This week (Today) on Sitrep...

How does the world look at the end of 2017?

What sort of shape are Britain's Armed Forces in?

What does Brexit mean for British and European Security?

What difference has President Trump made to the world?

And why we should all be watching what China does next.

That's Sitrep on Forces Radio BFBS, Thursday 6.30pm.

(Available as a podcast or listen again if you miss it!)

European Defence gets serious but Britain wants to be big in Japan.

The Afghan Interpreter who feels he's being treated like a criminal in the UK.

Also in the programme – the Royal Navy says goodbye to Atherstone and Quorn

What tickles the troops?  Is Forces humour different?

And war stories from a seasoned correspondent…..

The Royal Navy's biggest ever ship joins the fleet.

Is Trump's declaration on Jerusalem the scare-story of the year?

Brexit and the agreement that ended the troubles in Northern Ireland.

And should soldiers be able to tweet freely?

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.

In today’s programme Sitrep hears from the PM who’s been visiting British troops in Iraq.

Plus…..Is the international response against North Korea strong enough?

Find out why the defence chiefs got a telling off.

Beach landings - do we still need an amphibious capability?

And that rousing regimental boxing speech – Sitrep hears from the officer that made it.

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.

Is there a problem with the Type 45 Destroyers?

How much will Britain's F35 aircraft programme cost in the long term?

It's Thanksgiving today in America - but what, in name of Trump, should Americans be thankful for?

And Op Shader -  from the pilot's view in the skies above Iraq.

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.

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 16th November 2017 (KATE PRESENTS TODAY)

What’s the truth behind the criticisms that the armed forces are close to breaking point without more investment?

What’s going on in Zimbabwe - has Mugabe’s reign finally come to an end

Is Lebanon the new centre for war in the Middle East?

And we pay tribute to one of the first females pilots of the Second World War – Joy Lofthouse.

Nato agrees to three thousand extra troops for their training mission in Afghanistan – but where will they come from?

We feature a special report about British troops training soldiers in war-torn Somalia.

What will be the role of Artificial Intelligence in future conflicts?

And, what if social media had existed during the First World War?  An insight to a unique project allows us to eavesdrop…….find out more in today’s Sitrep.

Sir Michael Fallon has resigned from the top job at the Ministry of Defence..and the former Chief Whip Gavin Williamson will take his place as the new Secretary of State for Defence.

Sitrep examines Fallon’s legacy and looks at the issues facing the new defence secretary ahead of a mini defence review & an important NATO meeting.

Join Tim Cooper and special guests in a special edition of Sitrep.

Can Britain afford to have its own defence industry?

Catalonia seeks independence from Spain but still wants to be in NATO,

Minehunting off the coast of Scotland for Exercise Joint Warrior,

And returning from the hurricanes, RAF Brize Norton welcomes back Op Ruman's air crews.

TOPICS

DEFENCE CUTS

Editor of Defence Analysis Francis Tusa & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee .

CATALAN DEFENCE

James Hasik is a senior fellow in the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security.

EXERCISE JOINT WARRIOR

BFBS Reporter Rosie Laydon & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

OP RUMAN RETURN

BFBS Reporter Alex Gill.

REMEMBRANCE – THE QUEEN

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

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.

Defence spending – do we spend the right amount on the right equipment?

NATO troops could be out of Afghanistan within four years...that’s the prediction from the country's President.

Could a growing cadet force be the answer to the forces recruitment problem?

And.... how 3D printing could be the next big thing in winning wars.

Guests: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

TOPICS

DEFENCE SPENDING

Pete Sandeman, Director of the online campaign "Save The Royal Navy" & Ben Moores  - a Defence and Aviation Analyst from IHS Janes.

AFGHANISTAN

BBC's Justin Rowlatt, who’s interviewed The Afghan President, Ashraf Ghan.

CADETS

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

3D Printing

BFBS Reporter Hannah King

North Korea: How close are we to actual war?

The battle for Raqqa  - what happens when ISIS are defeated?

The fight for Kurdish independence – what does it mean for the Middle East?

Nato’s international rescue for Submarines…

And, after 90 years the White Helmets wave goodbye……………

Trump’s speech to the UN – why it’s a game-changer…

Is the Ministry of Defence considering reducing the size of the Royal Marines?

