Commemorating the daring night-time raid on the dams in the Ruhr Valley in Germany, during the Second World War, special events include a flypast by a Lancaster bomber of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at Derwent Reservoir as well as the creation of a ‘field of messages’ at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire by the Royal British Legion. A sunset ceremony will also be held at RAF Scampton near Lincoln.

Derwent Resevoir was just one of the sites where pilots from the 617 Squadron practised low flying ahead of their mission to attack the dams.  Led by Wing Commander Guy Gibson, 617 Squadron practised flying missions all over Britain at dangerously low height as low as 50 feet. Once comfortable they practised ‘attacking dams’.

Dr Barnes Wallis had the idea for the raid realising that targets did not need to be directly hit instead a shockwave could cause destruction. The main idea being that a weapon would work similarly to a skimming stone across the surface of a lake.

‘Operation Chastise’, a top secret mission, called for air strikes in the industrial heartland of Germany.  Targets included Eder and Scorpe in the Ruhr Valley, with Eder successfully breached and damage being caused to Scorpe.

The operation was successful but came at a cost. 53 men were killed, 3 became prisoners of war and 8 aircraft were lost.

Of the 133 men who flew on the mission only 1 pilot, Les Munro is still alive today.

In 1955 the story was made into a film, The Dam Raid and 617 Squadron is now known as ‘The Dambusters’.

Service Leavers – A valuable asset to any employer

At Hire a Hero we want more employers to realise just how valuable an ex-military work force can be and how it can greatly benefit your company overall.

Working in a military environment on whatever level and for however long there is no doubt that certain traits and skills need to be in place initially and during service these are developed and added to creating a person who, when no longer in the military, has a vast amount of transferable skills

In one way or another all UK Armed Forces swear loyalty to the country. For the Royal Navy and Royal Marines this means signing an attestation or engagement form on their entry into the forces to show their allegiance. For the rest of the Armed Forces they swear an oath;

“I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors and that I will, as in duty bound, honestly and faithfully defend Her Majesty”.

This oath sets high standards on values, professionalism, individual behaviour and self-discipline as well as them offering selfless commitment. The Armed Forces serve wherever and whenever they are needed despite the difficulties or dangers that might be involved.

The values of military personnel include discipline, integrity, loyalty, respect for others and total professionalism. Now who can deny these as being the transferable traits of a model employee?

Service leavers have a unique perspective on different values. They have the advantage that they understand the traditional values held in the civilian world but they also have worked outside the box. They understand the need to work to tight schedules and to work with only resources available to them often in a limited capacity. They have the ability to prioritise tasks and see them through to the end even under levels of stress which many of us in the civilian world never have and never will experience.

They have a proven record of integrity, sincerity and trustworthiness traits which for any prospective employer are highly desirable and can also ensure the protection of employees, property and materials. They also take on responsibilities that are thrown at them unwittingly and last minute, thriving under the pressure.

Military personnel have a great awareness of policy and procedures and why these are important for the running of any organisation as well as the implications not following these could have on the health and safety of themselves and those around them.

Learning new skills and concepts is nothing new to those who have served and people should not doubt their ability to fit into the work place and transfer their skills appropriately over a vast range of different sectors.

The military is the best source for a highly skilled, qualified and experienced workforce. A military background should hold a level of respect. Hire A Hero aims to open up employers eyes to the opportunities that they are missing out on and to give service leavers in their transitional period a smoother journey into meaningful civilian employment.

Research has shown that military personnel are at a higher risk of suffering from mental health issues and a recent HAH blog post demonstrated some startling facts about the mental health of our forces – One in twenty serving personnel suffering from mental illness.

Mental Health Awareness Week is the perfect opportunity to gain knowledge, stamp out stigma and raise awareness of mental health issues in our armed forces community.

The mental health problems that are faced by military personnel are similar to those faced by the general population, however they can often be more easily triggered by different factors. A significant amount of serving military and ex-military suffer from mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

Many service personnel will not suffer from any mental health problems during service however after leaving the forces this can often be when such issues arise. This can, in many situations be put down to a difficult transitional period such as the stress of being unemployed, having to find housing and possibly not having a particularly strong support network.

There are charitable organisations available for direct treatment and advice on dealing with mental health issues of military personnel. Hire A Hero are more than happy to signpost you on to those who can help.

At Hire A Hero we aim to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to provide individual support in the transition from service life into meaningful civilian employment. We can remove some of the stress that comes with the transition period.

If you would like any help or advice from Hire A Hero then please get in touch with us info@hireaherouk.org and let us help you in making your transition into civilian life as smooth as possible.

For more information about Mental Health Awareness Week visit: MentalHealth.org.uk

The new arrangements have been designed to support the Afghan National Security Forces during the critical transition period and ensure that force protection for our troops is maximised during withdrawal.

The number of Service personnel deployed to Afghanistan will be minimised over the next 18 months by removing the need to train and deploy extra brigades on operations.

This means that those deployed to Afghanistan will now have an up to 9 month cycle instead of the usual 6 months. This will be the case until June 2014.

