email: [email protected] selves. Sound familiar? The team supports the Services in ART EDITOR: Mark Eagle But in this edition of Defence Focus, at their darkest hours making sure Tel: 020 721 8 3658 least where fitness is concerned, there’s a that crisis and bereavement email: [email protected] chance to redeem ourselves and get back are dealt with professionally, DISTRIBUTION AND SUPPORT: Shell Daruwala to getting fit. We find out what the Royal efficiently and above all Tel: 020 7218 1320 email: [email protected] Navy is doing to improve the way with dignity. it assesses the basic fitness of The job of Defence Focus MOD does not endorse any product or service advertised the Fleet. By adding a strength editor seems almost trivial next in Defence Focus, nor does it verify any preferential treatment offered by any advertiser to MOD employees. element to the aerobic fitness to the work of the JCCC but, Queries on advertisements should be addressed to our checks and tailoring the nevertheless, I’m excited to be advertising agency. tests to make sure that they starting 2013 at the helm of Opinions expressed in Defence Focus do not necessarily reflect the type of job that the magazine. represent those of the MOD. Articles on all aspects of MOD and Defence will be considered for publication anybody might be called So being new, I’m keen and but we reserve the right to edit contributions. MOD on to do in the Service, excited and want to hear from staff contributing to Defence Focus should ensure their Navy Command readers to find out what you like writing is suitable for open publication. are hoping the about what we do, what you Advertising end result want to see more of, and Advertising sales are handled by Richard Stillman at Ten Alps Media. Tel: 020 7657 1837 will be a new what you’d rather we just email: [email protected] enthusiasm for didn’t bother with.

keeping fit. I’m not just new to Distribution The magazine is distributed through major military And you can Defence Focus but to the bases, depots and MOD offices. change your own attitude whole department. So please be by turning to page 16 to gentle with me, smile at me if you find your own pull out see me in the corridor, maybe even and keep (fit) poster make me the odd cup of tea. Produced by Williams Lea Ltd on 100% recycled paper. MoD Helpline 01603 696329. courtesy of your personal Oh and for goodness sake - stop trainers at Defence Focus. talking in acronyms!

4 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | FEBRUARY 2013 inmemoriam Deaths ON OPERATIONS – 10 December 2012 to 31 January 2013

Kingsman David Shaw January 2013. Born on 13 October 1989, Kingsman David Robert Shaw Kinsgman Shaw joined the from 1st Battalion The Duke Army in February 2008. of Lancaster’s Regiment died Paying tribute, his family in Queen Elizabeth Hospital said: “David was a much- Birmingham on Wednesday loved son and brother who 16 January 2013 from wounds was proud to have served his sustained in Afghanistan. country in the 1st Battalion Kingsman Shaw The Duke of Lancaster’s sustained a gunshot wound Regiment. when his checkpoint came He loved his family and under attack from insurgents friends and would always in the Lashkar Gah district make time for a hug for of Helmand province on 14 everybody.”

Sapper Richard Hazrat in the Nahr-e Saraj Reginald Walker district of Helmand province while he was working on a Sapper Richard Reginald construction project. Walker from 28 Engineer A valued member of 73 Regiment, attached to 21 Armoured Engineer Squadron Engineer Regiment as part who deployed on every single of the Task Force Helmand troop task, Sapper Walker was Engineer Group, was killed a popular and well respected in Afghanistan on Monday 7 member of his troop, destined January 2013. to go on to greater things. Sapper Walker was shot His family paid tribute in an apparent insider attack to their son and brother who by a member of the Afghan survive him along with his National Army at Patrol Base young daughter Lilly-Faith.

Ministry of Defence online www.gov.uk/mod

Ministry of Defence The Defence News Blog YouTube By 2014, websites of all government Get a daily update of all the major At Defence Headquarters YouTube the departments and many other public defence stories running in the media latest videos from across Defence can bodies will be merged into the Inside with the MOD’s official position on the be found, including clips of soldiers on Government section of www.gov.uk. key issues, as well as a Defence Diary patrol in Helmand and briefings from MOD is one of the first with upcoming events of interest. senior personnel. departments to join Visit www.blogs.mod.uk and subscribe the cross government to the daily alerts. Afghanistan Blog website and can be Updated regularly with official news on found at www.gov. Facebook/Twitter the UK mission in Afghanistan as well uk/government/ Join over 200,000 followers at the HM as with stories from across the media organisations/ Armed Forces Facebook page and and personal blogs from Armed Forces ministry-of- receive Defence HQ tweets @DefenceHQ personnel currently deployed. defence on Twitter. www.ukforcesafghanistan.wordpress.com

FEBRUARYAPRIL 20122013 | ISSUE 226760 | 5 BIG PICTURE

Fired up: AS THE sun goes down over the Indian Ocean, HMS Northumberland’s Merlin sends more than 100 flares cascading through the sky

6 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | FEBRUARY 2013 Picture: LA(Phot) Maxine Davies Picture:

FEBRUARY 2013 | ISSUE 267 | 7 REPATRIATION coming home the joint casualty and compassionate centre, bringing home the fallen. report by Ian carr

ootsteps on the path. There’s a knock at the in dealing with the grim practicalities of the death of door. A family’s world is about to collapse. a loved one. Repatriation of the deceased is just one Receiving a call from a notifying officer to say small part of the process. F that a family member has been killed while “We support our people throughout their life,” serving in the Armed Forces must be every Service explains Sian Gausden, SPVA’s media officer, and a family’s worst nightmare. member of the out-of-hours support team. “When But even while the dreadful news sinks in, a they start we give them their ID cards, put them on dedicated team of people, who the family will never the payroll and give them their allowances. If they are meet, are moving heaven and earth to provide the injured we pay their compensation, and if the worst support they will need at this terrible time. It’s a silent happens we repatriate them. relationship that might endure for years. “But we don’t just leave the families after the It is the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre funeral, we provide welfare support through the (JCCC) based at Imjin Barracks who, as part of the Veterans Welfare Service and can help in sorting Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA), out the deceased’s estate, putting up headstones or receive that first awful phone call saying that there memorials. We also do our best to process any medals has been an incident. From that point on it is their that may be due so that the families can be given them job, working behind the scenes, to support the family at the repatriation.”