Three years of Op Shader, Sitrep goes behind the scenes at Al Udeid?

British Forces are suffering from a recruitment crisis – so should we bring back national service?

Guests:

Former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute Professor Michael Clarke.

TOPICS

TRUMP/UN

Former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute Professor Michael Clarke.

HURRICANE MARIA

Forces News reporter Rebecca Ricks on board RFA Mount Bay.

ROYAL MARINES - CUTS

Major General Julian Thompson, former RM commander, Deborah Haynes the Defence Editor at The Times and former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute Professor Michael Clarke.

AL UDEID /OP SHADER

Forces News reporter  Simon Newton goes behind the scenes.

CONSCRIPTION

Elisabeth Braw, a non-resident Senior fellow at the Atlantic Council & former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute Professor Michael Clarke.

Russia’ playing war-games in the East to fight the West, but what’s the reason for the Exercises?

British troops arrive in the Caribbean for Op Ruman.

And…..improvements inside the warrior armoured vehicle and more from the world's biggest military fair.

Guests:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

TOPICS

EX ZAPAD

General Sir Richard Shireff, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, the writer on Russian affairs Mary Dejevsky and our defence analyst Christopher Lee.

HURRICANE

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

DEFENCE EXHIBITION - DESI

BFBS reporter Grace Pascoe interview with the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones.

WARRIOR- DESI

BFBS presenter Richard Hutchinson's had a tour from Lockheed Martin's Phillipa Tredgett, a human factors design engineer.

SECURE MESSAGING APP

BFBS presenter Mike Howarth spoke to David Holman, Company Director of Armour Comms who made the app.

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.

 North Korea – the threat continues but what can the international community do, and more importantly – what should China do?

Shipbuilding gains pace so but who’s going to man the ships?

And…..have you ever wondered how GCHQ started?  The Sitrep spies have been to investigate……….

North Korea - Has Kim Jong Un....crossed the line?

A former Chief of the Defence Staff, tells us why we need to keep in with the US post-Brexit.

More troops for Afghanistan...should the UK answer Donald Trump's call for help?

Plus, what is the definition of war? Have the goalposts been shifted?

And remembering Princess Diana, and one of her legacies - to rid the world of landmines.

TOPICS

Guests:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

NORTH KOREA

From the Times, Michael Evans, & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

WHAT IS WAR?

Michael Evans, & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

BREXIT

LORD RICHARDS, Chief of the Defence Staff

LIBYA

former Ambassador to Libya, Oliver Miles.

PRINCESS DIANA LEGACY

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

On this week’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau, we have a special look at Afghanistan following Donald Trump’s speech on his new strategy for the war.

We look at what it means for Afghanistan, America and the UK plus we discuss whether putting more boots on the ground will make a significant difference.

We speak to Emily Winterbotham (RUSI), Michael Kugelman (Woodrow Wilson Center), Emily Knowles (Oxford Research Group) and Paul Rogers (University of Bradford).

In today’s Sitrep with Tim Cooper

There’s mounting tensions over North Korea as President Trump threatens fire and fury whilst the UN urges caution & diplomacy.

Find out how the Army is hoping to keep the Anglo-German deployment going post 2019.

Plus:  why the Imperial War Museum has upset its members

And Portsmouth gets ready to welcome the Navy’s biggest ever carrier.

TOPICS

Guests:

Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford Paul Rogers and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

North Korea

Former British Ambassador to Pyongyang, David Slinn, Dr Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

Commander Field Army in Minden

Lt General Patrick Saunders talking to Aimee Dewitt about post 2019.

HMS Queen Elizabeth

Interview with the leader of Portsmouth City Council Donna Jones ahead of the Carrier’s arrival.

The Imperial War Museum

Mark Smith, the Antiques Roadshow's militaria expert, Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford Paul Rogers and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

The Head of the Army explains why we need to keep hold of Sennelager after drawdown in Germany.

Will US plans to use diplomacy decrease the tensions in North Korea?

Do Generals who take time out to study for a PhD make better military commanders?

