As the western evacuation from Afghanistan enters its final phase, what are the key mistakes that led to the country’s fall to the Taliban?  This week, we hear from an analyst who only left Kabul as the city was being taken over — she claims the US effectively sold out the Afghan government, and encouraged the Taliban to wait out the clock.  We discuss what impact the withdrawal will have on other countries’ faith in western military powers, and whether it will prompt a fracture between the US and UK.  Plus we ask what impact this last deployment in Afghanistan will have on the hundreds of British troops now pulling out of Kabul, and how it’s affecting veterans of the last twenty years.

As the western evacuation from Afghanistan enters its final phase, what are the key mistakes that led to the country’s fall to the Taliban? This week, we hear from an analyst who only left Kabul as the city was being taken over — she claims the US effectively sold out the Afghan government, and encouraged the Taliban to wait out the clock. We discuss what impact the withdrawal will have on other countries’ faith in western military powers, and whether it will prompt a fracture between the US and UK. Plus we ask what impact this last deployment in Afghanistan will have on the hundreds of British troops now pulling out of Kabul, and how it’s affecting veterans of the last twenty years.

Afghanistan: The final days

The Service Complaints Ombudsman tells Sitrep that - despite progress - the system for raising and addressing grievances in the military is not efficient, effective, or fair. Sitrep looks at what we know so far about the promised Type 32 Frigate first mentioned by the Prime Minister in the funding settlement statement. And you can hear a special report from Cyprus where Royal Marines are testing new technology and systems.

The Service Complaints Ombudsman tells Sitrep that - despite progress - the system for raising and addressing grievances in the military is not efficient, effective, or fair. Sitrep looks at what we know so far about the promised Type 32 Frigate first mentioned by the Prime Minister in the funding settlement statement. And you can hear a special report from Cyprus where Royal Marines are testing new technology and systems.

Armed forces complaints; Type 32 Frigate; Royal Marines

Sitrep focuses on future Defence priorities and funding with the Armed Forces Minister James Heappey, Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey, the former Chief of the Defence Staff, Lord Richards and Professor Michael Clarke from RUSI . Plus Hannah King reports on how 'gun bubbles' are helping troops train for a deployment to Estonia.   Follow us @bfbssitrep

Sitrep focuses on future Defence priorities and funding with the Armed Forces Minister James Heappey, Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey, the former Chief of the Defence Staff, Lord Richards and Professor Michael Clarke from RUSI . Plus Hannah King reports on how 'gun bubbles' are helping troops train for a deployment to Estonia. Follow us @bfbssitrep

Future shape of UK Defence after Funding Settlement.

Defence is to get a four year funding deal - what should the new money be spent on and how will it reshape the UK's defence policy?  President Trump orders more US troops out of Afghanistan - but what does that mean for the fragile peace process? And how RFA Argus is supporting Hurricane relief efforts. Follow us @bfbssitrep 

Defence is to get a four year funding deal - what should the new money be spent on and how will it reshape the UK's defence policy?  President Trump orders more US troops out of Afghanistan - but what does that mean for the fragile peace process? And how RFA Argus is supporting Hurricane relief efforts. Follow us @bfbssitrep

Defence Spending; Afghanistan drawdown; Hurricane aid.

What is the future for US-NATO relations under a Joe Biden Presidency?   The mission to rid the Falklands of landmines nearly 40 years after the conflict And we look at the role for defence in Space. Follow us @bfbssitrep

What is the future for US-NATO relations under a Joe Biden Presidency?   The mission to rid the Falklands of landmines nearly 40 years after the conflict And we look at the role for defence in Space. Follow us @bfbssitrep

US and NATO; Falklands mine-clearing; Space and Defence

The armed forces helping to carry out rapid coronavirus testing in the government’s first mass pilot... What are the future defence, foreign and security challenges for the winner of the Presidential election in the US?  And how different will Remembrance be this year due to the Covid pandemic?   Follow us @bfbssitrep

The armed forces helping to carry out rapid coronavirus testing in the government’s first mass pilot... What are the future defence, foreign and security challenges for the winner of the Presidential election in the US?  And how different will Remembrance be this year due to the Covid pandemic? Follow us @bfbssitrep

Covid military response; US Election; Remembrance

In less than a week, the United States chooses its next President. In this week’s Sitrep, we get the latest on the race for military votes, and ask what four more years of Donald Trump, or a new start under Joe Biden, would mean for the UK, and for Nato. In the week special forces raided an oil tanker in trouble off the Isle of Wight, we ask whether the military could dragged into the ongoing Channel migrant and refugee crisis. We’ll find out how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted Gurkha recruitment, and hear from a former head of GCHQ who says we could all learn a lot by thinking the way spies do. Plus the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, tells us about his own relationship with the military, and why he thinks MPs should spend time with the forces learning how they work.

