Today’s defence news blog looks at a report into a helicopter crash in Afghanistan, data breaches, swearing, the proposed sale of Kneller Hall and allegations concerning the weather in Cyprus.
Apache crash
The Daily Star Sunday, People and Sunday Express carry details of an Army report into an Apache helicopter crash in Afghanistan in September 2008. The report was released following a Freedom of Information Act request. The Star splashes with the story and reports that documentary maker Ross Kemp and his crew were cited in the document as a possible contributory factor. The paper continues that the inquiry report said the crew did not use the normal exit route, misjudged available space, were complacent and failed to articulate checks. Quoting the report, the Star adds that the board of inquiry believed the crew were “unconsciously distracted by external influences that impaired their decision-making process and professional performance”.
The inquiry report found that the major causal factor of the accident was the spatial disorientation experienced by the pilot when he entered a dust cloud during a transition. It is standard practice that after an incident such as this, which thankfully resulted in only minor injuries for the two crew, a full and comprehensive investigation is conducted into all possible causes in order to ensure the future safety of our personnel.
The MOD’s statement on the report is as follows:
Our highly skilled pilots are trained to deal with all kinds of emergency situations and incidents like this are extremely rare. To suggest that this was caused by the filming of a documentary would be disingenuous.
MOD data breaches
An article in the Sunday Express reports that MOD secrets have been lost in data breaches. The article says top secret military documents were included among the hundreds of cyber leaks suffered by Whitehall departments in the past two years. The article cites official figures that 286 data breaches have hit the MOD in the past two years, and says two involved the release of top secret information.
The two incidents referred to which concern ‘top secret’ material were in fact labelling issues that were identified and did not lead to any inappropriate release of information. Due to the swift corrective action taken in all cases it is extremely unlikely that any secret or top secret information has fallen into enemy hands and there is no evidence of any harm to the UK as a result.
Our statement is below:
The MOD treats information security as a top priority. All incidents, however minor, are thoroughly investigated and may result in disciplinary action. The breaches concerning Top Secret material relate to labelling and no information was compromised or lost.
Swearing
The Mail on Sunday claims that Army instructors have been warned not to swear or use any rude words when speaking to new recruits, prompting concerns the Army could become too concerned with political correctness. The newspaper says the MOD has denied that any policy changes have been made, but says it understands instructors have been told informally to mind their language.
There is in fact no specific policy or guidance that seeks to ban swearing in the Army. Staff handbooks long ago made clear that instructors are not to use excessive foul, profane or insulting language directed at recruits, and this was reiterated as part of the Army Leadership Code launch in September 2015.
The Army’s statement on this issue is below:
It is a long-held policy that the British Army does not condone the use of abusive or insulting language towards its recruits.
Music school
The Sunday Express examines the sale of Kneller Hall, saying the Grade II-listed mansion is one of 12 sites identified for a sale of MOD land and property. The piece says the decision has prompted public outcry given the Royal Military School of Music has been based at the hall for more than 150 years.
Our statement on this issue is below:
As part of an ongoing review, we are aiming to create a smaller and better Defence estate that effectively supports our Armed Forces. By relocating the Royal Military School of Music to another military establishment we will maintain our level of musical training and release funds to help keep Britain safe.
Cyprus
The Mail on Sunday covers reports in Cypriot media that the RAF have attempted to influence the weather in order to be able to launch jets from UK bases for missions in Syria and Iraq in clear conditions. Agriculture Minister Nicos Kouyialis is said to have ordered an official inquiry.
The article says the MOD has rubbished the claims, and our statement is below.
There is no truth in these claims and the MOD is not aware of any inquiry in Cyprus.
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