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Defence in the media

https://modmedia.blog.gov.uk/2016/10/18/defence-in-the-media-18-october-2016/

Defence in the Media: 18 October 2016

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This morning, the battle for Mosul continues to be the central focus for both broadcast and print media.

Mosul

There is blanket coverage this morning across the print media reporting that the military operation to recapture Mosul from Daesh has begun. 

The Times, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror and the Daily Express all focus on role of the UK, noting that Britain has joined the fight in Mosul with the RAF carrying out air strikes. It has also been widely noted that Mr Fallon has predicted a successful push for Mosul after RAF fighter planes and drones destroyed strategic Daesh positions and weapons caches. It is reported that seven days of intensive activity by Typhoon, Tornado fighter jets and Reaper unmanned planes prepared the ground for 35,000 Iraqi foot soldiers and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said:

Daesh are on the back foot.  The beginning of the encirclement of Mosul today is a big moment in our efforts to rid Iraq of Daesh. Mosul is a large and complex city and operations there will be tough but with Coalition support Iraqi forces will prevail. Alongside our Coalition partners, the UK will continue to play a leading role in the air and on the ground, including through our strike missions, specialised surveillance, humanitarian support and the mentoring and training of Iraqi forces.

 Armed Forces recruitment age

BBC Breakfast included a report on the healthcare lobby group, Medact, looking at Armed Forces’ recruitment age. The piece includes interview an interview British Army veteran, Simon Weston, who said it was a good decision for him as he needed discipline and it gave him many opportunities. He went on to say that the report from the charity is not independent and is biased so needs to be taken with a ‘pinch of salt’.

An MOD spokesperson said: 

The Armed Forces offer young people opportunities that aren’t available elsewhere, from basic literacy education and support for postgraduate degrees, to high-quality accredited training and unique employment prospects. Like everyone who serves our country, under 18s – who can only sign up with formal written consent of a parent or guardian – are fully supported throughout their service career.

Image of the Day

18 Oct 2016 RAF Red Arrows perform flypast over Singapore Jets from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, carried out a spectacular flypast over Singapore toady (October 18). The Red Arrows flew over a stunning backdrop in the Lion City, including Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. The performance by the world-renowned display team was part of a 60-day tour of the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions, supporting UK interests and raising awareness of British innovation, industry and engineering excellence. After the flypast, the Red Arrows’ British-built Hawk jets landed at Paya Lebar in Singapore, where the crews met military, business and other leaders. A few days before the flypast, a Red Arrows advance team had carried out a visit to a local university and also Rolls-Royce’s Seletar Campus, to promote the importance of the so-called STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths. Squadron Leader David Montenegro, Team Leader of the Red Arrows and who leads the nine-jet formation as Red 1, said: “The Red Arrows are thrilled to be able to perform in such a vibrant location as Singapore and are grateful for the support provided by the authorities and Republic of Singapore Air Force to make it possible. “The flypast was a unique, high-profile and tangible way of demonstrating the UK’s long-standing relationship with Singapore. “We’re delighted to be able to support British industries and businesses in such an exciting way in Singapore and the event illustrates how Britain is global, working with partners across the world. “Together with the associated ground activities during our visit – highlighting engineering and aerospace excellence – I hope we have also inspired young people to study the important STEM subjects.”      This image shows the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team The Red Arrows arriving in Singapore with a flypast over the marina area. Also in the shot is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Th
RAF Red Arrows perform flypast over Singapore Jets from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, carried out a spectacular flypast over Singapore toady (October 18). 

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