Pathfinder International Magazine – the leading UK Military Resettlement Magazine

Category: Defence and Military Affairs

Stay informed about military affairs, including updates on defence policies, military operations, international affairs, veterans’ issues, and the armed forces deployments.

  • Pathfinder Magazine Announce First Ever Military Resettlement & Veterans Expo

    Pathfinder Magazine Announce First Ever Military Resettlement & Veterans Expo

    The first ever expo catering for both serving troops and veterans has been announced to take place in Newcastle.

    The event organised Pathfinder International, will take place on Thursday November 1 at St James’ Park, home of Newcastle United.

    The first of its kind in the UK, The Military Resettlement & Veteran’s Expo will be reaching out to the serving military community going through their resettlement stage from the Armed Forces AND the Armed Forces community, which includes veterans and their families.

    Over 30 exhibitors with specialist breakout sessions to advise military leavers on career options, combined with expert advice for veterans will be on offer.

    Pathfinder International editor, Mal Robinson, himself a veteran after serving in the RAF for 9 years  explained the ethos behind the event.

    Robinson said: “I have attended many careers fairs and exhibitions in the military resettlement industry and none have covered both people currently serving in the Armed Forces and those who are classed as Veterans. Many people see the term “veteran” and associate this with the elderly population, which of course there are many who have served. However, in the modern day, many who we class as veterans are sometimes in their early twenties, having fought in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is these people that require our continued support and hopefully this expo will help break down the barriers for veterans.”

    The event has been backed by BAE Systems who are headline sponsors. BAE Systems added: “BAE Systems are proud to be the headline sponsor of Pathfinder International Magazine’s first ever Armed Forces & Veterans Resettlement Expo.”

    The expo is free of charge to serving military personnel in their resettlement phase and to veterans of all ages. Doors open at 10am until 3pm.

    Tickets and more information can be obtained here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-bae-systems-armed-forces-veterans-resettlement-expo-tickets-48596043073

     

  • Dstl Scientists Take To The High Seas

    Dstl Scientists Take To The High Seas

    As HMS Queen Elizabeth makes her way across the Atlantic deploying for her longest sea trial to date, a pair of scientists from the Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory are on-board as part of an analytic research team…

    Dstl has been involved in the development of HMS Queen Elizabeth for the past 20 years, starting with the original study to replace the Invincible light carrier fleet. Dstl helped to define the size and shape of the ship and a specialist team investigated ship-air integration, which supported the design of the flight deck and ski-jump used to launch the F-35B Lightning II fighter jets.

    Currently on-board is Dstl operational analyst Tom, who will be joined later in September by Hannah, both of whom will provide vital analysis to the battle group and commanders during the voyage.

    The aim of the flight trials is to use specially equipped test aircraft and sensors around the ship to work out the operating parameters of the aircraft and the carrier itself in a range of conditions. The Dstl scientists will focus on operational analysis, gathering data that will be used inform future operational activity.

    Tom said: “This is a fantastic opportunity, not only to be part of Dstl’s continued involvement with the carrier, but to join more than 1,000 military personnel on-board. It’s a huge craft and quite daunting – and also the first time I’ve deployed to sea, let alone on the Queen Elizabeth – but I’m very much looking forward to the tasks ahead and hopefully witness the F-35 jets on-board and in action off the flight deck for the first time.”

    In addition to providing analytic support to the carrier strike group and commanders, analysis will include looking at the way manpower use can be improved, from how efficiently the vessel can be cleaned to the sortie rates the fighter aircraft can carry out.

    Tom added: “Analysis at this level has never been done before, so we will be learning on task; helping to adapt and shape the way the ship will run come its first operational deployment in 2021.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Minister Hails World-Class Wales

    Minister Hails World-Class Wales

    Defence Minister Stuart Andrew has seen first-hand the crucial role Welsh firms play in the defence sector after a tour of military suppliers in the country…

    Defence invests £945 million in Welsh industry, supporting more than 6,000 jobs. The Minister visited leading firms bbenefiting from defence work such as Defence Electronics and Components Agency, Kent Periscopes, Qioptiq and Raytheon, which are all supporting essential equipment to the UK’s Armed Forces.

    The crucial relationship between the MOD and Welsh industry was clearly laid out in the recent publication of an independent review published by former Defence Minister Philip Dunne, and has now been showcased to the former Wales Office Minister on his return to the nation in his new role.

    Stuart Andrew said: “Wales is crucial to our world-leading defence industry, our Armed Forces and their future capabilities. The hundreds of millions of pounds we are investing in Welsh firms means the nation can continue making a massive contribution to our safety in the face of intensifying threats across the globe.

    “The 6,000 workers in Wales’ defence sector can be extremely proud that their entrepreneurship, innovation and skills are ensuring our brave servicemen and women are equipped with the latest equipment and systems so they can protect us at home and around the world.”