And, as the Duke of Edinburgh retires from royal duties, Sitrep looks at the importance to the military of having a royal colonel.

TOPICS

Guests:

BFBS  Defence Analyst Christopher Lee & Professor Michael Clarke, the former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute

HEAD OF THE ARMY INTERVIEW

Rob Olver interviews General Nick Carter.

NATO RISK REDUCTION

Defence Analyst Christopher Lee & Professor Michael Clarke, the former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute

PHD GENERALS

Elisabeth Braw, senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

Defence Analyst Christopher Lee & Professor Michael Clarke, the former Director General of the Royal United Services Institute

President trump has tweeted that he doesn’t want transgender personnel in the us military, today the Sitrep programme speaks to Caroline Paige, who was the first openly transgender officer in the British Forces.

Also in the programme: what the RAF are doing in Romania on Op Biloxi, an update on Sandhurst in the Sand and the Afghan Air Force take to the skies.

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.

Can Europe cope with the influx of refugees?

Could the UN broker a peace deal in Syria?

What went wrong with the F35s?

Why did the head of France’s armed forces quit his job?

Plus: Make Your Bed - a US Admiral's top tip for a lifetime of success.

TOPICS

REFUGEES

Professor Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford & Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

SYRIA

Hamish de Bretton Gordon who is a former Army Officer now advising NGOs in Syria

FRENCH MILITARY

Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

 MAKE YOUR BED (Book review with author William H. McRaven, a former US Admiral )

Navy & HMS Glasgow

Professor Paul Rogers who is Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford & Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

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.

Mosul – IS have been defeated but what’s next for the beleaguered Iraqi city?

The Chief of the Air Staff looks forward to the RAF’s centenary next year whilst

the WRNS is celebrating its 100th anniversary this week.

Plus…. Trump Junior and the mysterious Russian Lawyer, what’s the true story?

TOPICS

CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF

BFBS reporter Charlotte Banks interview with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshall Sir Stephen Hilier 

MOSUL

Professor Scott Lucas from the University of Birmingham.

Trump trouble

Professor Hazel Smith from the Centre of Korea Studies at the school of Oriental and African Studies at The University of London & Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

WRNS 100 years

Commander Jane Allen from Royal Navy HQ in Portsmouth 

DUNKIRK

Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

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.

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 6th July (KATE PRESENTS TODAY)

One year after publishing his report Sir John Chilcot finally speaks out but why did it take so long?

Why NATO’s ready for business on the front line.

How should the international community respond to North Korea?

And, the people's storybook of the Cold War.                               

TOPICS

CHILCOT INTERVIEW

Former BBC Diplomatic Correspondent and now Master of Peterhouse, Cambridge, Bridget Kendall and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

NATO

Brigadier Commander Mike Elviss speaking to BFBS reporter Rob Olver in Paderborn.

NORTH KOREA

Professor Hazel Smith from the Centre of Korea Studies at the school of Oriental and African Studies at The University of London.

SAUDI ARABIA

Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

COLD WAR, STORIES FROM THE BIG FREEZE

The BBC's former Moscow and then Diplomatic Correspondent Bridget Kendall  -  now the Master of Peterhouse, Cambridge, who has written an oral history of the Cold War.

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.

Why the army needs to change the way it recruits

the head of the US Army in Europe shares his concerns about the shrinking British army….

Plus, Britain's biggest ever warship, HMS Queen Elizabeth sets sail, but what does the future hold for her?

Fresh talks are taking place aimed at re-unifying Cyprus.

And its 20 year since the British left Hong Kong………..

TOPICS

ARMY RECRUITING

BFBS reporter Rosie Laydon interview with General Sir Nick Carter.

Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

HEAD OF US ARMY IN EUROPE

Lt General Ben Hodges commander of the US Army in Europe speaking to BFBS reporter Charlotte Banks

CARRIERS

The ship's captain - Commander Jerry Kyd & Naval Historian and analyst Eric Grove & Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst

NATO AFGHANISTAN

Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

CYPRUS TALKS

BFBS Reporter Simon Newton, Naval Historian and analyst Eric Grove & Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst

HONG KONG

Analyst Eric Grove & Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst

In this week’s Sitrep, Is the destruction of an ancient mosque in the Iraqi city of Mosul an admission of defeat by IS?

