Super Garrison proposals for Catterick confirmed

In what is being billed as the biggest shake-up of the Armed Forces estate since World War Two the Government last night formally announced the expected major shake-up in the Armed Forces across the UK which confirms Catterick as a so-called “super garrison.”

Following the announcement by defence secretary Michael Fallon, minister of state for the Armed Forces Mike Penning visited 4th Infantry Brigade at Gaza Barracks in Catterick Garrison, reports the D&S.

He said the changes would mean great investment in the garrison – with an influx of around 2,000 extra troops.

You can read the report from the D&S here and see the detailed report from the Government here.

Defence secretary visits Catterick psycho skills centre

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has been visiting new Army recruits at Catterick Garrison as well as visiting the centre specialising in mental resilience and psychological skills training.

During the visit on Friday he met instructors at the School of Infantry, where what is described as ‘innovative, dynamic and combat focused’ training is delivered.

The school also leads in the development of mental resilience training and psychological skills in order to maximise training effectiveness.

The drop-in at Catterick concluded his visit to the North East where he also announced that the supply of track for the Army’s heavy, medium and light armoured vehicles has been secured through a contract with Cook Defence Systems Ltd.

Mr Fallon toured Cooks’ facility in Stanhope, County Durham, where the track – the metal band around the wheels of an armoured vehicle which readies them for different terrains – is manufactured.

The four year deal will help sustain the jobs of 110 people while ensuring the UK has a critical battle winning system for its Armed Forces.

You can read the full details of the event here.

450 troops to remain in Afghanistan

The Defence Secretary has announced that the UK will maintain its military presence in Afghanistan, underlining its support to the country.

Michael Fallon informed parliament today (Tuesday)that the UK will uphold its current military commitment of around 450 British troops in Afghanistan throughout 2016, which also emphasises UK support for the NATO’s Resolute Support Mission.

The decision follows a planned review of the UK’s commitment in light of the performance of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) over the year and the overall security situation.

You can read the full statement here.

New mobile phone rules for armed forces families announced

In a move intended to prevent military families being disadvantaged, the Ministry of Defence has today announced changes to way their mobile phone contracts are administered.

Armed Forces families posted overseas will be able to suspend their mobile phone contracts under new plans unveiled by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon.

He said the moves tackled one of the issues raised most often by forces and their families and is part of work to ensure they can access financial services, shop online, apply for mortgages and let out their home without being penalised unfairly.

Fallon said: “To help those posted overseas, the major mobile phone companies have agreed to allow family members to put their contracts on hold while they are away. We are working to ensure it’s easier to access financial services and get a credit rating.”

The announcement follows Ministry of Defence agreements with mobile phone companies as follows:

• Vodafone has committed to enable armed forces families to suspend mobile contracts for two years, with separate arrangements in place for those deploying for more than 2 years.
• Three has committed to suspend contracts of spouses joining their partners abroad for 12 months. If deployed for more than 12 months, a discount will be applied to any termination charges.
  Additionally:
• EE has committed to enable armed forces families to suspend contracts for 12 months.
• O2 has committed to develop proposals that build on what they already do to help to ensure that serving personnel and their families living abroad are not penalised.