When the worst has happened to Service families the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre provides support

this image is a training exercise Picture: SAC Phil Cooke SAC Picture:

8 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | FEBRUARY 2013 Several members of the team are qualified registrars so that death certificates can be issued to Respect and dignity: ensure that the family has all the documentation they families take comfort knowing that from the need as quickly as possible. time they fall their Due to the nature of the work of the Armed loved ones are never Forces, repatriations can be required from anywhere left alone in the world. During the winter, skiing and climbing expeditions can result in the JCCC receiving a call. But of course it is from Afghanistan that most repatriations are made. John Pollard, a civil servant now, but, in a previous life, an RAF Warrant Officer with more than 30 years’ service, has worked at the JCCC since its creation in 2005. “The moment we are notified of a death we task our contractor, Albin International Repatriation, and their funeral director flies out to theatre in order to take care of the deceased in the mortuary at Camp Bastion, and during their return to the UK,” he tells Defence Focus. “We use a contractor as MOD doesn’t this image is a have the specialists that are needed for a repatriation.” training Any members of our Armed Forces who die in exercise

Afghanistan, be they British, Fijian, Gurkha or any Neil Chapman SAC Picture: Commonwealth nationality, must first be brought back to the UK under the jurisdiction of the coroner so that officer takes over and becomes the JCCC’s contact with an inquest can be held. Once the coroner has finished, the family, asking them for all the information that is they release the deceased to the contractor who will needed to sort everything out for them. dress the deceased in their uniform, or in a manner in For those who have died on operations, accordance with the family’s wishes, and convey them repatriations include a military ceremony when the to the family’s funeral director, which could mean coffin arrives at Brize Norton. Close family members onward transit to Fiji or to Nepal. are made welcome, and the JCCC sorts out the details. “No repatriation is ever the same,” says John. Out “They are told by the visiting officer that the ceremony of respect for the families he won’t be drawn on the is for the military to say farewell to their comrade. details: “I never talk about them, because someone Although it is difficult, they can be there, and will be might pick up that we had difficulties getting someone allowed a short time with their loved one, but the home – and they don’t need to know anything about family’s funeral comes later,” says John. “On the day that. All they need to know is that their loved one was most of them are overwhelmed by the experience.” treated with respect and dignity throughout.” The work can be stressful, but it is rewarding Often the families wish to talk to the person from too. Occasionally it may all get too much, but at these Albin’s who accompanied the deceased back to the UK. times the team pulls together and supports each other. “It gives them a bit of comfort to know that someone “Every day is challenging,” says case officer Janice has been looking after their loved one for the whole Baker. “ But whatever you are dealing with, it affects time, from the moment they fell,” says Sian. people’s lives. It’s often sad, but you get on and do the As soon as the notification comes in, the ball starts best job you can.” DF rolling. “We could get a call at any time telling us there has been an incident resulting in, for example, four very serious injuries, two unlisted casualties and a Miltary tribute: repatriations death,” says John. to RAF Brize Norton are the “ The details come through on Joint Personnel military’s time to say farewell Administration and we get the kinforming to a fallen comrade process going. Say he’s army, we would contact HQ Support Command at Aldershot to say they need to identify a notifying officer nearest to where the next of kin is living.” The notifying officer then makes their way to the address he has been given, and, before knocking on the door, calls the JCCC to see if there are any more details that have come through that he can tell the family. “Experience has told us that it is better for the family to know as much detail as we can give them about what happened and what condition their loved one is in, unless we have been advised that due to the state of health of the family that it would be too stressful for them, if for instance the mum is frail.”

Within 24 hours of the family being told, a visiting Watt Richard Picture:

FEBRUARY 2013 | ISSUE 267 | 9 compassionate trips

can you come home?

when personal disaster strikes, the joint casualty and compassionate centre can help writes ian carr

10 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | FEBRUARY 2013 t all starts with a phone call. And it could So before committing to that kind of home and they just want you to do your job. be anything. A mum wanting her son financial and logistical cost, very careful If you started sympathising that would only back from the front line because his checks are made with the hospital to make it worse.” I dad’s just had a stroke and is close to establish the situation. In the majority of cases the caller has death in hospital. Or, a wife anxious about Often, because of medical-in- prepared what they want to say. But if they her husband who has just been deployed, confidence issues, hospital staff can be become emotional, the caseworker knows hoping to find any reason for him to be reluctant to say anything. That is when the how to cope, asking if they need a moment to returned to hearth and home. experience of the JCCC staff makes the compose themselves or offering to call back Whatever the personal crisis, the team difference. in a few minutes. at the Joint Casualty and Compassionate “We tell them that we are not after any Centre (JCCC) at Imjin Barracks take medical details, we just want to know the Not coming home the call and deal with each within the situation in accordance with one of three In today’s age of Facebook, email and free constraints of what they call the matrix. categories to decide whether we need to phone minutes, the caseworker is usually bring someone home,” says John. spared the task of breaking the news to the The matrix If there is still a reluctance to make soldier that all is not well at home. In most “We have a matrix that goes from one that differentiation John has a way of cases they already know and are just waiting to 12 with sub-divisions from which we easing things along. “I say, the difference for the official okay that they can go back to determine eligibility and entitlement so is, depending on what you tell me – if the deal with it. we can categorise the case to bring people patient that we are talking about is VSI (very But that doesn’t mean that it’s all plain back to the UK on compassionate grounds,” seriously ill), then it means that if you have sailing for the caseworker. Sometimes says John Pollard, JCCC operations officer. a helipad in front of your hospital, the son they have to break bad news of a different “It could be that there are child care issues or daughter will be arriving by helicopter kind – that the situation does not qualify for if a spouse is in hospital with no immediate pretty soon. If they are not that ill ,Trooper a compassionate trip. “The one that causes family around to take over. Jones will be coming by bus the next day or most trouble is when a grandparent is ill,” “We don’t deal with the welfare side of so.” That, it seems, does the trick. says Janice. “The policy does not allow us to it, but if the specialists feel there is a case authorise travel for that. The best we can do for Trooper Jones to come home we would Coming Home is ask if their son or daughter knows about categorise it on the matrix accordingly.” For troops on operations, only a VSI will the situation and offer to tell them if Where your situation lands on the result in an immediate compassionate trip they don’t.” matrix governs the urgency with which home. Sometimes that home might not Although this may seem tough, the line you are brought home – or not at all if the be the UK. “We may have to arrange for has to be drawn somewhere. Wherever circumstances or the gravity of the case someone to go back to Fiji, or if they are a possible the unit may make the decision don’t warrant it. Gurkha to Nepal,” says John. that the individual can take some leave, or “If someone’s parent, wife or husband, Once a green light has been given for a if they are in theatre and in a role that isn’t or child is very seriously ill then that’s a compassionate trip, within minutes JCCC immediately critical, look at the chances of Comp Alpha,” says John. “That means will contact the movements experts at rejigging their R+R leave. we move heaven and earth to get that Abbey Wood to sort out flights. The second soldier, sailor, airman, whatever, home call is to the relevant Service personnel Briefing by the quickest way possible.” And that desk dealing with that person wherever Before units deploy, a member of the JCCC could mean rerouting aircraft in flight, they are in the world to let them know the can visit them to brief on what they can and, rescheduling aircraft that are about to take trip has been approved, and that it’s time just as importantly, what they can’t do for off – never mind if one of the passengers to get the person ready to leave. If the them. “We are governed by policy, just like happens to be a VIP, and, if there’s no other individual is in Afghanistan that would be J1 everybody else. So if we tell the units where choice, chartering a jet. at Camp Bastion. the line is drawn it means they can tell their Once on the move, the journey is personnel ‘look, if the washing machine Check first planned to be as seamless as possible. breaks down, contact the welfare officer or “Depending on circumstances, the flash Aircraft can be diverted to the most suitable their unit for advice, not JCCC,’” says John. to bang could mean that the person is on airport, and there are occasions where a But even when calls like that do come their way in under two hours,”adds helicopter is waiting, ready to whisk the in, the team are remarkably understanding. John. But, for instance, if a soldier person on to the hospital as soon as they “Sometimes, some people can become is in a remote patrol base in disembark from the aircraft. persistent, bless them. But if they want their Helmand, getting him from “We also have times when people need husband back because they are worried, you there to Bastion might helicoptering off ships, and sometimes can understand it,” says John. take longer to sort out, from submarines,” says John. and involve sending A plea from JCCC someone out to keeping calm “Could you emphasise that everyone must extract him. On a busy day the team of nine caseworkers keep their next of kin and contact details could have as many as 200 calls to process. up-to-date,” asks John. Is ‘process’ too cold a term to use given “ We have to follow the wishes of the that the person calling may well be very individual as to who they want contacting if distressed? Not really. “You may be talking anything happens. And if the details are not to someone who is crying,” said case officer up-to-date it makes fulfilling those wishes Janice Baker, “but they’re not after your more difficult, at a time when everyone compassion. We’re just strangers, they wants to sort things out quickly.” want their son or husband or daughter So, are your details up to date? DF

