Latest news with #ReserveForces
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
British businesses must be ready to let their people join the Army
'Speak softly, and carry a big stick,' said Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States of America. This week's increase in defence spending is a tacit admission that the size of the stick wielded by the United Kingdom has become smaller than it should have been in recent decades. Against a globally uncertain backdrop, and with the transatlantic alliance being tested, it is imperative that the UK does everything within its power to shore up defences at home, too. The Prime Minister's first duty is the security of the nation. As war rages in Europe, it is crystal clear that more must be done, and quickly. My colleagues in the Square Mile rely on our Armed Forces to protect the very assets that make the City of London a global financial powerhouse. From the freedom of the seas that ensures global trade, to the freedom of the skies that facilitates the movement of people, our security infrastructure underpins everything we do. The financial services sector thrives on secure communications and data flow – which are safeguarded by our military. A strong defence and a thriving City are two sides of the same coin and it is clear that stronger Reserve Forces will be an essential element in our capabilities. However, it is not a one-way street. To paraphrase Sir Winston Churchill, private enterprise is the 'healthy horse' that pulls the UK's economy along. There is plenty industry can do to support national security and I am determined to speak as often and loudly as I can to encourage firms to do more to support not just Reserve Forces, but the Cadets too. The sad truth is that the eagerness of young boys and girls to serve is being undermined by the lack of instructors able to shape and guide them towards careers in the military. Business can play a significant role in bolstering both Reserve Forces and Cadets. That is why I convened industry, military leaders and government officials for the Armed Forces Covenant Dinner in Mansion House this week. Alongside my wife, Lady Mayoress Florence King, a serving army reservist in the 106 Regiment, Royal Artillery, we championed those businesses already supporting reservists and veterans while urging others to do the same. I was extremely pleased to have Alistair Currie, Barclays' group chief operating officer, and Alistair Carns, the defence minister, also in attendance supporting this work. Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a crucial step for businesses looking to strengthen both their workforce and the wider UK economy. By committing to fair treatment and support for veterans, reservists and military families, companies gain access to a highly skilled talent pool with leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork experience Many people still think that joining the Army, RAF or Navy is something that 'other people do'. As the modern military focus expands, especially in areas like cyber defence, this mindset needs to shift. The internet is borderless and we need a new generation of defenders to safeguard our digital infrastructure. I believe that maintaining strong collaboration between the Armed Forces and the financial and professional services sector is mutually beneficial. The City of London has long had strong links to the Armed Forces. The so-called Stockbrokers' Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, raised during the Great War with the support of Lord Mayor Sir Thomas Vansittart Bowater, was one of the first of the famous Pals Battalions. The City's livery companies continue to maintain a close relationship with the Armed Forces, often sponsoring individual affiliated units. Today, the City Reserve Forces and Cadets' Association (City RFCA), of which I am chairman, supports national security by raising awareness in the Square Mile of defence issues. We can only do this successfully with the support of businesses across the UK. Additionally, as part of the City of London Corporation's City Belonging Project, we are launching the Veterans in the Square Mile network on Monday. This new initiative, in partnership with the City Veterans Community Interest Company, will foster meaningful connections between veterans and reservists across the City. Sir Alex Younger, former chief of MI6, speaking recently about the current geopolitical landscape, said the UK needs to 'demonstrate that we are prepared to play a role, take control of our own environment, recognise that we have got to develop our power and that has got to happen quickly'. I could not agree more. By employing veterans and releasing their employees to serve, companies can ensure they are attracting and developing highly skilled people whose service contributes to the security of our nation and, in turn, the success of our great City. In short, supporting our forces is not just patriotic – it is smart economics. Forward-thinking firms should sign up today. Alastair King is the Lord Mayor of the City of London Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
28-02-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
British businesses must be ready to let their people join the Army