    The Minister’s tour of Welsh firms began at DECA Sealand, which will be at the forefront of maintaining the UK’s new supersonic F-35 Lightning Force fighter jets. The Sealand site will become a global repair hub for the aircraft, providing maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for F-35 avionics, electronic and electrical components, fuel, mechanical and hydraulic systems.

    The fighter jet work will sustain thousands of jobs and pump hundreds of millions of pounds into the local economy. Whilst at the site, the Minister announced that the F-35B Lightning has carried out its first trials armed with UK-built weapons out in the US.

    The minister also visited Raytheon, where he had the chance to see the cutting-edge capabilities for the British aerospace and defence sectors. The company’s technology is used in some of the most advanced aircraft surveillance and intelligence systems in existence. This includes the Sentinel, which is one of the UK’s most advanced manned surveillance aircraft, and the closely guarded Shadow special mission aircraft.

    On the second day of his tour, the Minister was also given an insight into the important work being done by Kent Periscopes. The company provides the British Army with crucial periscopes for armoured personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles and tanks.

    The minister’s final stop involved a visit to Qioptiq, a company that specialises in optics and photonics and provides crucial night vision equipment to UK Armed Forces. Qioptiq’s cutting-edge work supports more than 500 jobs in north Wales.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Refurbished Homes For Sailors On The Clyde

    Refurbished Homes For Sailors On The Clyde

    Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde is a step closer to becoming the home of the entire UK Submarine Service with the refurbishment of 34 service family homes in Helensburgh…

    The Ministry of Defence’s Defence Infrastructure Organisation led the £1.5 million refurbishment at Bannachra Drive in Helensburgh, which will help improve the lives of Royal Navy families already living in the area, and of some of the hundreds of families expected to move to the vicinity when the base becomes the Submarine Centre of Specialisation.

    From 2020 HM Naval Base Clyde will host all of the Royal Navy’s hunter killer submarines and will be the future home of the Dreadnought class of nuclear deterrent submarines. The MOD is investing hundreds of millions of pounds in developing HMNB Clyde, with the construction phases of the work expected to support a further 1,000 contractor jobs.

    The development of the site will see the number employed rise from the current figure of 6,800 to an eventual population of 8,500, with up to 1,400 Royal Navy submariners moving to the area from Plymouth. In the future all submariners will expect to serve their entire career at HM Naval Base Clyde, ensuring greater harmony and stability for them and their families.

    The refurbishment of these 34 family homes also contributes to the joint Royal Navy and Argyll and Bute Council strategy to align the development of the naval base with local needs such as planning and transport.

    The extensive upgrade work at Bannachra, which was carried out by Amey and contractor Bells Ltd, included the fitting of new roofs, windows and doors, as well as new boilers, external wall insulation and rendering of the buildings. Work was also undertaken to replace fencing and gates and rain water goods, with chimneys on the properties also removed and garage roofs replaced.

    Captain Craig Mearns, HMNB Clyde’s Captain of the Base, said: “The Naval Base Command is delighted to see completion of this Service Family Accommodation refurbishment project. The expansion of activity at Clyde and growth of our Service population over the next few years means that we need to make best use of all available accommodation.

    “It is important that what we have to offer is of a high standard, not only because that is what our people deserve, but also because we aim to encourage an increasing number of Service families to relocate to this area. The offer of good housing, coupled with the excellent amenities and quality of life on offer here, are significant attractions for those considering such a move.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • British-Armed F-35B Lightning Takes To The Skies

    British-Armed F-35B Lightning Takes To The Skies

    Britain’s new stealth fighter jet, the F-35B Lightning, has carried out its first trials armed with UK-built weapons, showcasing the major role that the UK plays in the supersonic aircraft and bringing it a step closer to operations on the frontline…

    Defence Minister Stuart Andrew revealed that the F-35 Lightning jet reached the landmark milestone whilst he was on a visit to the Defence Electronics and Components Agency in Wales. The site is set to become a global repair hub for the aircraft, providing crucial maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for F-35 avionics, components, fuel, mechanical and hydraulic systems.

    The jet, which was flown by a British pilot from RAF 17 Squadron, took to the skies from Edwards Air Force base in southern California for the momentous flight carrying ASRAAM air-to-air missiles.

    Mr Andrew said: “The F-35 Lightning fleet has moved another step closer to defending the skies and supporting our illustrious aircraft carriers with this landmark flight. Exceptional engineering from the UK is not only helping to build what is the world’s most advanced fighter jet, but is also ensuring that it is equipped with the very best firepower.

