Right out of the Kenyan blue

11:35am Friday 26th December 2008

The Army has been put through its paces in the Kenyan bush ahead of deployment to Afghanistan. The Army Air Corps, based at Dishforth, North Yorkshire, played a key role in Exercise Grand Prix. In his final article from Africa, Matt Westcott speaks to the squadron commander and the helicopter pilots about the challenges they face.

Using soldiers’ skills to help children in a distant land

12:30pm Wednesday 24th December 2008

After 30 years’ service, a soldier from the North-East is determined to leave behind a lasting legacy when he retires. Working with the local community, Major Pete Hill and his colleagues have been able to improve facilities at schools and orphanages in Kenya, while also boosting the image of the British Armed Forces. Matt Westcott travelled to Africa to speak to him about the projects they have undertaken.

Out of Africa: A dry run for Helmand Province

3:08pm Monday 22nd December 2008

IT is mid-morning and the sun is high. All around, villagers are going about their business. The stores are open and, from ramshackle houses, you can hear the voices of men chatting.

Fighting new enemies - the climate and the language barrier

3:16pm Monday 22nd December 2008

FOR the soldiers in the field, Exercise Grand Prix may have been at times exhilarating, and at other times exhausting, but it was always invaluable.

Harsh but fair preparation

3:21pm Monday 22nd December 2008

FOR the commanding officer of the 3 Rifles battle group, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, Exercise Grand Prix provides his soldiers with invaluable and possibly life-saving training ahead of deployment to the world's war zones.