'Speak softly, and carry a big stick,' said Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States of America. This week's increase in defence spending is a tacit admission that the size of the stick wielded by the United Kingdom has become smaller than it should have been in recent decades. Against a globally uncertain backdrop, and with the transatlantic alliance being tested, it is imperative that the UK does everything within its power to shore up defences at home, too. The Prime Minister's first duty is the security of the nation. As war rages in Europe, it is crystal clear that more must be done, and quickly. My colleagues in the Square Mile rely on our Armed Forces to protect the very assets that make the City of London a global financial powerhouse. From the freedom of the seas that ensures global trade, to the freedom of the skies that facilitates the movement of people, our security infrastructure underpins everything we do. The financial services sector thrives on secure communications and data flow – which are safeguarded by our military. A strong defence and a thriving City are two sides of the same coin and it is clear that stronger Reserve Forces will be an essential element in our capabilities. However, it is not a one-way street. To paraphrase Sir Winston Churchill, private enterprise is the 'healthy horse' that pulls the UK's economy along. There is plenty industry can do to support national security and I am determined to speak as often and loudly as I can to encourage firms to do more to support not just Reserve Forces, but the Cadets too. The sad truth is that the eagerness of young boys and girls to serve is being undermined by the lack of instructors able to shape and guide them towards careers in the military. Business can play a significant role in bolstering both Reserve Forces and Cadets. That is why I convened industry, military leaders and government officials for the Armed Forces Covenant Dinner in Mansion House this week. Alongside my wife, Lady Mayoress Florence King, a serving army reservist in the 106 Regiment, Royal Artillery, we championed those businesses already supporting reservists and veterans while urging others to do the same. I was extremely pleased to have Alistair Currie, Barclays' group chief operating officer, and Alistair Carns, the defence minister, also in attendance supporting this work. Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a crucial step for businesses looking to strengthen both their workforce and the wider UK economy. By committing to fair treatment and support for veterans, reservists and military families, companies gain access to a highly skilled talent pool with leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork experience Many people still think that joining the Army, RAF or Navy is something that 'other people do'. As the modern military focus expands, especially in areas like cyber defence, this mindset needs to shift. The internet is borderless and we need a new generation of defenders to safeguard our digital infrastructure. I believe that maintaining strong collaboration between the Armed Forces and the financial and professional services sector is mutually beneficial. The City of London has long had strong links to the Armed Forces. The so-called Stockbrokers' Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, raised during the Great War with the support of Lord Mayor Sir Thomas Vansittart Bowater, was one of the first of the famous Pals Battalions. The City's livery companies continue to maintain a close relationship with the Armed Forces, often sponsoring individual affiliated units. Today, the City Reserve Forces and Cadets' Association (City RFCA), of which I am chairman, supports national security by raising awareness in the Square Mile of defence issues. We can only do this successfully with the support of businesses across the UK. Additionally, as part of the City of London Corporation's City Belonging Project, we are launching the Veterans in the Square Mile network on Monday. This new initiative, in partnership with the City Veterans Community Interest Company, will foster meaningful connections between veterans and reservists across the City. Sir Alex Younger, former chief of MI6, speaking recently about the current geopolitical landscape, said the UK needs to 'demonstrate that we are prepared to play a role, take control of our own environment, recognise that we have got to develop our power and that has got to happen quickly'. I could not agree more. By employing veterans and releasing their employees to serve, companies can ensure they are attracting and developing highly skilled people whose service contributes to the security of our nation and, in turn, the success of our great City. In short, supporting our forces is not just patriotic – it is smart economics. Forward-thinking firms should sign up today.
Saba Yemen
27-02-2025
- Health
- Saba Yemen
Hodeida sees graduation of new war paramedic batch amidst military readiness push
Hodeida - Saba: The Fifth Military Region witnessed on Thursday the graduation of 47 war paramedics in a ceremony, marking a significant step in bolstering the region's medical preparedness. The newly graduated batch, named "Martyr of Islam and Humanity," completed rigorous training under the Medical Division of the Reserve Forces. Officials emphasized the crucial role these paramedics will play in providing frontline medical care, particularly in emergency situations arising from ongoing conflict. Deputy Head of the Medical Division Dr. Anis al-Dawli highlighted the program's focus on preventive health control, therapeutic care, and field first aid, ensuring a rapid and effective response to injuries. The training included advanced field techniques, addressing combat-related injuries, and medical evacuation procedures, incorporating practical simulations to prepare paramedics for real-world scenarios. Deputy Head of the Medical Division Dr. Hassan al-Wadhri underscored the military's commitment to medical training, emphasizing that it is as vital as any other military sector. Head of the Health Training and Rehabilitation Department Dr. Ezz al-Din Jarallah detailed the comprehensive nature of the training, which went beyond theory to include intensive practical exercises. The graduation ceremony, attended by local officials, featured speeches, poetry, and the awarding of certificates to the graduates. This graduation underscores the ongoing efforts to strengthen medical capabilities within the Fifth Military Region, ensuring timely and effective care for those serving on the front lines. Facebook Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (Local)