FEBRUARY 2013 | ISSUE 267 | 11 Sir BOB KERSLAKE new order head of the civil service sir bob kerslake talked to ian carr about how reform will change our world

flexibly.” But when it comes to rewarding Sir Bob Kerslake, good performance, staff may take some Head of the Civil Service convincing that things are going to improve. “To start with we’ve got to work hard on the culture,” said Sir Bob. “A lot of departments are moving to flatter structures and team-based approaches. We have to make it clear what we value and change our systems and structures to reflect that. We’ve got to reward adaptability. Appraisals must look at how effective people are as leaders, not just look at how large an army they manage. Key to this is developing leaders at all levels.” Sir Bob believes that getting performance management right, setting clear objectives, giving honest feedback, rewarding the positive and sorting out underperformance will make for a more motivated workforce.

Picture: Sergeant Jez Doak Sergeant Picture: “I’m not going to pretend that money isn’t important to people, but we’re in a e all know, or should do by by a quarter, pay levels are static and pretty challenging financial situation and now, that we are in the grip of pensions are under , isn’t that an there are other ways we can recognise Civil Service reform. Plenty ambitious claim. “I agree that reducing performance as well as by giving bonuses. W has been written on websites the deficit has meant we have had to Giving people honest, immediate feedback about how our Civil Service is already make some tough decisions,” he said, makes a big difference. We shouldn’t evolving to survive these times of austerity. “nevertheless the Civil Service still has a underestimate how important it is to tell Within five years, we are told, by good pension scheme and by any measure people when they have done a good job, and working more flexibly and openly, and in a I think we can be seen as a good employer. recognise that if people do well it should more unified way, a smaller Civil Service The feedback I’ve had convinces me that influence their potential for promotion.” will deliver results much more quickly than people are very passionate and interested in But in a shrinking organisation it does today. In some places this is already what they do. So while they talk to me about is promotion realistic? Isn’t there a happening. Indeed, the way that the MOD is pay and conditions, you’d expect that, they danger instead that people will become managing its estates through private sector are more interested in how we can change demotivated as workloads increase? partnership, bringing in outside expertise and work more effectively.” That’s not how Sir Bob sees it.“Well I’m where needed, is cited as an example. absolutely clear that we can’t manage the But what impact will the changes Getting the basics right numbers that we are talking about simply have on the people at the coalface? For Comments made in staff surveys, which by saying to everybody ‘do exactly what success will ultimately depend on them. are returned in numbers that many you’ve done before – only run a bit faster Sir Bob Kerslake, head of the Civil Service, organisations would envy, certainly seem on the hamster wheel’,” he said. “We need a man who believes in visible leadership, to back Sir Bob’s claim. The statistics point to change the way we do things so we don’t has been out visiting as many government to a motivated workforce that feels that its micro-control things, and we need to have departments as he can. work is interesting and makes a difference. very rigorous discussions with ministers to “Seventy per cent of civil servants What does come in for criticism are the identify priorities. The opportunities are still work outside London,” Sir Bob told Defence things that frustrate staff who want to get there for promotion with natural turnover Focus. “I want to talk to people first hand so on with things. Replacing those frustrations and as people move between departments that it’s clear what we are trying to achieve – with better leadership, accountability and as we start to do things differently.” and how it will impact on them.” improved staff recognition are central So in a nutshell what will the new That impact, he believes, will be good to Sir Bob’s vision. “We have to get the Civil Service be like? “Smaller, more not only for how the service supports basics right,” he said. “For example the IT accountable and innovative; fleet of government, but for civil servants too. has to support you, it sounds like a small foot, a good employer that is trusted by In a time where headcount is reducing thing, but without it people can’t work government and the public,” said Sir Bob. DF

12 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | FEBRUARY 2013 royal NAVY FITNESS TEST

Keep calm and carry on: medical personnel from HMS Dragon carry a casualty to safety during an exercise

(Inset) Chief Petty Officer Baz Sloan demonstrates the RNFT version

strength

Picture: LA(Phot) Martin Carney Picture: to carry on

the new royal navy basic fitness test now includes strength writes ian carr

his month the Royal Navy are Stevenson, the Royal Navy Fitness Test expected to carry out at some stage. introducing a new basic fitness (RNFT) project leader, told Defence Focus: Working together with the Institute of test, which will include a strength “Developing fitness programmes with Naval Medicine (INM), HMS Temeraire – the T element in addition to the well- press-ups and sit-ups are fine, but using Navy’s home to all things sports-related, established aerobic test. them as a predictive tool to test your started by sending out thousands of surveys But working out what was the right performance at sea is not straightforward. to a representative spread of personnel basic level of strength and how you would We knew we had to design something that working in all the different branches and effectively test for it has proved to be more clearly made an effective difference.” sub-specialisms of the Navy. “We asked of a marathon than a sprint. The was to base the RNFT on them to identify tasks that they felt needed Lieutenant Commander Jules tasks that anyone in the Service might be a strength element,” said Lieutenant

FEBRUARY 2013 | ISSUE 267 | 13 royal NAVY FITNESS TEST

Wood fitters: using timber to stem a leak, something all matelots might face Picture: Steve Saywell Steve Picture:

strength elements of the rnft

n The strength element has been designed to simulate basic tasks that anyone in the RN might have to do

Picture: LA(Phot) Martin Carney n The test involves using a power bag to simulate the various tasks n Assistant RNFT testing officer Chief Petty Officer Baz Sloan demonstrates the casualty evacuation test