The extended deployment aims to provide support to final redeployment activity, in a non-combat role.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond told MPs that the changes were based on clear military advice reflecting the UK’s role in Afghanistan. This role will change from combat based to one involving training, advising and assisting.

The Afghan forces currently lead 80% of all security operations and by the end of the summer this will reach 100%.

In regard to extending the length of tours, Mr Hammond said:

“It removes the need to train and deploy another brigade at greatly reduced scale to cover the final couple of months of 2014. It will therefore minimise the total number of Service personnel who deploy to Afghanistan over the next 18 months.”

“This will allow personnel to focus on post-Afghanistan training, improving the general readiness of the Army as it reverts to a contingent posture for the future.”

Major General Patrick Sanders, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Operations), said:

“In fact, the majority of personnel will continue to serve tours of 6 months. Those who will serve longer will be in roles where their relationship with Afghans is a crucial part of the job, or where their particular expertise is needed to deliver greater continuity – and for this additional burden they will receive an additional allowance.”

“In keeping with the many thousands of British Service personnel who have served with such courage, commitment and distinction in Afghanistan – many repeatedly – I know that they will approach their extended final tours with professionalism and dedication.”

New policy documents have been unveiled and show aims to grow supply chains, tackle the skills gap and encourage technology development which is expected to require a further 15,000 staff over the next four to five years.

As the latest example of the growing investment in Britain’s offshore industry, Oil & Gas UK have welcomed the government’s new strategy saying that despite there being a lot of interest in graduate and apprenticeship schemes, the shortage will be of mid-career employees which transferable military skills could fit into.

It has been stated that the experience and skills of ex-military personnel would enable them to be candidates for a number of roles including engineers, technicians and logistics managers.

The government’s new strategy sets out a number of goals in supporting the UK oil and gas industry by;

-          Maintaining a tax regime that encourages investment

-          Developing the supply chain

-          Filling the skill gaps

-          Encouraging technology research and development

-          Raising sector profile abroad

-          Improving access to finance

‘The launch of the government’s strategy for the sector is one more step in the right direction and brings deserved recognition to the capabilities of our world class supply chain,’ said Oil & Gas UK’s chief executive Malcolm Webb, in a statement.

‘It will further strengthen the oilfield services sector across the country, boost investor confidence, safeguard jobs and help to maximise recovery of Britain’s oil and gas reserves.’

TRIUMPH: Wigan Athletic celebrate in front of thousands of military personnel

Armed Forces personnel were given the opportunity to witness one of the most surprising upsets in FA Cup history on Saturday afternoon.

The chance for servicemen and women to experience Ben Watson’s injury time winner for Wigan against Manchester City came thanks to military charity Tickets for Troops.

The funding for such projects comes as a result of George Osborne’s announcement in this year’s budget that the £35 million recouped by the government in fines as a result of the Libor scandal would go to military charities.

Thanks to the banking fines members of HMS Illustrious and HMS Edinburgh were out in force at the showpiece finale to English football’s most historic cup competition.

Crew members of both ships received their tickets while harboured in London as they marked 70 years since the battle of the Atlantic. Tickets were presented by Arsenal legend Ray Parlour who spoke glowingly about the value of Armed Services personnel.

“When you look at what they do it’s fantastic and we do recognise it, that’s the main thing,” said the former Gunners player.

“I’m here on behalf of the FA to give these tickets to the guys to show we really do appreciate it.”

The fines levied to banks by parliament has since secured four years of further funding as part of the government’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant in attempts to improve personnel welfare.

So far 16 forces projects have benefited from the Libor money, with more set to be announced next month.

Local and regional Councillors were invited to a military base in Marchwood where the Covenant was signed and while there they gained a better understanding of what goes on at the base and the importance of the work done there.

Marchwood is the logistical hub for equipment arriving and leaving the UK by sea and also plays a crucial part in the movement of equipment back from Afghanistan.

Over 80 Community Covenants have now been signed as a voluntary statement of mutual support between the civilian community and the local Armed Forces community.

The Community Covenant aims to encourage local communities to support the Service community through an understanding and awareness of issues which affect Armed Forces and their families.

Almost every community will have members of the Armed Forces living within it, be it currently serving or ex-service. Different communities form their own ways of showing this support, some through supporting military charities in the area such as Hire A Hero, organising their own fundraising events or participating in events like Armed Forces Day.

The Covenant also aims to extend support beyond specific days and work year round and on longer term projects that benefit the local community.

If you wish to support the Armed Forces in your local community Hire A Hero can help. If you have a fundraising idea and need to promote it or wish to be involved in any type of volunteering then get in touch with us info@hireaherouk.org.

To find out if there is a community covenant in your area visit https://www.gov.uk/armed-forces-community-covenant

TRANSITION: Effecting TA soldiers

With a shake up to the British Army set to see 20,000 Army jobs cut and replaced with reservists ITV’s ‘Tonight’ series last night investigated whether or not they will be up to the job.