What’s life like for the RAF Reaper Squadrons?

Prince Harry shares his thoughts on his life in the army, dealing with his demons and the Invictus games.

Plus -  The new Veterans’ Gateway, find out how it can help you.

TOPICS

MOSUL & SYRIA

Professor Michael Clarke, the former Director General at the Royal United Services Institute and Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst.

DRONE PILOTS

Dr Peter Lee from the University of Portsmouth.

SAUDI CROWN PRINCE

Christopher Lee, BFBS Defence Analyst

PRINCE HARRY

BFBS Reporter Cath Brazier.

VETERANS GATEWAY

BFBS Reporter Grace Pascoe

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.

In this week’s Sitrep,

Exercise Noble Jump in Romania - what is it and who’s taking part?

Gaddafi’s son has been freed, but what does that mean for Libya?

What does the military make of the General Election result and will an alliance with the DUP affect defence policy?

Plus  - the Putin Interviews – find out why he’s been speaking to Oliver Stone.

TOPICS

EXERCISE NOBLE JUMP

BFBS reporter Simon Newton & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

LIBYA

Mary Fitzgerald, Libya analyst

ELECTION

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

VLADIMIR PUTIN

Former advisor to the Kremlin Alexander Nekrassov.

350TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RAID ON MEDWAY

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

In today’s Sitrep,

A stark warning of a humanitarian disaster in the final battle for Mosul

And where next for the Islamist Extremists forced out of Iraq?

Why Qatar is being shunned by its neighbours….

And the military medicine from Afghanistan that’s saving the lives of ordinary people in Britain.

There’s election fever as the manifestos are published but is there anything for the Services to vote for?

Trump, Russia and Putin – exactly what is going on?

While NATO defence chiefs meet in Brussels, Sitrep goes behind the scenes at the Alliance's Joint Force Headquarters in Naples.

Plus -  how the RAF took out the IS executioners.

Studio Guest: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

TOPICS

DEFENCE & THE GENERAL ELECTION

BFBS correspondent James Hirst & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

TRUMP/RUSSIA/PUTIN

Professor Scott Lucas is from the department of political science and international studies at the University of Birmingham BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

NATO & NAPLES

BFBS reporter Tim Cooper in Italy speaking to Major General Ian Cave, Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans, at Joint Force Headquarters in Naples & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

MOSUL PROGRESS

BFBS’s Simon Newton reporting from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus

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.

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 11^th May 

(KATE PRESENTS– NO CHRISTOPHER LEE TODAY; Professor Michael Clarke, former Director of the Royal United Services Institute is our special guest throughout the programme)

Could the UK send more troops to Afghanistan, and what will they be doing if they do deploy?

In the States, the fallout continues over the sacking of the head of the FBI….

Find out what the main Defence issues are in the General Election campaigns.

Plus, Sitrep explores the impact of Prince Harry’s campaign on Mental Health issues.

TOPICS

AFGHANISTAN 

Michael Evans from the Times & Professor Michael Clarke, former Director of the Royal United Services Institute

FBI DIRECTOR

Simon Marks from Feature Story News in Washington & Professor Michael Clarke

DEFENCE & THE GENERAL ELECTION

James Hirst, our correspondent in Westminster & Professor Michael Clarke

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

Sir Simon Wessely, Director of the King's Centre for Military Health Research

BUNDESWEHR

Professor Michael Clarke

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.

Could the French election result change the UK’s defence alliance with our European ally?

What’s the significance of Japan joining in Naval exercise with the US?

Find out what’s worrying the Head of Europol….

Plus, Doctors at War, what it’s really like to save lives in a war zone…..

And, as Prince Phillip steps down from Royal duties – who’s stepping up to fulfil his role?

TOPICS

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

BFBS Defence analyst Christopher Lee

FRENCH ELECTION

Dr Paul Smith an expert in French politics from the University of Nottingham..

HEAD OF EUROPOL

Rob Wainwright who is head of the European Union's police

JAPAN NAVY EXERCISE

Rear Admiral Chris Parry from Rusi

DOCTORS AT WAR

Book review ‘Doctors at War’ by Mark de Rond. 