In less than a week, the United States chooses its next President. In this week’s Sitrep, we get the latest on the race for military votes, and ask what four more years of Donald Trump, or a new start under Joe Biden, would mean for the UK, and for Nato. In the week special forces raided an oil tanker in trouble off the Isle of Wight, we ask whether the military could dragged into the ongoing Channel migrant and refugee crisis. We’ll find out how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted Gurkha recruitment, and hear from a former head of GCHQ who says we could all learn a lot by thinking the way spies do. Plus the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, tells us about his own relationship with the military, and why he thinks MPs should spend time with the forces learning how they work.

America’s knife-edge election & special forces raid oil tanker

The future of the Integrated Security and Defence Review.  Why is NATO planning to open a new Space Centre? How will Drone technology change combat? And what impact did GCHQ have in the Falklands War?    Follow us @bfbssitrep

The future of the Integrated Security and Defence Review.  Why is NATO planning to open a new Space Centre? How will Drone technology change combat? And what impact did GCHQ have in the Falklands War?  Follow us @bfbssitrep

Integrated Review: Drone Technology; GCHQ History.

How has Army recruitment been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic?  Sitrep speaks to the Assistant Director of Army Recruiting. What lies behind North Korea’s decision to showcase its latest missile? The RAF has welcomed the arrival of the first of the P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft to its permanent home at RAF Lossiemouth. And the campaign to honour armed forces personnel from the Caribbean with a new monument at the National Memorial Arboretum   Follow us @bfbssitrep

How has Army recruitment been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic?  Sitrep speaks to the Assistant Director of Army Recruiting. What lies behind North Korea’s decision to showcase its latest missile? The RAF has welcomed the arrival of the first of the P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft to its permanent home at RAF Lossiemouth. And the campaign to honour armed forces personnel from the Caribbean with a new monument at the National Memorial Arboretum Follow us @bfbssitrep

 Army Recruitment; North Korean missiles; Submarine Hunters

A new report from the IISS think tank says the Russian armed forces are significantly smaller than their Soviet predecessors, but better equipped with more professional personnel.  We mark thirty years since women were first deployed operationally at sea with the Royal Navy...  And why the Gurkhas are doing ‘wet gap crossing’ training in Northumberland. Follow us @bfbssitrep

A new report from the IISS think tank says the Russian armed forces are significantly smaller than their Soviet predecessors, but better equipped with more professional personnel.  We mark thirty years since women were first deployed operationally at sea with the Royal Navy...  And why the Gurkhas are doing ‘wet gap crossing’ training in Northumberland. Follow us @bfbssitrep

Russian armed forces; Women in Royal Navy; Gurkha training

NYF and Sony Radio Award winning Sitrep brings you discussion and analysis on defence, foreign policy and the stories affecting the British Forces.  Presented by Kate Gerbeau with defence analyst Christopher Lee.

NYF and Sony Radio Award winning Sitrep brings you discussion and analysis on defence, foreign policy and the stories affecting the British Forces. Presented by Kate Gerbeau with defence analyst Christopher Lee.

BFBS Radio Sitrep

For years he’s been the world’s most wanted terrorist. Now Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead. In this week’s Sitrep, we examine the implications of the death of the IS leader, and what’s likely to happen next with Fawaz Gerges, professor of international relations at the London School of Economics and Professor Michael Clarke, former director-general of the Royal United Services Institute. After months of political deadlock, Britain is set for a pre-Christmas election. The Times' political Correspondent, Lucy Fisher, looks at whether defence issues will get a mention in a campaign likely to be dominated by Brexit. Professor Michael Clarke has written a new book how Brexit is creating a new world of security challenges And a former Army officer explains how he helped track down one of the suspects in the Sergei Skripal poisoning, and explains how much vital intelligence is just out there, waiting to be discovered.   Find us @bfbssitrep

