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1 month ago | 
forcesnews.com | Hannah King |James Wharton |Julian Perreira |Alex Candlin
Army's most senior NCO suggests decision on whether to allow beards may be imminentArmy Sergeant Major WO1 Paul Carney says the Army will announce "very soon" its decision on whether or not beards should be permitted.
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2 months ago | 
forcesnews.com | Julian Perreira
Defence chiefs are seeking airsoft industry experts and suppliers to procure imitation firearms in a bid to help boost poor recruiting targets. The MOD says that the military's recent use of imitation firearms has been "highly effective" at attracting potential recruits and the "capability needs to be expanded and grown". The contract is worth up to £120,000 and the closing date for submissions from experts within the target games and equipment industry is 28 March.
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2 months ago | 
forcesnews.com | Julian Perreira
President Donald Trump has sacked America's highest-ranking officer in what is seen as a huge Pentagon shakeup. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff CQ Brown was the highest-ranking officer in the USA and has been removed from post. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the nation's principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council.
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2 months ago | 
forcesnews.com | Julian Perreira
Senior Royal Marine officers are no longer considered General Staff like their Army counterparts and have ditched their cap badges and replaced them with a new woven badge. Previously, senior Royal Marines officers above the rank of full colonel would have worn the same gold embroidered cap badge as their Army peers but still would retain their famous green-coloured berets.
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2 months ago | 
forcesnews.com | Julian Perreira
Procurement officials at the Ministry of Defence have issued an open tender to purchase a new lightweight assault machine gun for dismounted troops. The notice, under the name Project Troubler, says: "The Authority is running a project to procure a 5.56mm lightweight (current system 7.1kg) assault machine gun capability for the dismounted user."In 2018 the MOD confirmed it was dropping the use of the L110 A2 Light Machine Gun (LMG), which is better known to personnel as the Minimi.
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Feb 14, 2025 | 
forcesnews.com | Julian Perreira
An RAF Atlas A400M aircraft has performed a low-level flypast to celebrate the upcoming birthday of a 99-year-old WW2 veteran. A video posted to social media shows the RAF jet dipping its wing, in an apparent salute and nod to RAF veteran Fred Jennings. Mr Jennings who served during the Second World War, is a custodian at the Ulster Aviation Society and turns 100 on Saturday 15 February.
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Feb 14, 2025 | 
forcesnews.com | Julian Perreira
A United States Navy Growler fighter jet taking part in Exercise Bamboo Eagle has crashed into San Diego Bay. Early reports suggest the EA-18G from Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-135, nicknamed the Black Ravens, was in flight when it developed a mechanical glitch. Footage widely posted online captures the moment the military jet smashed nose-first into the water and completely disappeared from view.
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Feb 12, 2025 | 
forcesnews.com | Julian Perreira
Military aircraft are being tested by the Ministry of Defence after personnel were said to have been exposed to harmful exhaust fumes. It comes after military helicopter crews said they were suing the MOD, claiming aircraft exhaust fumes caused their cancers. Pilots and crew members who served on board helicopters such as the Sea King, Wessex, Puma and Chinook are among those who are taking legal action.
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Feb 4, 2025 | 
forcesnews.com | Julian Perreira
A major recall has been ordered by Ministry of Defence officials after scans reveal cracks in the older body armour plates still worn by British troops. The use of the ceramic body armour plates used by military personnel has now been suspended and 120,000 pieces have been recalled for inspection amid the safety concern. In a letter to the heads of all the services, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said defence ministers "will not tolerate this risk".
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Feb 4, 2025 | 
forcesnews.com | Julian Perreira
Members of the US Coast Guard and other personnel involved in removing the wreckage of the American Airlines passenger plane and the US Army Black Hawk helicopter are being provided with 24/7 access to psychological first aid. The American Airlines engine and fuselage have now been lifted from the Potomac River and personnel are now preparing to remove the Black Hawk helicopter, hoping to recover the rest of the 67 victims of the Washington DC mid-air collision.