    “This flight by a British pilot, in a British F-35 jet with British-built weapons is a symbol of the major part we are playing in what is the world’s biggest ever defence programme, delivering billions for our economy and a game-changing capability for our Armed Forces.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • UK Expands Counter-IED Support In Africa

    UK Expands Counter-IED Support In Africa

    With the help of the British Army, a UK-funded counter improvised explosive device training facility at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi is expanding into a regional centre of excellence…

    Training will be offered to Kenyan security forces and other African Union Mission in Somalia troop-contributing nations in the region. Continued UK support will also include £2.3 million a year from the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund and mentoring from the British Army.

    Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “From supporting counter-terrorist operations in Mali to improvised explosive device disposal training in Kenya, our Armed Forces are helping to build a more secure Africa. By tackling the terrorist threat abroad we are helping to keep our streets safe at home.”

    Since 2015, 1,000 military and police personnel from East Africa have been trained by the British Army in identifying and destroying IEDs. Yet, in the same period the use of IEDs has increased by around 300 per cent in Somalia, where casualties are often civilians.

    By November 2020, the wing is expected to have developed into a fully-functioning, independent centre of excellence where East African instructors will provide specialised IED disposal training.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Historic SS Mendi Bell Gifted To South Africa

    Historic SS Mendi Bell Gifted To South Africa

    The UK has gifted the bell from First World War ship the SS Mendi to the Republic of South Africa, where it holds cultural and historical value…

    Prime Minister Theresa May presented the bell to South African president Cyril Ramaphosa as an example of the shared heritage that underpins the close relationship between the two nations.

    The sinking of the SS Mendi in the English Channel on 21 February 1917, a disaster that resulted in the loss of 616 South Africans, is a significant historical moment in the country’s history.

    It is commemorated by South African Armed Forces Day held on the date of the disaster and commonly referred to as Mendi day.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Hiking A Mile For Every Year Since The 1918 Armistice

    Hiking A Mile For Every Year Since The 1918 Armistice

    A tight-knit team of colleagues have banded together to honour those who fell in the First World War with a 100-mile hike…

    To mark the centenary of the 1918 Armistice, the team are raising funds for the oldest military charity, SSAFA – who were there supporting the troops and their families then, and still helping now.

    Departing on Thursday 8th November, the hike will start in Amiens and end at the Menin Gate, Ypres in Belgium in time for the last post on Sunday 11th November. The route will take in the battlefields of the Great War including Vimy, Arras, Albert and Langemark – where well over a million men lost their lives over the course of the bitter struggle.

    The eight hikers make up part of the Openreach Service Delivery team in the South of the UK. The company has pledged to support SSAFA’s Forcesline – a confidential helpline operating outside of the chain of command. This means that money raised by the employees there will directly support men and women in the Armed Forces family in need of a non-judgemental ear and guidance.

    It has become clear over more than 130 years of providing Forces support that everyone faces different challenges, so SSAFA uses a tailored approach to meet the needs of today’s serving community. Whether it’s practical, emotional and financial support – SSAFA is there to serve the Armed Forces family every step of the way.

    To support the team as they hike to Ypres, click here.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • UK Military Train 500 Somalians

    UK Military Train 500 Somalians

    The British-led Baidoa Security Training Centre in Somalia has marked its 500th graduate, as part of the UK’s ongoing commitment to bring peace and security to the region…

    British personnel have been delivering training to the Somalian National Army (SNA) since January 2017, focussing on medical training, leadership development, intelligence, equipment care, logistics and human rights.

    Armed Forces Minister Mark Lancaster said: “The training we have provided will help build a more stable and prosperous Somalia. The Somalian National Army have been motivated, keen to learn and professional and we remain committed to their country’s development.”

    The long-term aim of the programme is for Commanding Officers in the SNA to take what they have learned and become self-sufficient in training their own troops. This training forms just part of the UK’s work in the country, the UK is also the third-largest donor to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

    In 2017, it was announced that Somalia would be the beneficiary of £21million in additional backing from the Conflict, Security and Stability Fund. The UK is also supporting the development of a joint funding mechanism for policing, which we have developed jointly with the EU.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Centenary Fields Legacy

    Centenary Fields Legacy

    Fields in Trust is working in partnership with the Royal British Legion’s Thank You campaign to create a legacy of protected spaces called ‘Centenary Fields’ in memory of those who lost their lives during WW1…

    Landowners across the UK are encouraged to dedicate playing fields, recreation grounds, memorial gardens or parks that contain a war memorial and any other valued green spaces that have WW1 significance as Centenary Fields.

    The protection in perpetuity means that these spaces will always remain as a living memorial to those who gave their lives during the conflict.

    Each protected space has its own unique story and link to WW1 – some highlight the contribution of individual combatants, some feature memorials to the fallen, others served the war effort, whilst some have contemporary resonance with communities acting now to remember the sacrifices of 100 years ago.

    The Centenary Fields programme runs until 11 November 2018 and they will be showcasing one space protected under the programme each day at 11am.

    For more information and to find out which space is being showcased today visit the website.