14 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | FEBRUARY 2013 Commander Stevenson. “We got everything the anthropomorphic data that the team need to do some firefighting, or damage from damage control and firefighting to needed to correlate individuals’ fitness control on a ship.” carrying your kit bag up the gang-plank and levels with their potential to pass the RNFT. Next, after a five-minute recovery even climbing onto a top bunk.” “I’d say that all the trial subjects period, it’s into the strength element But most of these tasks were not enjoyed the experience and immediately using specially designed power bags, applicable to everyone – moving helicopter saw the relevance of what we were trying tough canvas tubes filled with sand with landing gear might matter to the Fleet Air to do. Everyone agreed that including the handles on the sides and ends. A brief Arm, but not to a submariner chef. drum-carrying test was a no-brainer.” demonstration explains how to use the This spread of tasks was whittled down It became clear that the approach bags. “It’s all pretty straightforward,” said to 25 generic tasks that everybody might be to general fitness training should focus Lieutenant Commander Stevenson. expected to do. Again surveys went out, this more on simulating relevant work-related Then, with a 20kg bag in each hand, you time asking people to rank the shortlist in physical activities rather than on sitting at have to complete four 15-metre shuttles, order of importance, in terms of criticality a machine that isolates muscle putting the bag down at the end of each run, to the ship or operation, and to estimate the groups. Functional training, as it is known, as on a ship by this time you would have amount of strength needed to do it. uses more muscle groups and better reached a door or a hatch which you would “We ended up with a list which included prepares the body for what is expected of need to open. casualty evacuation – both fore and aft (leg it,” said Lieutenant Commander Stevenson. The test, which has been designed so it or head end), hose-handling for firefighting, When functional training at Pirbright can be carried out almost anywhere, even carrying drums like the 20kg drums of barracks was introduced, presentations to at sea, must be completed annually.At the flame-quelling foam, carrying timber (used sick bay of injury suffered during Army PT moment an upper age limit of 52 has been for stuffing into holes to stop leaks), lifting training reduced by a factor of six. set. By 2015, the cut-off point will be 55. and carrying heavy objects, and lifting and The new approach was tested by “We expect that nearly everyone lowering gear on a rope,” said Lieutenant personnel from HMS Daring and from the will pass,” said Lieutenant Commander Commander Stevenson. Defence Diving School to show the RN Stevenson. “For the first year there won’t be Those tasks were analysed and hierarchy that it was the way to go. They a remedial or punitive element if someone replicated using existing kit to avoid extra agreed, and now PT basic training for phase fails the strength test. We will look at how costs. Some tasks, like the lifting weights on 1 and 2 trainees includes functional fitness. it’s gone and make any adjustments that a rope, had to be abandoned straightaway So, what will matelots face when they we think necessary. After that, if you do fail due to the problems of finding a feasible turn up for their new RNFTs? Well, to put either the aerobic or the strength part it will way of simulating them consistently in a it into context, the RN readily accepts that be classed as failing the RNFT. But looking range of working environments. theirs is the easiest of the Service basic at the other Services who already have “So we ended up with a core of fitness tests. Those taking it certainly won’t strength elements, we are not expecting activities, such as carrying casualties, be expected to perform like a naval version that to be a big problem.” carrying drums and timber for which we of Jessica Ennis, Usain Bolt or Geoff Capes. What the team are hoping is that the designed simulations, then trialled them to Firstly there is the aerobic element new RNFT will change matelots’ attitudes. see how realistic they were.” – covering 2.4km within 15 minutes. For RN surveys have shown that although 75 As part of the trials, the RN School those who don’t know – a human whippet per cent of respondents thought there of PT put the scientifically-selected might be expected to polish that off in should be some strength element to the guinea pigs, 100 men and 100 women, around six minutes. “I have had people test, only 50 per cent admitted that they through general fitness tests, while INM ask me why they have to be able to do this, actually did any kind of strength training. scientists subjected them to various arguing ‘none of our ships are 2.4km long!’” Having a test that is easy to pass is OK in ordeals by measurement, like the unkind said Lieutenant Commander Stevenson. Lieutenant Commander Stevenson’s book. calliper-pinch which gauges levels of fat. “Of course that’s true, but I tell them that “If nothing else, if doing this once a year Although for some this may have felt like an the aerobic capacity needed to do the run makes people realise they have to do some exercise in public humiliation, it provided correlates very well with that needed if you strength training, then we have won.” DF

Picture: RNAS culdrose phot section Picture: LA(Phot) Mandy Reynolds

n Carrying heavy equipment or drums might be one of n Holding and controlling a heavy load was part those jobs you are suddenly called on to do of a hangar fire exercise for HMS Invincible.

FEBRUARY 2013 | ISSUE 267 | 15 BASIC FITNESS

Stretches Nutrition and well-being QUADRICEP chest Healthy eating

n Make sure you eat five portions of veg or fruit each day (not counting potatoes). If you eat a balanced diet you will not need to take vitamin supplements – and you will not need to go on a diet to lose , as the exercise will burn it off.

n Avoid foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients, such as crisps, chocolate and fried food, and alcohol. These will make you put on weight but give less useable ADDUCTORS ADDUCTORS energy. Inner Thigh OUTER Thigh

f you are anything like us in the Defence any exercise for a while, or you are in one of fluid replacement Focus office, your idea of physical those categories where you need to be a bit exercise is probably sitting in the bath, careful, it’s probably a good idea to go to your n Maintaining sufficient levels of I pulling out the plug and then fighting the GP (walking briskly rather than jogging) to get fluid is essential when carrying . your health checked over first. out any form of physical activity. But for those of you who feel that this is Sadly, there’s no escaping the fact that to Perspiration cools the body during the year when you really are going to lose a get in shape (and no, round may be a shape, exercise to assist in maintaining pound or two – without going mad, we have but it’s not the one we are aiming for here) you core body . If this fluid produced this “helpful” pull-out poster. do need to observe a few obvious rules. Eat is not replaced, dehydration can We decided that seeing what the Armed healthily, keep the fluid levels up – pints and occur, leading to fatigue, mental Forces experts had to say on the subject Pinot Grigio don’t count, and always do your confusion and stress on the would be a good place to start. stretches first. cardiovascular system. So, on your behalf, we picked up a few And the good news, don’t forget to factor basic fitness military booklets, bending at in rest days to allow your body to recover. I n Water is the best and the knees and keeping a straight back while think I’ll take mine now. most economical form of we did it. Then, having skimmed through fluid replacement. While them, we put them down again – there’s no there are many brand point in overdoing it. drinks that advertise If you are made of stronger stuff, and if increased fluid comments like “exercise should be part of replacement, water your everyday life”, don’t put you off, and you should be the bulk accept that instructions to “ensure you are replacement option. fit to fight” are not really aimed at you, then n Avoid caffeinated the advice contained in these booklets is as and alcoholic good a place to start as any. drinks which have a But before you put on your battle face, dehydrating effect. smear it with camouflage and head off Move it: circuit training builds across the moors carrying a rucksack full of up all-round fitness