For years he’s been the world’s most wanted terrorist. Now Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead. In this week’s Sitrep, we examine the implications of the death of the IS leader, and what’s likely to happen next with Fawaz Gerges, professor of international relations at the London School of Economics and Professor Michael Clarke, former director-general of the Royal United Services Institute. After months of political deadlock, Britain is set for a pre-Christmas election. The Times' political Correspondent, Lucy Fisher, looks at whether defence issues will get a mention in a campaign likely to be dominated by Brexit. Professor Michael Clarke has written a new book how Brexit is creating a new world of security challenges And a former Army officer explains how he helped track down one of the suspects in the Sergei Skripal poisoning, and explains how much vital intelligence is just out there, waiting to be discovered. Find us @bfbssitrep

Al Baghdadi is killed, defence election issues and have we reached Tipping Point

It’s Mental Health Awareness week, and this year’s theme is “kindness” — in this week’s Sitrep we hear how one military charity’s helping some of those struggling to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.  We’ll find out how NATO’s combating disinformation around the virus — with help from the British military.  And we’ll hear from the head of the UN relief mission in Yemen — a country battered by years of civil war, and now struggling with Covid-19.  Plus updates on how the pandemic’s affecting British forces communities in Canada and Cyprus — and the Red Arrows have a new home — not too far from the old one. Follow us @bfbssitrep

It’s Mental Health Awareness week, and this year’s theme is “kindness” — in this week’s Sitrep we hear how one military charity’s helping some of those struggling to cope with the coronavirus pandemic. We’ll find out how NATO’s combating disinformation around the virus — with help from the British military. And we’ll hear from the head of the UN relief mission in Yemen — a country battered by years of civil war, and now struggling with Covid-19. Plus updates on how the pandemic’s affecting British forces communities in Canada and Cyprus — and the Red Arrows have a new home — not too far from the old one. Follow us @bfbssitrep

It’s Mental Health Awareness week during lockdown, how are military charities helping.  Combating disinformation around the virus and the Red Arrows are on the move.

MPs on the Commons Defence Select Committee want to know if the military could have been used sooner to boost Britain's response to the coronavirus pandemic -- we'll speak to the committee's chairman. We'll also ask why America sent its fleet of bombers into the skies above Europe and the Indo-Pacific this week in a show of strength — aimed in part at China. Most military personnel who think they have a valid complaint about their treatment don’t actually make one. And according to the Ombudsman overseeing service complaints, the system is neither efficient or fair. We hear from Nicola Williams about what’s working, what’s not, and why women in the military are nearly five times more likely to file a complaint than men. We’ve updates on how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting reserves in Northern Ireland, and the impact of a slight easing of restrictions in Germany. Plus we take to the skies with the Covid Aviation Task Force, which has been helping the NHS in its response to the pandemic. Follow us @bfbssitrep

MPs on the Commons Defence Select Committee want to know if the military could have been used sooner to boost Britain's response to the coronavirus pandemic -- we'll speak to the committee's chairman. We'll also ask why America sent its fleet of bombers into the skies above Europe and the Indo-Pacific this week in a show of strength — aimed in part at China. Most military personnel who think they have a valid complaint about their treatment don’t actually make one. And according to the Ombudsman overseeing service complaints, the system is neither efficient or fair. We hear from Nicola Williams about what’s working, what’s not, and why women in the military are nearly five times more likely to file a complaint than men. We’ve updates on how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting reserves in Northern Ireland, and the impact of a slight easing of restrictions in Germany. Plus we take to the skies with the Covid Aviation Task Force, which has been helping the NHS in its response to the pandemic. Follow us @bfbssitrep

An inquiry is launched into the defence contribution to the Covid crisis, why is the US sending bombers overseas and the service complaints system, does it work?

