BFBS Radio Sitrep
Sitrep is a unique current affairs radio programme produced by the British Forces News team with expert analysis of Defence and Foreign Affairs as our agenda. Presented by Kate Gerbeau and featuring our Forces News Defence Analyst Christopher Lee, Sitrep is the only place on radio where you'll find a comprehensive look back at the week's most significant events in Defence.

SITREP Trail May 10th

 

There's been a U-turn over which planes to use on the Carriers - but is it the right decision?

 

Why there's anger in Scotland over plans to lose some historic regimental names

 

Why France's new President-elect wants to speed up the withdrawal of French troops from Afghanistan.

 

And the new memorial to Bomber Command is nearing completion - but why has it taken so long?

 

 

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

 

INTERVIEWS

The Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond on the Carriers

 

The Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Jim Murphy, on Carriers and proposed cuts to Scottish regiments.

 

BBC's Paris correspondent, Hugh Schofield, discussing the new President elect

 

 

 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

Direct download: Wk19_Sitrep_r2_pcast.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:44 PM

 

It’s been a year since Osama bin Laden was killed – but has his death weakened Al Qaeda?

 Sitrep gains unique access to Nato’s Maritime Operations centre in Naples.

 

Find out how the Defence industry is weathering the financial crisis…..

 

And Olympic security is put through its final tests

  

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

 

INTERVIEWS

From Camp Bastion British Forces News’ reporter Simon Newton

 

BFN reporter Geoff Meade discusses his visit to  Nato’s Maritime Operations centre in Naples

 

British Forces News’  Will Inglis reports on

 

British Forces News’ reporter James Banks reports from the latest Olympic military security exercise

  

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

 

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

Direct download: Wk18_Sitrep_r2_pcast.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:07 PM

Has NATO got its strategy right in the lead-up to the Chicago summit in May?

 

Why the Parliament's financial watchdog is highly critical of the soaring costs of the Carrier programme.

 

Will the Arctic Convoy veterans finally get the medal they’ve fought so long for?

 

And all you need to know about the 21 gun salute…..

 

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

 

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

Direct download: Wk17_Sitrep_r2_pcast.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:05 PM

 

SITREP trail April 19th

 

Financial help for the future of Afghanistan but will NATO countries be happy to foot the bill?

 

Why an expert on the region is saying the forecast for peace after 2014 is unpredictable.

 

How Operation Joint Warrior is helping to promote cooperation with our European allies

 

And some unusual tales from Falkland veterans…..

 

 

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

 

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

 

Interviews:

 

Dr Michael Clarke, Director of RUSI, The Royal United Services Institute

 

British Forces News’  reporter James Hirst from Camp Bastion
 
British Forces News’  reporter Tim Cooper on Operation Joint Warrior
 
British Forces News’  reporter Charlotte Cross speaking to Falkland veterans.
Direct download: Wk16_Sitrep_r2_pcast.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:54 PM

The head of Nato says Afghan handover is on track but Afghan’s security forces are still concerned about security post 2014

 

Will the Syrian ceasefire hold – and what happens next?

The invisible scars of PTSD - and is enough being done to help those who suffer?

Plus....the important strategic position the Ascension Islands hold

 

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

 

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

 

Interviews:

 

Professor Neil Greenberg , Surgeon Captain Royal Navy &

Piers Bishop: from the charity Resolution Rebuilding Lives on Mental Health Issues

 

Jon Marks , Middle East analyst on the Syrian conflict and Iran’s nuclear ambition

 

British Forces News’  reporter Geoff Meade on the Ascension Islands
 
Direct download: Wk15_Sitrep_r2_pcast.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:43 PM

The Government wants to hold secret court hearings, so,  is there a case for some types of evidence to be heard behind closed doors
 
It’s been a week of reminiscing in the Falkland Islands, but what are the feelings of the Islanders thirty years on?
 
How former servicemen are being trained to fight pirates off the coast of Somalia
 
And why the cost of surrender is a lucrative business……

 
PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau
 
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

Direct download: Wk14_Sitrep_podcast.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:08 PM

SITREP TRAIL 29 March
How much trust is there between British and Afghan forces following the shooting of two British soldiers and what can be done to help prevent another attack?
 
The Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond’s surprise visit to Afghanistan
 
What mistakes were made in the lead-up to the Argentine invasion of the Falklands Islands?
 
And the preparations of the Household Cavalry as they get ready for a busy schedule this summer.
 
 
 
PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau
 
STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee
Interviews with:
Major Mike Minor on training of Afghan recruits.
Major General Julian Thompson, commander 40 Brigade during the Falklands war.
British Forces News reporter James Hirst from Afghanistan.
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

Direct download: Wk13_Sitrep_podcast.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:15 PM

The outgoing ambassador to Afghanistan tells Sitrep how he thinks the exit strategy will work and what sort of future the country could have.

 

What does the latest Budget announcement mean to defence projects and how will it affect Service personnel’s’ pay packets?

 

How much support is Latin America giving Argentina over its claims to the Falklands?

 

 

 

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

 

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

Interviews with:

Sir William Patey – the UK’s ambassador to Afghanistan

 

BFBS News Geoff Meade on the Budget

 

Richard Ralph , former Governor of the Falkland Islands and ambassador to Peru

 

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

Direct download: wk12_Sitrep_r2_pcast.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:04 PM

 

SITREP TRAIL 15 March

 

Why the PM Cameron and President Obama are determined to stick to the strategy in Afghanistan

 

Is enough being done to look after soldiers’ mental healthcare?

 

And why the future of the Joint Strike Fighter could be in jeopardy.

 

 

 

PRESENTER:  Glen Mansell

 

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

interviews with:

Surgeon Captain Morgan O’Connell, on Forces’ mental welfare

 

Lieutenant General Jonathon Riley, on the military relationship between the US and the Uk and the logistics of withdrawing from Afghanistan

 

Dr Eric Grove on the Joint Strike Fighter

 

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

Direct download: Wk11_Sitrep_r2_pcast.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:47 PM

It’s been a tragic week for British Forces in Afghanistan but have the politicians got their strategy right?

 

Sitrep hears direct from Camp Bastion and get the opinion of a Warrior expert

 

And find out why next week’s summit between President Obama and PM Cameron is so important to the future of our Forces.

 

 

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

 

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

Interviews with:

 

Former foreign secretary  - David Miliband

 

British Forces News reporter from Camp Bastion -  James Hirst

 

Christopher Foss, Warrior Expert from Janes defence

 

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

Direct download: Wk10_Sitrep_r2_pcast.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:45 PM