Exercise pictures: www.design-image.co.uk pictures: Exercise bricks, a note of caution, if you haven’t done the defence focus guide to keeping physically fit and healthy, without going totally mad in the process

SHOULDER TRICEP CALF

HAMSTRING LOWER BACK HIP Back of Thigh FLEXORS

EXERCISES

PRESS-UPS REPS: 12-15 1 SIT-UP REPS: 12-20 n Body straight n Lie on back with knees bent n Arms shoulder-width apart n Feet flat or hooked under obstacle n Core braced (suck in your gut) n Hands across chest or by side of head n Lower chest towards ground n Belly button pulled in towards spine n Press back to start position and repeat n Lift torso looking straight ahead n Lower and repeat 3 2

SQUATS REPS: 10-12 n Standing with your feet just over shuttle run shoulder-width apart n Try a shuttle run (substitute for a n Arms across chest short distance run) n Squat down until the knees are bent to 90º, ensuring the head and n Sprint between two points 20 eyes are naturally looking forward 4 metres apart until 120m is completed n Return back to start position verbatim ‘DEFENCE IS AN EYE- OPENING EXPERIENCE’ After five months in post, Philip Dunne has discovered that being Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology isn’t quite what he expected. INTERVIEW: Leigh Hamilton

across the range of the MOD’s science We’re on track to make decisions and technology programme. on our competitive procurement approach to the market in the first DF: You recently visited Afghanistan – quarter of this year. did you find this a learning experience? Regarding DE&S, as Defence PD: Yes. As my first visit, it was a huge Secretary Philip Hammond announced learning experience and I was extremely last July, we are considering a grateful to all those in theatre who Government-Owned Contractor- were involved and who shared their Operated (GOCO) model [DE&S would experiences with me. move outside government to become a We need to ensure that we have the ring-fenced private-sector entity] and programme and capability in place to comparing that to a value-for-money redeploy our equipment from Afghanistan benchmark in the form of a ‘DE&S plus’, as we draw down. That is largely an which envisages a substantially reformed operational issue, but making sure that DE&S that would remain within the MOD. we have the right political cover with A GOCO route would need legislation neighbouring nations to ensure that we so we’re also looking at what we would get the right permissions for both land need to do to give legislative effect to and air routes back is also very important. implement decisions in due course. My recent visit to Afghanistan was an Philip Dunne MP, opportunity to learn more about DF: Another element of the DE&S Parliamentary Under those plans. transformation programme is the Secretary of State and implementation of the National Security Minister for Defence DF: What do you think are the most Through Technology White Paper. One Equipment, Support important issues relating to defence year on from publication, what progress and Technology Jez Doak Sergeant Picture: equipment in the department at the has been made? moment? PD: We’ve undertaken a review to see PD: The priority is to ensure the how we’re getting on and I’m pleased to DF: You have been in post since transformation programme extends say that measures we set out in the White September. Now you have settled into the procurement function. We need Paper are being implemented, and, in a in, what are your impressions of the to start implementing those decisions number of areas, are beginning to have department? regarding bringing private sector a transformational effect on the way we PD: The scope of activities within the expertise into Defence Equipment and do business. Ministry of Defence is much broader Support (DE&S) as part of the Materiel We are encouraging small and than I previously anticipated. I have Strategy created by Chief of Defence medium-sized companies (SMEs) to also been very pleasantly surprised by Materiel, Bernard Gray. Redeployment of fulfil their potential in responding to the capability of the people across the our equipment from Afghanistan is also defence requirements. We’ve introduced department and the breadth of activity hugely important. a number of initiatives to raise the that they undertake. participation of SMEs in our supply chain As for my portfolio, it is much DF: You mentioned DE&S and these have been welcomed by the more than just procurement. I have transformation; how is that reform SME community. responsibility for the department’s process going? Defence is an important area of support to defence exports, space security PD: It’s on schedule. We completed a soft business for them and there are a good policy, Atomic Weapons Establishment market testing exercise at the end of last number of opportunities for them to activities at Aldermaston, and the hugely year. An outline business case has been innovate and bring their innovations into important work done by the Defence put together and is going through its the main supply chain, either directly Science and Technology Laboratory internal processes now. with us or through the prime contractors.

18 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | FEBRUARY 2013 DF: The White Paper focuses a lot on the MOD’s relationship with industry. How important is that relationship? Re-deploying equipment PD: It’s very important that we maintain good relations with our suppliers. It’s from Afghanistan is a priority vital that we are clear about what our requirements are, and they are clear to us about their capability to deliver those It took a couple of years, but we got to the unit cost to us of the equipment requirements. The Defence Suppliers that point in May last year and we now have that we’re buying. It also sustains the Forum and its sub-groups provide a useful a clear ten-year equipment plan. production line for that equipment and opportunity to have those discussions. This should provide comfort to industry helps to ensure a steady flow of spare If you look at the MOD budget overall, that, when we commit to buy something, parts to enable us to keep our equipment over 40 per cent is spent on equipment, we will do so, instead of continually in good shape and to last longer. It’s a win- roughly divided equally between buying deferring and delaying to make it fit within win for everybody. new equipment and supporting existing an annual budget. equipment and supplies. DF: The MOD is often criticised for how It’s a very significant component of our DF: Your role includes defence exports it spends its budget, yet it is vital that spend and our assets, and I think it’s fair to - why is there a need for the MOD to be our Armed Forces personnel have the say that relationships in the past have been involved in exporting goods? equipment that they need. Do they? strained by a combination of inefficiencies PD: Exports are important for the UK as PD: I asked the military that question when in the way that we interacted. they contribute to economic growth and I was in Afghanistan and, of course, there What we were determined to do sustain, and even increase, highly are always things that people would like to when the new government came in was skilled jobs. see more of or slight adjustments to. to remove the main cause of difficulty, They are also important for the But in the vast majority of cases both for the Armed Forces and industry, department because, if we can encourage people said they were very satisfied by establishing an equipment programme other customers to buy equipment which with the kit the department has provided that was fully funded. is similar to our own, then it brings down to them. DF

FEBRUARY 2013 | ISSUE 267 | 19 wildcat

wildcat Touches down

The first Royal Navy Wildcat has taken to the skies marking a new era in british naval aviation

