BFBS Radio Sitrep

In this episode ….Why is morale so low in the Royal Marines? The MOD announces Sea Ceptor, the Navy’s new supersonic missile defence system has officially entered service. There’s a new way of recruiting for MI6….with TV ads. War is Fun – really?  Dr Mike Martin addresses the sometimes uncomfortable psychology of war. Elisabeth Braw non-resident senior fellow at The Atlantic Council explains why the Swedish government is telling the population to prepare for disaster, terrorism and even war.

The North Korean summit – has Trump underestimated the Koreans?  We hear from Professor Robert E Kelly from the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Pusan University in South Korea.   Are British pilots flying in a military muddle in the middle east?  We hear the realities of Operation Shader from Air Vice-Marshall Johnny Stringer as he briefs MPs   Back to Bosnia - why a former army officer turned GP, Dr Jonathan Leach has returned to Srebrenica.   Why the story of the Damnbusters Raid still has legendary status 75 years on - Steve Darlow, Ambassador for the RAF Benevolent Fund as well as a bomber command historian and author explains.   Why the military stands guard over the Royal wedding and which uniform will Prince Harry wear?

This week’s episode looks at the mounting tensions in the Middle East after President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear agreement.  Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee talk to Professor Rosemary Hollis from City University, London, Emeritis Professor Colin Schindler from SOAS, University of London and Professor Paul Rogers from the University of Bradford.   The Chief Executive of Save the Children, Kevin Watkins explains why the UK should become a global leader in protecting civilians in armed conflict.   HM Naval Base Clyde celebrates its 50th anniversary. We hear from the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones.   The military historian Antony Beevor talks about his latest book: Arnhem, The Battle of the Bridges 1944   And what’s the story behind the man who is the new Head of the Army? Lt General Mark Carleton Smith.

In this week’s episode:   Forces News Reporter Ali Gibson speaks to the Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson at the end of Exercise Joint Warrior.   Civilian casualties in Iraq and Syria – who keeps count?  Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee discuss with Hamit Dardagan who is co-founder of Iraq Body Count and the charity Every Casualty Worldwide.   NATO is neglecting its navies whilst Russia is rebuilding its Fleet according to Professor Peter Roberts from RUSI.   And, why is Trump so against the Iran nuclear agreement?  Professor Michael Stathis joins us from the University of Southern Utah.  

In this episode with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee:   Professor Scott Lucas from the University of Birmingham explains the Iran Nuclear deal and why President Trump wants to get rid of it.   Dr Ghanem Tayara from UOSSM talks about the Syrian government’s intimidation of doctors in Douma.   What’s on the agenda for the historic North & South Korea meeting tomorrow?  Dr Hazel Smith from the Centre for Korean Studies at SOAS has her analysis.   And the Government launches a new Veterans Unit – but are they doing enough to support our former service men and women Kate speaks to Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood and Matthew Seward from the Royal British Legion.

In this episode Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee will be talking about Syria and chemical weapons – what can the OPCW actually achieve in Douma?  They talk to Dr Patricia Lewis, Research Director at Chatham House   Also…North Korea, Andrea Berger, Senior Research Associate at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey gives her thoughts on planned talks between the US President and the North Korean leader.  Is Donald Trump seeking a noble peace prize through diplomacy?   Ali Gibson reports from the RAF 100 celebrations over in the USA.   And a new study reveals how hard it is for armed forces veterans to use the benefits system.

Could Britain be about to go to war in Syria after the weekend’s suspected chemical weapons attack in Douma.   If that’s the case, the Sitrep team ask what would be the main aim of conflict?   If British forces take part - what will they be asked to do?  And will this be an open ended commitment?   Also this episode – Could Russia respond to any attack on Syria by using Cyber warfare and if so is Britain ready to deal with a category one attack.   Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee are joined by Professor Michael Clarke formerly the Director General of The Royal United Services Insitute, Hamish de Bretton Gordon the chemical weapons expert and former army officer and Simon Marks from Feature Story News in Washington

In this episode of Sitrep with Tim Cooper and Christopher Lee:   Professor Paul Rogers from the University of Bradford talks about Russia and the Salisbury Novichok attack – was the PM given the wrong information or has she created a new "dirty dossier"?   Elisabeth Braw from the Atlantic Council explains why the Swedes are getting good at fighting off Russian propaganda.   The head of Europol Rob Wainwright tells us about his cyber-warfare worries.   Rear Admiral (retired) Chris Parry tells us why the Royal Navy surface fleet “isn’t fit for purpose”.

In this episode hosted by Tim Cooper with BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee we mark the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.  Tim talks to Major General Julian Thompson, a former Royal Marine who commanded troops in South Armagh in 1976.  You’ll hear what it was like at the height of the troubles and why the agreement could be affected by Brexit. Also…  Salisbury attack: Alexander Nekrassov, a former advisor to the Kremlin has some strong opinions about the Salisbury Novichok poisoning.  One year till Brexit: Defence writer Sebastian Schulte gives the German view of Britain’s European defence and security relationships. New Chief of Defence Staff:  General Sir Nick Carter has been appointed, but what’s he like? And The RAF celebrates 100 years in the sky….hear some classic RAF aircraft sounds! Subscribe and you’ll never miss an episode.

  Why is the Government so sure the Novichok (pro: Novee- chock) chemical came from Russia?   As we commemorate those killed in the Westminster attack a year ago – Sitrep asks the experts how they think the general public should respond to a terrorist attack?   Could what facebook knows about you send your country to war?   And…. Finally, the Type 45 destroyers are getting an engine refit……….   THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases   You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211. Alternatively - listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.