What will the world look like when the coronavirus pandemic is in the past? Will relations with China collapse? How will Russia respond? And where does it leave Britain? We’ll discuss the potential for major change with the director-general of RUSI We report on the military’s latest role responding to the pandemic — setting up dozens of mobile testing facilities We get updates on how forces communities around the world are coping with the lockdown. And on Captain Tom Moore’s 100th birthday, we hear from the postmaster who’s had to cope with more than 100-thousand cards. Plus, a former MoD expert on UFOs tells us why the Pentagon’s suddenly being so open about potential close encounters. Follow us @bfbssitrep

What will the world look like when the coronavirus pandemic is in the past? Will relations with China collapse? How will Russia respond? And where does it leave Britain? We’ll discuss the potential for major change with the director-general of RUSI We report on the military’s latest role responding to the pandemic — setting up dozens of mobile testing facilities We get updates on how forces communities around the world are coping with the lockdown. And on Captain Tom Moore’s 100th birthday, we hear from the postmaster who’s had to cope with more than 100-thousand cards. Plus, a former MoD expert on UFOs tells us why the Pentagon’s suddenly being so open about potential close encounters. Follow us @bfbssitrep

What will the world look like when the coronavirus pandemic is in the past? Will relations with China collapse? How will Russia respond and where does it leave Britain?

Thousands of military personnel are part of Britain’s response to the Coronavirus crisis, but should they be doing more?  What are the parallels between being in a war zone and being on the frontline of the medical battle against Covid-19?  Sitrep speaks to an expert in military mental health,  And, as the head of MI5 steps down, what are the security threats we need to be worried about once the pandemic has passed? Plus, how are military charities coping as many face financial crisis?   Follow us @bfbssitrep

Thousands of military personnel are part of Britain’s response to the Coronavirus crisis, but should they be doing more? What are the parallels between being in a war zone and being on the frontline of the medical battle against Covid-19?  Sitrep speaks to an expert in military mental health, And, as the head of MI5 steps down, what are the security threats we need to be worried about once the pandemic has passed? Plus, how are military charities coping as many face financial crisis? Follow us @bfbssitrep

More military deploy in response to coronavirus, what are the parallels with a warzone and how are military charities coping?

The coronavirus pandemic respects no borders, striking the wealthiest countries, and the poorest. This week, we look at the potential impact on conflict zones. A former adviser to the US State Department tells us Afghanistan will have to cope without much international support. In the United States, Donald Trump comes under more pressure over his response to the pandemic. Will it prompt him to withdraw even further from America’s decades-old role as global leader? We get an update from Cyprus on how the outbreak is affecting the lives of the British forces community. And we tell the story of Captain Tom Moore, the 99-year-old veteran who’s raised millions for the NHS.

The coronavirus pandemic respects no borders, striking the wealthiest countries, and the poorest. This week, we look at the potential impact on conflict zones. A former adviser to the US State Department tells us Afghanistan will have to cope without much international support. In the United States, Donald Trump comes under more pressure over his response to the pandemic. Will it prompt him to withdraw even further from America’s decades-old role as global leader? We get an update from Cyprus on how the outbreak is affecting the lives of the British forces community. And we tell the story of Captain Tom Moore, the 99-year-old veteran who’s raised millions for the NHS.

Coronavirus: How will it change our world?

With the Prime Minister in hospital, who’s in charge of Britain’s security? As the Government continues to fight against the coronavirus pandemic, former RUSI head Professor Michael Clarke tells us some will see an opportunity to exploit. The Chief of the Defence Staff is telling the forces to treat the virus response as a long-term operation — we speak to retired Major General Tim Robinson, formerly in charge of military assistance to civilian authorities, about the different mindset that’s required. And as the coronavirus reaches Africa, are there lessons from the way British forces helped to tackle the Ebola outbreak there in 2014. We hear from Kate Dooley, from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, who’s normally based in Sierra Leone. Plus care homes call on the public to get in touch with lonely veterans, forced to isolate while the outbreak continues.

With the Prime Minister in hospital, who’s in charge of Britain’s security? As the Government continues to fight against the coronavirus pandemic, former RUSI head Professor Michael Clarke tells us some will see an opportunity to exploit. The Chief of the Defence Staff is telling the forces to treat the virus response as a long-term operation — we speak to retired Major General Tim Robinson, formerly in charge of military assistance to civilian authorities, about the different mindset that’s required. And as the coronavirus reaches Africa, are there lessons from the way British forces helped to tackle the Ebola outbreak there in 2014. We hear from Kate Dooley, from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, who’s normally based in Sierra Leone. Plus care homes call on the public to get in touch with lonely veterans, forced to isolate while the outbreak continues.