20 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | FEBRUARY 2013 Composite main and tail rotor blades

he first Wildcat attack helicopter to be delivered to the Royal Navy flew its inaugural flight in January, Tmarking a milestone in the project to replace the Lynx Mark 8. Integrated The new Wildcat has a more powerful defensive engine, allowing it to be flown in extreme conditions all year round. It is also aids suite equipped with a more robust fuselage, a high-tech interactive display and a new Active dipping Integrated avionics radar system that provides 360-degree and mission systems surveillance. Wire strike protection The Wildcat HMA Mark 2 will carry Sting Ray torpedoes, a door-mounted, 0.5- inch heavy machine gun and new light and Weapon carrier heavy variants of the future anti-surface hard points guided weapon missiles. Expected to perform a range of tasks once it has entered service, the maritime Wildcat attack helicopter will be used in anti-surface warfare, force protection and counter-piracy. The platform will also be 2 x 1,321 able to carry out an anti-submarine role. shaft The Royal Navy will receive 28 horsepower maritime attack variant helicopters, which engines will begin operations across the globe with heated from 2015. DF exhausts

Flotation OPERATIONAL system ADVANTAGES Digital cockpit Large cockpit n Proven ability to take off and and cabin doors land in extreme environments 360° radar for easy access in hot and high conditions with excellent single engine performance

n Aircraft cleared to operate from -26°C to +50°C Engine exhaust infra-red n Large crew doors for ease of access suppression

n Superior situational and mission awareness using large multi functional displays with a network- enabled mission system

n Capable of carrying a range of armaments for a flexible response to each situation

n Marinised aircraft optimised for operating from limited spaces on Marinised, monolithic small vessels in high sea states machined airframe Robust landing Deck lock n High end mission equipment components with high gear designed for for shipborne including SAR / ISAR capable radar survivability shipborne operations operations and electro-optical device Pictures: AgustaWestland Pictures: Main picture: LA(Phot) Gary Weatherston Main picture:

FEBRUARY 2013 | ISSUE 267 | 21 GLOCK PISTOL Picture: Andrew Linnett Andrew Picture:

Sergeant Steve Lord from the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre at Lympstone demonstrates the new Glock pistol

22 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | FEBRUARY 2013 Glock Watt Richard Picture:

The new Glock (top) and load is lighter and more robust than the outgoing Browning British forces will be drawing a new weapon as the Glock A new holster will Pistol replaces the Browning also be issued allowing a draw time of under two seconds

ritish forces can call on a new In addition to being lighter and weapon in their arsenal now tougher than the Browning the main that the Glock 17 Gen4 has been advantage for troops in the field is seen to B selected to replace the ageing be the ease of fire; it can be removed from Browning Hi-Power as the standard its holster and fired within two seconds. issue sidearm. With the Browning it takes four seconds An initial order of more than 25,000 or more. It also offers more capacity, with Austrian-made pistols will replace the the Glock magazine holding 17 rounds Browning which has been in service with the compared to 13 for the Browning. Armed Forces since 1967 and is becoming “If I’m getting it out in under two increasingly expensive to maintain. seconds, I’m going to win it,” said Royal Marines Sergeant Steve Lord. With the Browning, the user has to undo the holster flap, flick the safety catch and draw a bullet from the magazine before firing a shot. However, the Glock has three built-in safety catches so the pistol can be kept fully loaded with a round in the chamber even when it is in the holster. “In the event of your main weapon failing, with the new Glock you can draw and shoot

the enemy within two seconds,” Linnett Andrew Picture: said Royal Marines Warrant Officer Class 1 Mark Anderson. “That inspires confidence, and with the short-barrel pistol, it’s The Glock’s magazine easier to acquire your target, and holds 17 x 9mm rounds makes it a lot safer to conduct your job.” Stocks of the weapon will be

on their way out to Afghanistan Linnett Andrew Picture: later in the year and it will be down to commanding officers to decide where and when they are issued. The £9m contract for the pistols includes the holsters which are viewed as integral to the weapon system. Attachments such as lasers and lights can be added as and when they are needed. DF

FEBRUARY 2013 | ISSUE 267 | 23 FINANCIAL AWARENESS Debt: don’t do it! With concern over the rise in military personnel getting into debt, THE MOD is launching a campaign to make them more financially savvy, reports Lorraine McBride.

he numbers of debt-hit soldiers, sailors and air force personnel are increasing, but next month T the MOD will embark on an awareness campaign to alert military personnel to the hidden dangers of slipping into serious debt. The move comes in response Picture: Harland Quarrington Picture: to commanding officers who are increasingly worried about the rise in Military and money: the number of troops racking up debts. Wing Commander Highlighting the danger of slipping into Justin Fowler wants runaway, uncontrolled debt is part of the troops to get ‘money fit’ campaign’s solution. It has been established that debt is the second biggest cause of stress for Service personnel and their families. In 2011, the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) revealed that while six per cent of those seeking CAB debt advice had taken out a payday loan, the stats shot up to 16 per cent among the CAB’s sample of military personnel. The pitfalls of taking out a payday loan have been widely publicised where the basic amount repayable on a loan of £1,000 is an eye-watering £1,250 and that’s if the money is repaid within 31 days. Wing Commander Justin Fowler, who works

24 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | FEBRUARY 2013 in the MOD’s non-operational welfare and Wing Commander Fowler all military personnel to minimise any families team, says: “Everyone in society acknowledges that there’s a risk that disadvantages that result from a Service is under financial pressure at the moment some personnel can live in a bubble, lifestyle. The MOD has also worked with and members of the Armed Forces are removed from the reality of paying rent the Post Office to offer shadow postcodes Debt: no different.” and bills in the real world. for BFPO addresses overseas, giving He believes a soldier’s mobile He says: “It’s fair to say that a high military personnel abroad a recognisable lifestyle can result in a poor credit rating, number of personnel join the Armed UK address to make it easier to get credit. making it hard to seek cheaper forms of Forces young and straight from home. In December 2012, the MOD stopped credit such as arranged overdrafts, credit They don’t have experience of owning payday loan companies from taking out don’t cards or bank loans. their own home or paying bills.” adverts in military publications including Next month, the MOD will team He also concedes that serving in Defence Focus. up with the Royal British Legion and war zones can give soldiers a ‘live today’ For military personnel struggling Standard Life Charitable Trust to launch mentality, saying: “There’s an ethos of ‘I to make ends meet, Wing Commander the campaign ‘Money Force’ to encourage won’t pay off my debts because I’ve been Fowler urges them to get help early troops to get ‘money fit’, which includes a in the desert so I’ll have a good time!’” and confide in their chain of command, do it! website tackling money issues in ‘forces Wing Commander Fowler welfare officers or Service charities that friendly’ language. By doing so, he hopes particularly wants to educate young offer debt advice. to prevent a minority of personnel from military personnel at the start of their “I think we’re a very good leaving the Armed Forces only to end up career about managing their money employer for looking after our people broke and homeless on civvy street. responsibly. All recruits currently attend and keeping an eye out for people under The problem of young adults financial briefings to teach them to stress. In the old days, commanders used overspending and spiralling into the red is recognise the tools available to help them to take people’s chequebooks off them hardly new, but, while Wing Commander manage their finances. These include and manage their finances in a nanny- Fowler is keen not to preach, he knows sticking to a budget, avoiding borrowing like way. that, if left unchecked, a soldier’s debt to plug a gap that can start a spiral of “We definitely don’t do that can lead to stress, family breakdown, debt, and ultimately saving for a car any more. The point is, we want to and welfare and operational issues. or home. educate people to look after their The campaign is aimed at all military In addition to the campaign, the MOD money responsibly.” personnel but naïve youngsters are has called on credit agencies to make Look out for more on ‘Money Force’ particularly vulnerable. financial services more accessible for online in March. DF Health new year, new you

It’s always tough motivating yourself to get fit or lose weight But why not make 2013 the year that you KEEP THAT resolution to shape up?