An account of life of a trauma surgical team at work in a field hospital in Helmand, Afghanistan.

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 27th April (KATE PRESENTS TODAY)

Will sanctions curb North Korea’s nuclear ambitions?

Find out what life’s like on board the US aircraft carrier the "George H-W Bush”.

Plus, Trump’s 100 days in power, what’s the verdict?

And Prince Harry’s thoughts on the importance of rugby to the forces as we look forward to the 100th Army Navy rugby match this weekend.

TOPICS

SYRIA/BORIS JOHNSON

Professor of Peace Studies and the University of Bradford, Paul Rogers.

GEORGE H-W BUSH.

BFBS reporter Simon Newton goes on board the US aircraft carrier

NORTH KOREA

Professor of Peace Studies and the University of Bradford, Paul Rogers & & Simon Marks from Feature Story News in Washington

TRUMP 100 DAYS

Professor of Peace Studies and the University of Bradford, Paul Rogers & & Simon Marks from Feature Story News in Washington

CHINESE CARRIERS

BFBS Defence analyst Christopher Lee

ONE HUNDREDTH ARMY NAVY RUGBY MATCH

BFBS Sports Editor Jon Knighton

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.

In today’s Sitrep – there’s more reaction to last week's chemical weapons attack in Syria and how it's affecting US/Russian relations.

Find out how North Korea is testing the Trump administration and why the Royal Marines are to be restructured.

And, it's a 100 years this week that America entered the First World War...

TOPICS

SYRIA – CHEMICAL WEAPONS/RUSSIA/US

Chemical Weapons expert  Hamish De Bretton Gordon is a

Michael Stathis, Professor of Political Science at Southern Utah University and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

NORTH KOREA

Michael Stathis, Professor of Political Science at Southern Utah University and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

ROYAL MARINES

Former Royal Marine and Special Boat Service officer, Lord Paddy Ashdown

WW1 & US INVOLVEMENT

Michael Stathis, Professor of Political Science at Southern Utah University and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

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.

Chemical weapons in Syria. What happened? Who’s right, who’s wrong and what next?

Find out what British troops are doing on Exercise Desert Warrior in Kuwait,
and what the Royal Engineers are doing in famine hit South Sudan?

One year in the job – Kate Gerbeau talks to the Service Complaints Ombudsman after she publishes her first Annual Report.

And all the Queen's Soldiers...Why the Royal Lancers now belong to Elizabeth.

GUESTS: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

Topics:

Syria/Russia/America
Director General of the Royal United Services Institute Dr Karin von Hippel and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

Armed Forces Minister Mike Penning speaking from South Sudan.

Interview with the Service Complaints Ombudsman, Nicola Williams.

The Royal Lancers - renamed

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.

This week:

We ask who bombed civilians in Mosul was it IS fighters or coalition aircraft?

Brexit has been triggered but why is the Prime Minister threatening to pull terrorist intelligence?

Hear how the Royal Navy is fighting back against the hackers.

And on the day the National Army Museum is re-opened to the public, we talk about the “little guys” – Britain’s 139 small regimental museums.

GUESTS:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

The Times Correspondent Michael Evans

BBC World Service political Correspondent Rob Watson

Managing Director of Airbus Cyber Security in the UK Ian Goslin

The Antiques Roadshow Militaria expert Mark Smith

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.

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 23rd March (KATE PRESENTS TODAY)

Terror at Westminster…how did it happen and what can be done?  Who was the attacker and what’s the bigger picture?  Can modern terrorism attacks destroy democracy?  Listen to Sitrep to get all the latest defence analysis.

GUESTS:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

Professor Michael Clarke, formerly Director General of the Royal United Services Institute

Professor Anthony Glees, Director, Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham

Major General Julian Thompson, a former Royal Marine Commander who served in Northern Ireland and now a visiting Professor at King's College London.

Charlie Winter, Senior research fellow at The International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation at King’s College, London.

Michael Pregent, a former US Intelligence Officer and advisor to the Peshmerga.

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.

Marine A: did the Royal Marine's higher command fail?

Why Putin's generals are watching British troops in Estonia,

What can British troops do about famine in South Sudan?