Coronavirus: The military prepares for a long haul

The giant NHS Nightingale Hospital in London’s docklands prepares to receive patients — built in just a few days with help from the Army. We’ve a special report from inside the hospital.  As thousands of reservists are called up and the RAF and Royal Navy make their own contributions to the national response to the pandemic, we’ll hear from the First Sea Lord, and get updates from forces communities in Germany, the Falklands and Cyprus.  Plus we learn more about the call to veterans to help their local communities cope with the virus.  Fake news connected to the pandemic is spreading around the world — we’ll explore the task facing the new government unit set up to combat conspiracy theories.  And we hear how a group of veterans in Scotland are using technology to keep in touch despite the rules on social distancing. Follow us @bfbssitrep

The giant NHS Nightingale Hospital in London’s docklands prepares to receive patients — built in just a few days with help from the Army. We’ve a special report from inside the hospital. As thousands of reservists are called up and the RAF and Royal Navy make their own contributions to the national response to the pandemic, we’ll hear from the First Sea Lord, and get updates from forces communities in Germany, the Falklands and Cyprus. Plus we learn more about the call to veterans to help their local communities cope with the virus. Fake news connected to the pandemic is spreading around the world — we’ll explore the task facing the new government unit set up to combat conspiracy theories. And we hear how a group of veterans in Scotland are using technology to keep in touch despite the rules on social distancing. Follow us @bfbssitrep

Coronavirus: The Forces join the fight

We hear from some of those in the forces helping the UK’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Former Chief of the Defence Staff Lord Richards tells us the Army’s “perfect” to help build a giant new hospital in London — and remembers his experiences of being drafted in to help in past civil emergencies. We learn about the military personnel training to deliver vital oxygen supplies to hospitals up and down the country, and find out how the outbreak could threaten charities working with veterans. Plus we look at how prepared the UK was for this emergency — do we need to think more about civil defence? Follow us @bfbssitrep

We hear from some of those in the forces helping the UK’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Former Chief of the Defence Staff Lord Richards tells us the Army’s “perfect” to help build a giant new hospital in London — and remembers his experiences of being drafted in to help in past civil emergencies. We learn about the military personnel training to deliver vital oxygen supplies to hospitals up and down the country, and find out how the outbreak could threaten charities working with veterans. Plus we look at how prepared the UK was for this emergency — do we need to think more about civil defence? Follow us @bfbssitrep

Coronavirus: The Army builds a hospital

After an extraordinary week for the UK and the world, this week’s Sitrep looks at the role the military is likely play in the response to the coronavirus outbreak.  We’ve a full update on the MoD’s plans so far, and former defence minister Tobias Ellwood tells us how the military will fit into the overall response.  Michael Clarke, the former director-general at the Royal United Services Institute, remembers past occasions where the military’s been called in to help out, and chemical weapons expert Hamish de Bretton Gordon talks through the lessons from the Novichok attack in Salisbury that could come in handy in the coming weeks. Follow us @bfbssitrep

After an extraordinary week for the UK and the world, this week’s Sitrep looks at the role the military is likely play in the response to the coronavirus outbreak. We’ve a full update on the MoD’s plans so far, and former defence minister Tobias Ellwood tells us how the military will fit into the overall response. Michael Clarke, the former director-general at the Royal United Services Institute, remembers past occasions where the military’s been called in to help out, and chemical weapons expert Hamish de Bretton Gordon talks through the lessons from the Novichok attack in Salisbury that could come in handy in the coming weeks. Follow us @bfbssitrep

Coronavirus: Britain's biggest fight in generations

It’s five years since Saudi Arabia first intervened in the fighting in Yemen. Since then it’s escalated into the world’s worst humanitarian disaster — and this week aid agencies have warned the situation could get even worse. We’ll hear from the Red Cross, on the ground in Yemen, on the crisis facing its population — and learn more about Saudi Arabia’s huge surge in arms imports during the conflict — and who’s selling them the weapons. Plus a special report from Africa on Britain’s growing military role in the continent, and find out more about the coming deployment to Mali. And if you thought you’d soon see the back of Vladimir Putin — think again. Find out how Russia’s leader plans to effectively become president for life with Russia analyst Stephen Dalziel Follow us @bfbssitrep   x (x)