By Surgeon Commander Nick Imm, a GP at Navy Command HQ, HMS Excellent.

Hello from Whale Island in Portsmouth and my 100th column for Defence Focus! How was the New Year for you? Are you among the many people who made a resolution to lose weight and get fitter in 2013? It’s a pretty good resolution to make. After all, being unfit and obese is linked to high blood pressure, strokes, some cancers, Type 2 diabetes and back pain, amongst many other medical problems. However, it’s pretty amazing that you can reduce your risk of all these conditions simply by doing some exercise. But, why do so many of us fail to keep going with our fitness resolutions? After all, we all know we should keep active. If it’s been a while since you wore trainers for sport it can be difficult simply getting started. The most important thing is to do something manageable and realistic. There’s no point joining an expensive gym, aiming to go five-times-a-week and lose 10kg in a month. You won’t - and you’ll only end up angry and demoralised. You need to choose an activity that fits in with your life and is something you enjoy. Why not go for a swim on the way home from work? More than 90 per cent of us don’t do enough exercise. If you’re between 19 and 64, you should

26 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | FEBRUARY 2013 new year, new you

be doing 150 minutes of exercise per week – or five 30-minute sessions. You need to be doing moderately intensive activities such as playing tennis, hiking or riding a bike. Simply going shopping doesn’t count! You need to be raising your heart rate and breaking into a sweat. If you’re just starting, go for some brisk walks and gradually build up to a jog. Keep a diary of your exercise sessions and keep them varied so you don’t get bored. If you’re a serviceman or woman have a chat with your Physical Training Instructor about a sensible way to get back into the phys. They are quite used to helping people get into the habit – on my last ship, circuit training sessions were divided into “Huffers & Puffers” and “Fitties” – so no-one needs to feel out of place. If you have any medical problems such as arthritis or angina, do speak with your practice nurse of GP before making any big changes to your exercise regime. As well as burning off more calories, have a think about what you’re eating and drinking too. Make simple changes that you can stick to. Plan your meals in advance so you’re not tempted to opt for junk food and don’t forget the “empty” calories in alcohol. Cutting out evening takeaways and swapping those mid-morning biscuits for some fresh fruit are easy ways to make a change to your daily intake that will have a real impact over the coming months. Don’t spend your money on fad diets; they’re fun for a week but will soon become dull, expensive and incompatible with real life.

So, if you’re serious about keeping that resolution: n do something you enjoy n make sure it involves moderately intensive exercise n keep a diary of your achievements n find a friend to keep you motivated

Good luck. Stay healthy and I’ll see you next month.

n This is general information only - if you have any medical concerns please see your medic or GP. DF

FEBRUARY 2013 | ISSUE 267 | 27 MYMEDALS

Afghanistan Northern Ireland My Afghanistan medal has My best Irish tour was in the given me most satisfaction. Royal Ulster Constabulary I deployed in 2007 with the (RUC) police station in 1994 Royal Artillery and I vividly Shane Wilkinson Picture: at a time when the IRA was remember patrolling in still at large. I was blessed Kandahar and bringing people to be at Old Park in the tower into camp for Eid. Back in overlooking the Ardoyne and England I collected pencils my job was to observe IRA and clothes and when I handed activity right in front of us. them out the kids always It got exciting knowing smiled even though they were from intelligence that, at a desperately poor. It always precise time, someone would made me feel that the British leave their home, turn left Army did a fantastic job. and walk away. From 5am to With every tour I make 9am my job was observing the most of every moment. IRA activity. After that, I had I’d never go to Afghanistan in the privilege of going out on my wildest dreams yet I spent patrol with the RUC. Ireland a year and 12 days there. My is beautiful and, like every job was to hire interpreters, place, there were good and and civilians always asked bad people. You could see that me where I came from. I’d tell the good people just wanted them that while I’m British peace. It was one of my top first and foremost, my heart is three tours. Indian, and straight away we hit it off because I always treat people well. When I visited Afghan My Medals homes, many families Gulf War watched Hindi programmes WO1 Ashok Kumar Chauhan, 53, looks back on I served in the first 100-day so we’d chat in Hindi. Every war after Saddam invaded time I met people I told them his successful 35-year career and five of his eight Kuwait. My role was in the ‘we’re here and we’re a force medals. Interview: Lorraine McBride reconnaissance artillery party, for good’. when I orientated the guns and made sure they fired at the There has been a huge right target. I was constantly change in attitudes to racism. on the move with little sleep. When I joined, life was tough. We’d go up to the front, MBE I got name-calling from Bosnia scrutinise where the enemy At my investiture in 2001, soldiers and instructors but it I went to Bosnia in 95/96 after was firing, and retreat. the Queen asked me what made me stronger. the Kosovo war to peace-keep On ops, when I leave I did. When I told her that I I had an arranged and to make sure that Muslims home, I always say to my wife persuaded people to join the marriage. I met my wife Savita weren’t attacked by the Serb ‘goodbye and I’ll see you when Army, she said ‘good job’. It on a Monday, was engaged on Croats. It shocked me to I get back’. I don’t believe in was the proudest moment of Tuesday and got married on see how humans treat other writing because, if you don’t my life. I love the royal family Thursday. When we met, my people. I saw burnt shells and receive a reply, you worry, so and when I drove through the wife’s only English words were mass graves. I went out of my instead I prefer to concentrate palace gates I thought ‘I’ve ‘yes’ and ‘no’. After we moved way to make sure the locals on what I’m doing. made it!’ to live in Germany, my boss’s understood the Army was Losing colleagues If I lived my life all over wife taught her English. there to make sure they had a always hits morale hard. again, I’d still join the Army When Savita dropped secure life. In Afghanistan once, I was for true job satisfaction. Being off our daughter Pritie at Some atrocities were chatting to a pair of military in the Army’s Diversity and kindergarten, the soldiers’ unbelievable and sometimes, photographers. I jokingly told Action Team in Aldershot wives went out of their way when you’re out there, it brings one to get my photos done by is fantastic. We combat to help her learn English. it home what a fantastic life the morning and he told me not discrimination and travel In return, Savita ran Indian we live. The relationship with to worry. That night, he was on the country promoting the cookery demos, so whenever I the British Army is just like an a Chinook that got blown up. I Army and persuading ethnic was away I never worried. Asian family. We have our tiffs couldn’t believe that someone minorities to join up. We visit With the Army I’ve had ups but we always stick together who I was so close to could just schools and weddings - in fact, and downs but the Army made and that’s the great thing die. Life does go on, though you name it, we do it. me into what I am. about the British Army. you do miss them.

