Of interest for Defence today are reports about the Invictus Games, wifi fees and soldiers on exercise in Jordan.
Female soldiers
The Daily Mirror writes about speculation about the review of the restriction of women serving in close combat roles. Our position is below.
An MOD spokesperson said:
The Prime Minister and Defence Secretary have both said they are united in wanting to see all roles in the Armed Forces opened up to women. The decision on whether women should be allowed to serve in the ground close combat roles is expected by the middle of this year following further physiological research.
Army wifi
The Sun reports about Wi-Fi costs for Army and other service personnel.
An Army spokesperson said:
There is no overall programme to deliver free wi-fi access to UK based soldiers for personal use, however wi-fi is currently provided across 90% of the Army estate on a pay-as-you-go basis for this purpose. Internet and wi-fi access is free for business, education and training.
Invictus
Many papers follow up the news that Prince Harry has helped launch the UK team that will compete at the Invictus Games 2016. Articles are carried in The Telegraph, Daily Express, Daily Star and The New Day and report that the Royal joined the 110-strong team at Buckingham Palace for the launch.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:
Everyone selected for the UK team can be proud of what they have achieved as they prepare for success in Orlando. The MOD is once again backing this superb event and I look forward to being there to see our personnel and veterans demonstrate their fighting spirit.
School fees
Short articles are carried in The Times and The Telegraph that the MOD has temporarily stopped funding new places for pupils from Armed Forces families at Bristol private school Clifton College after a housemaster was jailed last August.
An MOD spokesperson said:
Following advice from the Department for Education, the MOD temporarily ceased the payment of continuity of education allowances to Armed Forces personnel making initial applications for places at Clifton College. The MOD understands that the Department for Education has now completed an inspection of Clifton College, and that a report will be published shortly. Once that report is published the MOD will review its position.
Photo: Cpl Daniel Wiepen RLC (Phot), Crown Copyright
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