And its 100 years since the start of the Russian Revolution - but why isn’t Moscow celebrating?

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 & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

On the day the Queen unveils the Iraq and Afghanistan memorial, Sitrep reflects on three wars in which 682 British Service personnel died. Find out the Soldier’s view, the Ambassador’s view and the Veteran’s view in a special programme presented by Kate Gerbeau.

GUESTS: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

MEMORIAL

Paul Osbourne rounds up the day’s events.

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Rory Higgins and Susie Ferguson reporting for BFBS in March 2003

LIEUTENANT GENERAL SIR GRAEME LAMB

Lieutenant General Sir Graeme Lamb was appointed General Officer Commanding 3rd (UK) Mechanised Division in the summer of 2003 - the start of the Iraq War. 

SIR WILLIAM PATEY

Sir William Patey, a former British Ambassador to Iraq and later Afghanistan.

AFGHANISTAN VETERAN ROAYL MARINE CASSIDY LITTLE

Reflection on his military career.

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 & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Why is Mr Trump handing out 54 billion dollars to the Pentagon?

Why a group of MPs says we must maintain relations with the Russians.

The RAF in the Middle East – why it’s a minute by minute operation

And - what can British troops expect when they deploy to famine struck South Sudan?

GUESTS:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

TRUMP

Dr Karin Von Hippel, Director General at the Royal United Services Institute.

RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA

BFBS reporter James Hirst interview with Foreign Affairs Committee chairman  Crispin Blunt.

OP SHADER

BFBS reporter Simon Newton in Cyprus talks to British Major General Rupert Jones, deputy commander for the Combined Joint Task Force.

SOUTH SUDAN

Sitrep producer Josella Waldron interview with the BBC’s Africa Correspondent Alastair Leithead

Al Qaeda

Charles Lister is a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

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 & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

The latest on what’s happening in the fight to take back Mosul from IS fighters.

How British troops will soon be helping people in famine-hit South Sudan…

Find out why British troops are being warned about honey traps, staged brawls and social media infiltration in Estonia.

And Sitrep speaks to a former Army officer who has the ear of the USA’s new Security Advisor.

GUESTS:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

MOSUL

Michael a former US Intelligence Officer and advisor to the Peshmerga.

SOUTH SUDAN

David Lomuria, a correspondent for Feature Story News in the capital Juba.

HONEY TRAP

Former Kremlin advisor Alexander Nekrassov

LIEUTENANT GENERAL HR MCMASTER

Retired Major General Andrew Mackay commanded British forces in in Afghanistan.

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 & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

What was on the agenda at today’s NATO meeting? Sitrep gets reaction from the Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon.

Has China lost all influence on North Korea?

Find out what the Marines are up to in Norway…

And waiting for justice - how long will it be before war crimes in Syria are dealt with in court?

GUESTS: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

NATO

Charlotte Banks interview with the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon.

MARINES - ARCTIC TRAINING

Rebecca Ricks reporting on Exercise Clockwork in Northern Norway,

NORTH KOREA - NEIL DALL

Emil Dall, Research Fellow in the Proliferation and Nuclear Policy Programme at the Royal United Services Institute.

WAR CRIMES

Professor David Crane was the Chief Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, where he indicted the Liberian President Charles Taylor.

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 & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

In this week’s Sitrep, we ask why Donald Trump hasn’t got round to calling the Chinese President yet, and what that might say for US-China relations.

Plus we look at the President’s promise to boost defence spending.

We hear from a former head of the Army, ahead of the publication of a report into the investigation into abuse allegations in Iraq.

And after a minister warned more British troops could be sent to Afghanistan, we hear from a former captain who served three tours there.

GUESTS: General Sir Mike Jackson, former Chief of the General Staff; Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, former First Sea Lord, Scott Lucas, professor of American Studies at Birmingham University; Doug Beattie, former Army Captain

Thursday 1630 on BFBS Radio 2, 1830 on BFBS & UK bases, plus anytime afterwards online, or via the podcast.

Presented by Kate Gerbeau

In today’ Sitrep there’s reaction and analysis as human rights lawyer, Phil Shiner, is struck off.

In Afghanistan, the Taliban is in disarray – so is this a good time for peace?