28 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | FEBRUARY 2013 combatBOOKSbarbie

Company Commander By Major Russell Lewis Virgin Books, £12.99

PRESENTED in diary form, this is a gripping daily account of a company commander’s tour of duty in Helmand province, Afghanistan, from April to October 2008. Major Russell Lewis is focused on his mission, concerned for his men, and wants to be an effective leader. Also, most importantly, he wants to make the right decisions , quoting Al Shepard’s prayer: “Dear Lord, please don’t let me screw up.” He is also conscious of his regiment’s illustrious history; neither he nor his men want to dishonour its memory by failure. He sums up a soldier’s creed as living to be tested in the heat of battle, writing: “imagine going to every training session but never playing a game”. His writing style is straightforward, mercifully free of acronyms and very descriptive – you are left choking in empathy amid the heat, dust and dirt of Afghanistan. When Lewis relates a suicide bomb attack on three of his men, you hope desperately that they make it after they’re medevac’d. Then you feel his pain and devastation when he learns of their deaths. If you’ve ever wondered what daily life is like for a war-fighting soldier, this book bares all. DF

Empire of Secrets Kandak British Intelligence, the Cold Fighting with Afghans War and the Twilight of Empire By Patrick Hennessey By Calder Walton Allen Lane, £16.99 HarperPress, £25.00

EMPIRE OF SECRETS reveals world as countries reached ARMY OFFICER Patrick Recounting his never-ending- for the first time, exactly how independence. Hennessey came home from summer the author ate, slept, MI5, MI6 and GCHQ were Britain’s phenomenal Afghanistan battleworn and lived, laughed and fought side- secretly involved in Britain’s wartime success is credited leaving behind a lasting bond by-side with Afghan warriors decolonisation talks for partly due to Winston formed in the heat of battle in camps, bases and utimately decades, even though the Churchill’s conviction that with the Afghan National in ditches. His compelling secret services didn’t officially intelligence mattered and, as Army (ANA). Hennessey wryly portrayal slips beyond media exist. Intelligence expert and PM, he granted vast resources acknowledges the surge of cariacature; soldiers like Qiam, historian Calder Walton has to it. The author sheds light on press interest in Afghanistan Syed, who initially moans been allowed unprecedented everything from violent counter- (where “politicians and pop that all British soldiers look access to secret MI5 files insurgency in the Malayan stars vie for the reflected glory the same and Hazrat who are recently found by the Foreign jungle, Kenya and the Arabian of a Bastion photo-op”.) But neither Western puppets nor Office that provide long lost Peninsula. There is plenty of behind each story one voice is a complete solution. Instead evidence that the British cloak-and-dagger secrets from glaringly missing, the Afghan the ANA mirror their British government deliberately the twilight days of Britain’s troops “for whom there are counterparts, ordinary soldiers destroyed or removed records empire to satisfy avid students no homecoming parades doing a difficult, sometimes from its offices around the of intelligence history. DF or X Factor tribute songs.” extraordinary job. DF

February 2013 | ISSUE 267 | 29 PUZZLES sudoku chess I spent a few very enjoyable days at the London Chess Classic in December. It was here that chess fans took the Compiled by: opportunity to shake hands Carl Portman with the world’s best players and watch them fight it out in the slugfest that occurred in many of the games. To read my report about my experience visit the chess pages on my website at www.carlsplanet.co.uk and you will find the PDF file. A key event this year is the Combined Services Chess Championship. This The problem this month is taken will be held at RAF Wittering from 23 to from the 2012 London Chess Classic Fill in the grid so that every row, every 27 May and players of all strengths are and is the Anand-Adams showdown. column and every 3x3 box contains the catered for; entry form downloadable at It is Adams (black) to move. How did numbers 1 to 9 http://serviceschess.co.uk/ he proceed? I will give an official In November I played chess for 24 programme from the event as a prize for hours, raising money for a local cardiac the first correct answer drawn. team. I want to thank those readers of Send your answers to me at carl. this column who donated; you made a [email protected] please. The difference. answer to the Dec/Jan problem is: Finally I want to say a special thank 1.Qh6+! gxh6 2.Rxf6+Kg7 (2…Kh5 3.Rxh6 you to all my team mates at the NATO mate) 3. Bxh6+ Kg8 4. Rf8 mate. Solution to Championships in France last October. I The winner will be announced the December was proud to represent my country and next issue. The winner of November’s 2012 - January equally proud to have done so with them problem is Nigel Sheridan from DFRS 2013 puzzle at my side. at Longtown.

topical solution (no peeking)

15. Cassis 18. Slang 19. Zest 19. Slang 18. Cassis 15.

12. Regulars 13. Whitlam 13. Regulars 12.

crossword Rollercoaster 7. Kristen 6.

3. Rows 4. Scythe 5. Oldfield 5. Scythe 4. Rows 3.

Across Joist 2. Freeman Martin 1. 1. Prime Minister whose father was a music Down

hall performer and circus artiste (5)

4. Sport played by Judd Trump (7) Tiger 23. Nemesis 22.

8. ‘The ______Children’, one of Jenny Stewart 21. Malta 20. Asia 17.

Agutter’s best-loved films (7) Epidural 16. Clan 14.

9. Tool used for making holes (5) Wren 13. Christie 11.

10. Extremely small amount (4) Iota 10. Drill 9. Railway 8.

11. Her novels include ‘The Murder of Snooker 4. Major 1. Roger Ackroyd’ and ‘And Then There Were Across None’ (8) 13. Architect whose masterpiece is St Paul’s Cathedral (4) Down 14. Close-knit group of Scottish families (4) 1. He plays Bilbo Baggins in the new film of ‘The Twilight Saga’ films (7) 16. Anaesthetic used in childbirth (8) ‘The Hobbit’ (6,7) 7. Amusement park attraction (13) 17. World’s largest continent (4) 2. Length of timber used to support a floor 12. Customers who use a restaurant 20. Island awarded the George Cross in or ceiling (5) frequently (8) 1942 (5) 3. Streets….or arguments (4) 13. Prime Minister of Australia from 1972 21. See 6 Down 4. Tool with a long, curved blade for cutting to 1975 (7) 22. Inescapable agent of someone’s crops (6) 15. Syrupy liqueur flavoured with downfall (7) 5. ‘Tubular Bells’ is his most famous blackcurrants (6) 23. Big cat with a yellow-brown coat striped album (8) 18. Informal speech (5) with black (5) 6. And 21 Across. She plays Bella Swan in 19. Outer peel of an orange (4)

30 | www.GOV.UK/MOD | FEBRUARY 2013 offers

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February 2013 | ISSUE 267 | 31 WHAT’S THE VALUE OF YOUR ARMED FORCES PENSION?

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