Major General Ranald Munro, the Territorial Army’s highest ranking officer, is thought of by many as the ‘pin-up’ for reservists and believes that a change in the way people perceive the TA will do a lot to change people’s views on the shake-up.

“The perception is wrong, of weekend warriors, Dad’s Army part timers,” said Munro, who in the civilian works in law. “These are actually professional people doing a professional job on a part time basis.

“They are working alongside and trusted by regular counterparts which is probably the most demanding environment in which to operate.”

With many high ranking officials within the British Army branding the restructuring of the forces as risky and ambitious the documentary questions the effects that combat might have on part-time soldiers.

Research by Professor Sir Simon Wessley, Consultant Psychiatrist at King’s Hospital London, suggests that increases in mental health problems are far greater in reservists than in regular soldiers.

Wessley states that: “You get a doubling in mental health problems and doubling of PTSD [in TA combat soldiers] which is a distinct finding and different from the regulars.”

Difficulties also surround those wanting to join the Territorial Army, or those currently enrolled and seeking employment in the fact that 36 per cent of small businesses polled would not employ reservists.

But how do reservists cope when they return to their day job?

ITV’s Tonight programme profiled Jake Wood, who had served in Afghanistan while a member of the Territorial Army. Following his deployment Jake had to quit his job as a banker, finding it difficult to adjust to the professional world, this after joining the TA with a view to simply getting fitter.

“All of a sudden I found myself sitting at a desk,” Jake explains, “surrounded by people who, through no fault of their own, hadn’t the faintest idea what I’d been doing or seeing or experienced for the past months, and that was incredibly isolating.”

It is hoped that measures put in place by the Ministry of Defence when it comes to the ‘decompression’ of reservists who serve in combat will reduce the number of cases like Jake’s.

A Government white paper is set to be submitted in the Spring entitled ‘Future Reserves: Army 2020’ where it is predicted that the new Territorial Army will be built on the model of the US’s National Guard rebranded as ‘Army Reserve’.

The Tonight special ‘New Model Army’ can be watched via ITV’s on-demand service here.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with the transition from military to civilian life Hire a Hero is equipped to assist you throughout, please email us info@hireaherouk.org for more information.

In July a group of intrepid explorers will take on the challenge of travelling from Birmingham, UK, to the summit of Mount Elbrus, Russia, and back again, all in aid of Hire a Hero.

The expedition will see the team travel through nine countries in a convoy of three Land Rover Discoveries before scaling Elbrus, returning back to the midlands the very same way they left.

The expedition is scheduled to be completed in 16 days and has already gained support from many on this side of the Atlantic.

But it is not just at home where support for the expedition has been garnered however.

In the early hours of Saturday morning US light-welterweight champion boxer Cleotis Pendarvis will display the logo for the climb as he takes to the ring in an IBF world title eliminator in Oklahoma.

The fight will be broadcast live from the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma via cable television in the US as part of Showtime’s SHOBOX series.

CHAMPION – Pendarvis and US title

Should the Californian, known as Mookie, triumph in the fight against undefeated Dierry Jean it could put Pendarvis on a collision course with former Amir Khan foe, and IBF title holder, Lamont Peterson.

It is hoped that the promotion of the climb stateside will increase its profile and raise valuable funds for its cause, Hire a Hero UK.

More information on the Hire a Hero Mount Elbrus climb can be found via the website www.hahmtelbrus2013.com.

The expedition team and everyone at Hire a Hero would like to wish Cleotis the best of luck in his quest for a world title shot.

Hire a Hero intends to bring you all the reaction next week to Cleotis’ fight and would like to thank the team at Pit Bull Boxing Promotions for their support of HAH Mt Elbrus 2013.

HMS Caroline will be transformed using the £12 million from The Heritage Lottery Fund and The National Museum of the Royal navy are confident that she will become a “world class” visitor attraction in Belfast’s old shipyards.

The derelict vessel, which was part of the screening force that sailed out ahead of the Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet during the Battle of Jutland to establish the position of the German battleships was at risk of rusting away before moves were made for restoration. She will now benefit from the largest ever commitment made by The Heritage Lottery Fund to Northern Ireland.

HMS Caroline will sit among a variety of maritime attractions including the £97 million Titanic Belfast visitor attraction.

Captain John Rees, chief of staff at the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) said;

“She is a one of a kind, an iconic ship. The only floating survivor of all the fleets – both German and British – that fought in the First World War and the Battle of Jutland.”

“It’s been here for the majority of its life – 80 plus years. It is something that all the community can share in and enjoy – it’s something very special for them.”

Paul Mullan, head of HLF Northern Ireland said;

“At £12 million, that’s twice the size of the next largest grant that has ever been given to Northern Ireland.”

“It’s very timely. We are now in the decade of anniversaries and the First World War is one of those key anniversaries. We’ve 1916 with the (Battle of the) Somme, the 1916 Easter Rising (in Dublin). The Battle of Jutland is another particular story which is of tremendous importance.

“We see it very much in that context of a number of anniversaries that are going on and this is a great way of showing Belfast’s link into the First World War.”