It’s five years since Saudi Arabia first intervened in the fighting in Yemen. Since then it’s escalated into the world’s worst humanitarian disaster — and this week aid agencies have warned the situation could get even worse. We’ll hear from the Red Cross, on the ground in Yemen, on the crisis facing its population — and learn more about Saudi Arabia’s huge surge in arms imports during the conflict — and who’s selling them the weapons. Plus a special report from Africa on Britain’s growing military role in the continent, and find out more about the coming deployment to Mali. And if you thought you’d soon see the back of Vladimir Putin — think again. Find out how Russia’s leader plans to effectively become president for life with Russia analyst Stephen Dalziel Follow us @bfbssitrep x (x)

The humanitarian crisis in Yemen, Britain's growing military mission in Africa and can Putin be president for life?

Downing Street has launched a huge review of defence, security and foreign policy. It's like nothing we've seen before.  Lucy Fisher, Defence Editor at The Times and Professor Michael Clarke, Distinguished Fellow at RUSI explain how it might work. Our reporter Sian Grzeszczyk talks to former Major General John Henderson who is now Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council about life after service. And Ed Jennings reports on the new technology which could make it easier for pirates to operate at sea. Presented by Kate Gerbeau with Christopher Lee. Follow us: @bfbssitrep

Downing Street has launched a huge review of defence, security and foreign policy. It's like nothing we've seen before.  Lucy Fisher, Defence Editor at The Times and Professor Michael Clarke, Distinguished Fellow at RUSI explain how it might work. Our reporter Sian Grzeszczyk talks to former Major General John Henderson who is now Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council about life after service. And Ed Jennings reports on the new technology which could make it easier for pirates to operate at sea. Presented by Kate Gerbeau with Christopher Lee. Follow us: <a href="https://twitter.com/bfbssitrep?lang=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@bfbssitrep</a>

The defence review to end all defence reviews, life after service and the high tech piracy threat on the high seas.

The scale of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Syria is hard to comprehend.   Close to 1-million civilians — the majority women and children — have fled towards the Turkish border in the depths of winter.  Western nations, though, appear unwilling to do anything. Germany’s president criticises the US, and Mike Pompeo insists the transatlantic alliance remains strong. We’ll look at those competing claims, and why the UK only sent a very junior representative to the first big international security conference since Brexit.   Sir William Patey talks about the impending peace deal in Afghanistan, the way the Taliban has managed to win a key role in deciding the country’s future, and the political pressure pushing Trump to sign the deal.   A lot has changed in the two decades since the government lifted the bar on gay and bisexual people serving in the armed forces.  Now a group of veterans and serving personnel - some of them instrumental in fighting to remove that ban - are giving their backing to a new charity called "Fighting with Pride". Follow us @bfbssitrep

The scale of the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Syria is hard to comprehend.   Close to 1-million civilians — the majority women and children — have fled towards the Turkish border in the depths of winter.  Western nations, though, appear unwilling to do anything. Germany’s president criticises the US, and Mike Pompeo insists the transatlantic alliance remains strong. We’ll look at those competing claims, and why the UK only sent a very junior representative to the first big international security conference since Brexit. Sir William Patey talks about the impending peace deal in Afghanistan, the way the Taliban has managed to win a key role in deciding the country’s future, and the political pressure pushing Trump to sign the deal. A lot has changed in the two decades since the government lifted the bar on gay and bisexual people serving in the armed forces.  Now a group of veterans and serving personnel - some of them instrumental in fighting to remove that ban - are giving their backing to a new charity called "Fighting with Pride". Follow us @bfbssitrep

Assad claims victory is close, have the West failed Syria? A virtual no show by the UK at an important Security conference and 20 years since the MOD gay ban was lifted.

