Season's greetings from everyone at Forces News
With the festive season upon us, we'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you for your support in 2023.
Your interest in the stories we create means so much and encourages us to explore the military world further so we can provide you with more of the unique stories we're best placed to tell.
This has been a busy year - and we have even bigger plans for 2024 - so keep your eyes peeled for more.
Throughout 2023 we've raised awareness of some of the issues closest to the hearts of those serving, such as accommodation concerns, the treatment of LGBTQ+ personnel before 2000 and pay increases.
But we have also focused on some of the lighter aspects of military life and the vital work done by military charities.
Some of our most popular content is that which highlights the vital work serving personnel do around the world.
We went to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada to report on Exercise Red Flag, an air combat training exercise run by the US Air Force.
Red Flag 2023 saw the RAF join forces with the US and Australia for the biggest allied combat air exercise ever designed to ensure the military is prepared for the threat posed by China.
Find out more: Ready for China: RAF joins US and Australia for largest allied air exercise ever
We were given exclusive access to see the Royal Marines getting hands-on experience with their newest weapon - the Knight's Stoner rifle, better known as the KS-1.
Their training at Barry Buddon saw them spending time on the range and practising close-quarters battle drills with the new rifle, which has several features to improve accuracy and ergonomics.
Find out more: Exclusive: Royal Marines hit the range and practise CQB with new KS-1 assault rifle
When it comes to weapons and kit, we have you covered.
We joined B Squadron, the Queen's Royal Hussars, on a training exercise alongside 52 Engineer Regiment, using Challenger 2 tanks fitted with mine ploughs.
As well as clearing complex obstacles, the tanks made short work of a minefield - with help from a Trojan armoured vehicle.
Find out more: Challenger 2 tanks and Trojan vehicles blast their way through Queen's Royal Hussars exercise
Tim Cooper took us inside the factory where all six variants of the Ajax, the British Army's new advanced land vehicle system, are being built.
Forces News was given special permission to go on the factory floor to see how these highly capable vehicles are being constructed.
Find out more: Inside factory where production lines are running hot to build Army's long-awaited Ajax.
This year, a new Forces News documentary explored the tactic of Hearts and Minds 20 years after the start of the Iraq War.
British military commanders and soldiers on the ground in Iraq used the term when working with local people.
The film looked at its origin and how it was applied in Iraq, and asked key military players if it was still relevant today.
Watch: Iraq War: How Hearts and Minds became a very British tactic
We broadcast more live forces sport this year than ever before, and 2024 will see us bring you even more live sporting action.
This year, for the first time ever, we brought you live coverage of the Forces showjumping final from the prestigious London International Horse Show.
We also live-streamed the ever-popular Army v Navy rugby match from a lively and packed Twickenham Stadium.
Watch both the men's and women's finals on the Forces News YouTube channel.
We also shone a light on some delightful stories that made us smile such as the quick-thinking young soldier who was praised online for how he handled an encounter with a young man with Down's syndrome, and the touching moment a mounted trooper from the Household Cavalry moved his horse closer to two veterans so they could get a better photo.
Our readers have inquisitive minds, so we answered some popular military questions online such as "why are submarines black" and "has anyone ever held every rank from private to field marshal?".
From everyone here at Forces News, thank you again for your support and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Join Our Newsletter
