Today’s defence related news includes coverage of the Royal Irish Regiment being presented with new Colours and an FOI on alcohol use among service personnel.
Royal Irish Regiment
BBC News, ITV News, Forces Network and the Belfast Telegraph report on HRH The Duke of York presenting the 1st and 2nd Battalions of The Royal Irish Regiment with new Colours. HRH is Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Irish Regiment. He addressed more than 6,000 people at an event which only happens once every 25 years. The iconic Titanic Slipways in Belfast was the venue for the historic occasion.
Brigadier Mike Murdoch, Deputy Colonel of the Royal Irish Regiment said:
The colours represent the history of the regiment, the battles we have fought in and our predecessors fought in, but also they represent the future of the regiment and going forwards.
For us to receive our new colours in Northern Ireland as an Irish infantry regiment is a tremendous honour.
Alcohol and the Armed Forces
The Sun and Sunday People reported on an FOI which details alcohol consumption among service personnel.
An MOD spokesperson said:
Alcohol misuse is discouraged within the Armed Forces and measures are in place to encourage drinking in moderation. These range from education and supervision to treatment and, where appropriate, discipline or administrative action.
Additional advice and support is provided to those whose health and wellbeing are at risk due to harmful use of alcohol.