The Army has some rare good news on the shortfalls in its ranks.  It is about to meet its recruitment target for the first time since it started a controversial private partnership with Capita in 2012. The cabinet reshuffle didn't go quite as expected but are there any defence implications?  We talk to Lucy Fisher, Defence Editor at the The Times Africa’s Sahel region, is currently at the centre of huge conflict and displacement with different armed groups, including Al Qaeda and Islamic State moving in. We talk to Paul Melly, consulting fellow at Chatham House. The United States is a hundred percent committed to NATO.  So says a US General involved in the planning of the largest deployment of U.S.-based forces to Europe for an exercise in more than 25 years. Follow us @bfbs.sitrep

The Army has some rare good news on the shortfalls in its ranks.  It is about to meet its recruitment target for the first time since it started a controversial private partnership with Capita in 2012. The cabinet reshuffle didn't go quite as expected but are there any defence implications?  We talk to Lucy Fisher, Defence Editor at the The Times Africa’s Sahel region, is currently at the centre of huge conflict and displacement with different armed groups, including Al Qaeda and Islamic State moving in. We talk to Paul Melly, consulting fellow at Chatham House. The United States is a hundred percent committed to NATO.  So says a US General involved in the planning of the largest deployment of U.S.-based forces to Europe for an exercise in more than 25 years. Follow us @bfbs.sitrep

Army recruitment hits its target, the PM wields the axe in the reshuffle and Sinn Fein gains influence in the Irish election

President Trump’s made his annual State of the Union address to Congress.  Malcolm Brown from Feature Story News in Washington explains how it went down with the voters and Dr Karin von Hippel the Director General of RUSI talks about the current state of Britain’s relationship with the US. Does the United Nations need reform? Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the UN, is angry because countries are ignoring security council resolutions.  The new chairman of the House of Commons Defence Committee, Tobias Ellwood, tells us what he hopes to achieve in the job. And aviation expert Paul Beaver gives his view on the RAF’s new Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Presented by Kate Gerbeau with Christopher Lee. Follow us @bfbssitrep

President Trump’s made his annual State of the Union address to Congress.  Malcolm Brown from Feature Story News in Washington explains how it went down with the voters and Dr Karin von Hippel the Director General of RUSI talks about the current state of Britain’s relationship with the US. Does the United Nations need reform? Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the UN, is angry because countries are ignoring security council resolutions.  The new chairman of the House of Commons Defence Committee, Tobias Ellwood, tells us what he hopes to achieve in the job. And aviation expert Paul Beaver gives his view on the RAF’s new Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Presented by Kate Gerbeau with Christopher Lee. Follow us @bfbssitrep

The Defence Committee has a new chair, Trump's State of the Union address and the P-8A arrives in Scotland

The Government’s made its decision on Huawei and the new 5G Network – but is it the right one?  James Sullivan, head of Cyber Research at the Royal United Services Institute looks at the concerns surrounding the announcement. As we remember the Holocaust, why are we ignoring the human-rights atrocities happening right now?  Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, reminds us of today’s brutalities. Sian Grzeszczyk speaks to Bae System’s Human Factors lead researcher, Suzy Broadbent, about the new technology that will read the minds of future fast-jet pilots to improve their performance.  Follow us @bfbssitrep

The Government’s made its decision on Huawei and the new 5G Network – but is it the right one?  James Sullivan, head of Cyber Research at the Royal United Services Institute looks at the concerns surrounding the announcement. As we remember the Holocaust, why are we ignoring the human-rights atrocities happening right now?  Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford, reminds us of today’s brutalities. Sian Grzeszczyk speaks to Bae System’s Human Factors lead researcher, Suzy Broadbent, about the new technology that will read the minds of future fast-jet pilots to improve their performance.  Follow us @bfbssitrep

Does Huawei pose a risk to UK security, the 6th generation Tempest and finally it's Brexit!

Higar Chemali, the former spokesperson for the US mission to the United Nations and Professor Scott Lucas from Birmingham University tell us why the UK has changed its policy on the  Iran nuclear deal, and look at America’s reaction one week after the air strikes against US forces in Iraq. Former Kremlin advisor Alexander Nekrassov looks at President Putin’s big plan for the future leadership of Russia Who’s fighting who in Libya? Mary Fitzgerald is a writer and frequent visitor to the beleaguered country and explains all the different factions in the current crisis. According to a recent survey carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross, millennials across the globe are worried about war, but why? Follow us @bfbssitrep

Higar Chemali, the former spokesperson for the US mission to the United Nations and Professor Scott Lucas from Birmingham University tell us why the UK has changed its policy on the  Iran nuclear deal, and look at America’s reaction one week after the air strikes against US forces in Iraq. Former Kremlin advisor Alexander Nekrassov looks at President Putin’s big plan for the future leadership of Russia Who’s fighting who in Libya? Mary Fitzgerald is a writer and frequent visitor to the beleaguered country and explains all the different factions in the current crisis. According to a recent survey carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross, millennials across the globe are worried about war, but why? Follow us @bfbssitrep

Iran, Putin's big plan, Libya and Millennials' war worries.