The Royal Navy leads the combined Naval Task Force in the Gulf for the first time.

Trump's defence secretary, 'Mad Dog' Mattis, starts work in the far east.

And Very Lynne’s new album to celebrate her 100th Birthday.

PHIL SHINER

Interview with MP and former British Army Officer Johnny Mercer

TALIBAN  

Professor Theo Farrell & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

HMS OCEAN

BFBS reporter Simon Newton

US RELATIONS ABROAD

Professor of Political Science at the University of Southern Utah, Michael Stathis...

VERA LYNNE

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

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 & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Teresa May's will be the first foreign leader to meet Donald Trump, but who's going to get the most out of it?

And do the comparisons with Mrs Thatcher and President Reagan mean anything or is this going to be a very different relationship

NATO forges friendships in the Middle East with a new HQ in Kuwait.

Meet the women of the US Marine Corps and hear all about the Norwegian Military Experiment - how one unit tried a 50/50 gender split with surprising results.

GUESTS:

DONALD TRUMP & TERESA MAY VISIT

Professor Michael Clarke formerly the Director General of the Royal United Services & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

BFBS reporter Tim Cooper interview with General David Perkins, commander of US Army training and Doctrine – discussing Brexit and US politics.

NATO

Professor Michael Clarke formerly the Director General of the Royal United Services & BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

US MARINES

As the UK prepares to accept the first females into its own infantry, Hannah King has been taking a look at how the US Marines incorporate females.

NORWEGIAN ARMY

Elisabeth Braw, senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council

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 & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Tomorrow Donald Trump will become the 45th President of the United States of America.  In a special edition of Sitrep, Kate Gerbeau will ask “Should we be frightened?”

A panel of experts are going to look at what Trump’s time as President & Commander in Chief of the American Armed Forces could mean for the rest of the world. 

Will he forge closer ties with Russia?

What will he do about NATO?

What about Syria?

And why is he so against China? 

Find out the answers to those questions and many more in today’s Sitrep………………………….

GUESTS:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

Former BBC Diplomatic Correspondent Bridget Kendall.  Bridget has spent a lot of time in Washington and Moscow and is an expert on Russian politics. 

Professor of International Politics at the University of Birmingham Scott Lucas who can talk extensively about US foreign policy and the Middle East. 

Dr Karin von Hippel, Director General of the Royal United Services Institute.  Karin was formally Chief of Staff to the US General John Allen when he was special presidential envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter Isil. 

Simon Marks from Feature Story – our man in Washington who can tell us all about what we can expect at tomorrow’s inauguration ceremony.

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 & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Russian aggression has triggered the deployment of American forces to Poland but is it necessary?

President-elect Trump -  what’s really going on and who’s side is he on?

Could we see more German boots on the ground in Europe?

What part does Britain play in the Talks to re-unify Cyprus?

And War through the eyes of the correspondent.  The Times man in the blue body-armour tells all……

Other interviews

POLAND AND TRUMP

Former Defence and Pentagon Correspondent for The Times Michael Evans

GERMAN BOOTS ON GROUND

Elisabeth Braw, senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council.

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Dr Aurel Sari – A lecturer in the law of armed conflict at Exeter University.

CYPRUS TALKS

BFBS reporter in Cyprus, Simon Newton

WAR REPORTING

Former Defence and Pentagon Correspondent for The Times Michael Evans

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 & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

Sky Channel 0211

Alternatively listen again on the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

In today’s Sitrep what’s in store for the year ahead?  For starters, there’s IS, Trump and Brexit.

Plus....Why Russia's got the hots for the arctic, why more Irish nationals are joining the British Army….and, why Hitler's back in the bestseller list.

PRESENTER THIS WEEK: Kate Gerbeau

Studio guests:

BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

Other interviews

NEW YEAR THREAT

BFBS Reporter James Hirst, Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford Paul Rogers and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

ARCTIC

Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, Paul Rogers

IRISH RECRUITMENT TO BRITISH ARMY

Belfast journalist and author David McKittrick

NORTH KOREA

Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford Paul Rogers and BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee.

MEIN KAMPF  

Professor Dr. Magnus Brechtken, from the Institute for Contemporary History in Munich