In Defence-related news today, there is further speculation that the battle for Mosul will get underway next weekend.
Diversity
The Mail on Sunday reports on published documentation about job positions for black and minority ethnic candidates.
An Army spokesperson said:
It is important to have a diverse recruiting force to attract the brightest and the best. Some of the language of this document is not consistent with our approach and it will be changed at the earliest opportunity.
PTSD
Following its reporting that PAX insurance does not cover for PTSD, The People praises the fact that the MOD will proactively request private insurers to cover the condition during an open tender.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
We will be proactively requesting that private insurers cover PTSD during an open tender aimed at ensuring our armed forces have the best deal on insurance. Whilst we cannot force private companies to, we of course pay out for mental health problems ourselves through our Armed Forces Compensation scheme.
The paper also reports that a salesman from the firm used derogatory language about mental health.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
We have been absolutely assured that AIG has taken firm action regarding this incident and they have rightly apologised. The mental health of everyone who serves our country is of the utmost importance and of course we highly disapprove of any language which undermines that.
Fitness
The Sunday Telegraph and The Sun have both reported that the proportion of those failing fitness tests in the army is rising.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
Over 95% of our personnel routinely pass challenging fitness tests. All are educated in nutrition, diet and exercise in order to maintain a healthy weight, and in some circumstances additional measures are considered in order to achieve this.
Mosul
The Sunday Express, The Sun and The Daily Star Sunday claim that the battle for Mosul is expected to get underway next weekend, following other reports on the subject in recent days. The Sunday Times also notes that the battle could spark a humanitarian disaster, creating ‘waves of refugees’.
Reports also speculate that all of those involved in the fighting will have chemical warfare clothing should there be an attack by Daesh.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
We take the safety of our personnel extremely seriously. While we do not comment on specific force protection measures, all personnel are properly prepared for deployments. We also keep threats and mitigation measures constantly under review.
Syria
The Sunday Mirror splash on Syria claims that the blame for killing hundreds of Syrian children has been directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin. The piece also notes that Russia last night vetoed France’s UN resolution demanding an end to airstrikes and military flights over Aleppo, which was covered widely in broadcast.