This week Sitrep takes an in-depth look at the Iran-US crisis, Was it a bad decision by the United States?  Should the UK's foreign policy should be aligned so closely with America's? How have Europe &amp; Russia reacted to the rising tensions? And where does this leave British and American troops based in Iraq and what are the longer-term consequences for the Middle East? That’s all in this week’s Sitrep with James Hirst and Christopher Lee   Follow us @bfbssitrep

This week Sitrep takes an in-depth look at the Iran-US crisis, Was it a bad decision by the United States?  Should the UK's foreign policy should be aligned so closely with America's? How have Europe &amp; Russia reacted to the rising tensions? And where does this leave British and American troops based in Iraq and what are the longer-term consequences for the Middle East? That’s all in this week’s Sitrep with James Hirst and Christopher Lee Follow us @bfbssitrep

Iran, foreign policy alignment and the consequences

BRIXMIS was a unit of the British Army set up at the end of the Second World War as part of a liaison mission between the wartime allies: Britain, France, America, and The Soviet Union. BRIXMIS stands for the 'British Commander-in-Chief’s Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany'. However, BRIXMIS rapidly became, in common with United States (USMLM) and French Allied Military Liaison Missions (FMLM), something quite different. In this special edition of Sitrep, BFBS reporter Rosie Laydon tells Kate Gerbeau how she took former BRIXMIS operative Dave Butler back to Germany, where he spied on Soviet troops at the height of the cold war.  As well as Dave, Rosie spoke to other former spies from Britain, the US and the former Soviet Union, who all have dramatic tales of espionage in plain sight. Want more? To read Dave's story in his own words and see photos from the time:  forces.net To see the Forces TV documentary:  youtube.com/playlist You can hear more stories about the British Forces every week by  subscribing to Sitrep.  New Episodes are released on Thursdays. Follow us: twitter.com/bfbsSitrep

BRIXMIS was a unit of the British Army set up at the end of the Second World War as part of a liaison mission between the wartime allies: Britain, France, America, and The Soviet Union. BRIXMIS stands for the 'British Commander-in-Chief’s Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany'. However, BRIXMIS rapidly became, in common with United States (USMLM) and French Allied Military Liaison Missions (FMLM), something quite different. In this special edition of Sitrep, BFBS reporter Rosie Laydon tells Kate Gerbeau how she took former BRIXMIS operative Dave Butler back to Germany, where he spied on Soviet troops at the height of the cold war.  As well as Dave, Rosie spoke to other former spies from Britain, the US and the former Soviet Union, who all have dramatic tales of espionage in plain sight. Want more? To read Dave's story in his own words and see photos from the time:  <a href="https://www.forces.net/news/brixmis-cold-war-mission-through-eyes-british-spy" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">forces.net</a> To see the Forces TV documentary:  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeQQkbf45pQM7fhBI5Lv_DvSanxy-bfw0" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">youtube.com/playlist</a> You can hear more stories about the British Forces every week by  subscribing to Sitrep.  New Episodes are released on Thursdays. Follow us: <a href="https://twitter.com/bfbsSitrep" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">twitter.com/bfbsSitrep</a>

Real Cold War Spies: BRIXMIS

So what’s the state of British Defence as 2019 draws to a close?  That’s the question being asked on Sitrep this week as Britain’s newly elected government goes to work. In an extended programme, Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee will be joined by a panel of experts to assess current and future security threats to the UK and NATO. They’ll also be looking ahead to Brexit, the US Presidential election and the security issues surrounding climate change. Follow us @bfbssitrep

So what’s the state of British Defence as 2019 draws to a close?  That’s the question being asked on Sitrep this week as Britain’s newly elected government goes to work. In an extended programme, Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee will be joined by a panel of experts to assess current and future security threats to the UK and NATO. They’ll also be looking ahead to Brexit, the US Presidential election and the security issues surrounding climate change. Follow us @bfbssitrep

Sitrep 2019 Review of the Year

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Multi-Part Documentaries

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!