View allAll Photos Tagged Defence
Estonian Defence Force Soldiers from Estpla-26 during a patrol in Mali in support of the French-led Operation Barkhane – November 2018
Photo: Estonian Defence Force
Israeli Soldiers from the Caracal battalion during a field training exercise 17th December 2011
Photos: Israel Defence Force
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken in the last week of October 2014.
Throughout the days, it's a constant 2-way stream of Volvo trucks.
The guys are now actively rebuilding the riverbed itself: digging out the previous 'temporary' core material, and replacing with large, profiled boulders.
The intention being to (a) provide better habitat for fish stock, and (b) seek to slow the speed of river flow during periods of heavy rain and high river levels. A neat job is being completed to landscape the ground in front of the apartments -- backfilling with stone and soil. A protective guide-rail is being welded, in stages, to the top of the protruding steel wall, prior to capping with cement.
A welding contractor is on-site, one of his tasks being to cut protruding steel piles to a uniform height.
He was also tasked with burning out little drainage holes, at ground level, to allow excess water to drain back into the river -- trapped water being able to exert greater pressure on a structure.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken towards the end of the second week of February 2017.
These are the critical stabilisation works at the Silverbridge site, adjacent to the N11 dual-carriageway:
Back in November 2014, we'd observed bank stabilisation works here involving excavation, repair and building of a support wall structure -- carried out by JONS Construction on behalf of the National Roads Authority.
We would occasionally catch sight of this work in the distance. Quite an impressive little piece of structural engineering.
Having built a retaining concave wall, backfilled for solidity, they were also drilling, fixing and sealing ground anchors to pin the entire structure together.
Now we see that further works are being undertaken.
Word has it that extra ‘stabilisation work’ had to be done to protect the integrity of the riverbank.
At the section here we can see that there’s not much space between the edge of the rock face and the Armco at the side of the dual-carriageway.
Have yet to determine what precisely that will entail. Serious work to reinforce the side access ramp down to the river.
The N11 carriageway runs adjacent to this sunken side of the riverbank -- barely 2 (large) paces divide the two. Even with twin strips of Armco along the roadside, it's perilously close. Traffic speeds along this stretch (maximum speed 100 kmp). Only needs a touch from a heavy vehicle to cause secondary impact, which (worst possible scenario) could result in something going airborne.
Working in these confined spaces puts a premium of safety and communication.
The guys have hard-filled a working shelf on the riverbed, to allow machinery access to the rockface. Obviously some serious drilling is called for before a form of extra 'pinning' is put in place.
They have sunk a series of hollowed tubes/casings -- obviously to form the foundations of a more extensive structure.
And some investigative work around the transverse buttress of the access bridge, parallel to the heavy-duty pipeline carrying water down from the Vartry reservoir.
At a (rough) guess -- I'd say the foundations were sunk to a depth of approx 4+m.
With such secure foundations in place, they would then look to construct a substantial bank of material, and/or retaining wall (similar to that in place further along the roadside bank).
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Previously the guys drilled and sunk 4+metre deep reinforced tubing and rods along a newly laid concrete base. Those stubs were then used to attach steel rod cradles -- which, in turn, were filled with poured concrete. Result - the wall quickly rises. Variation on the method they've used elsewhere along this stretch of the river.
A continuous stretch of protective wall has now been poured, and joined up with the section originally erected back in 2014.
As we can see from the side-on shot, the base of the wall has pre-cut openings for the retaining pins that have been driven into the side wall of the roadside cliff. These have been sealed and capped.
Progress has been rapid, the full stretch of wall is completed, and the guys are now working on back-filling the empty space between the protective wall and the roadside rock face. You don't just throw in a few trucks loads of soil and hope for the best. You load, layer, level and compress.
And, at the same time, the guys are clearing away material used to build access ramps down into the riverbed.
The thought crossed my mind -- in doing so (removing the stone-filled gabions etc,) are they potentially exposing the river bank on that side to erosion, slippage etc?
We know the destructive force of fast running waters. Hell, this is precisely why the protective works have been carried out along the rest of the stretch, down to the Bray Harbour. Unless they have other plans to stabilise it, what is going to be left here is loose soil -- very close to the access road into the halting site itself.
Some repair/reinforcing work is going on here to protect the (old) buttress that supports the pipework carrying water to the Bray region.
Israeli Army Recruits to the Givati Brigade during a live fire training excerise
Photo: Israel Defence Force
Members of the Irish Defence Force serving with the 118th Battalion, serving in the Lebanon with UNIFIL
Photos: Airman Gibney
Britain's Ministry of Defence sprayed blood red to highlight the UK's complicity in Israel's war crimes in Gaza, with the International Court of Justice declaring that there is a plausible case for genocide.
On the afternoon of Wednesday 10 April at around 3 pm activists sprayed Britain's Ministry of Defence blood red to protest the UK's continued military and diplomatic support for Israel's genocidal assault against Gaza. The action was organised by Palestine Action and Youth Demand who demanded the UK impose an immediate arms embargo on Israel and cease all other military support, including the training of Israel pilots. I saw three activists being detained by the police, but reports indicated that a total of five may have been arrested.
Writer and social activist Lisa Minerva Luxx, writing for Al Jazeera, observes that "since October (2023), our government's steadfast support for Israel has ushered in a new age of state coercion, exposing in its wake the artifice of democracy in Britain," adding that the government has "expanded police powers and moved to weaponise concerns over so-called "extremism". Its leading figures referred to peaceful protesters exercising their democratic rights as "mobs" and "hate marchers'', classifying any and all opposition to Israel's war and occupation as hate and racism" and that "our group, Palestine Action, is also facing the threat of being labelled as "extremist" due to the principled actions our front-line members have taken to put an end to Britain's complicity in Israel's occupation and ethnic cleansing of Palestinian territories.``
www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/3/28/being-branded-as-ext...
Photo licence
Although this image is being posted on a attribution non-commercial share alike basis CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED, the following organisations and publications are welcome to reproduce it even if it is to raise money without the need for permission or any payment. Please see the link below - However please publish the image on the same attribution non-commercial share alike basis. For more info please email me at alisdare@gmail.com.
Members of the Irish Defence Force serving with the 118th Battalion, serving in the Lebanon with UNIFIL
Photos: Airman Gibney
Nahal's Elite Unit Concludes Training Course
The Gadsar, Nahal's Elite Unit, concluded their 16 month course with a final, challenging exercise. From storming and capturing hills, to a 15km trek throughout the night, the soldiers completed the course. At the concluding ceremony, the soldiers were awarded with their combat wing pins. February 13, 2013
Photo by Cpl. Zev Marmorstein, IDF Spokesperson's Unit
As part of Defence Expo 2018 Exhibition at Thiruvidanthai, an Airshow took place on 14042018. Photos taken are presented here
The State Opening of Parliament – 8 May 2013
General Sir Nicholas Houghton, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, walks to the House of Lords from the Ministry of Defence for the State Opening of Parliament accompanied by his wife and his Aide-de-Camp, a Captain in the Intelligence Corps, (whose job seems to be to carry an umbrella). On 10 May 2013 Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach succeeded General Sir Nicholas Houghton as Vice Chief of the Defence Staff. General Houghton assumes the role of Chief of the Defence Staff in July 2013.
Extract from the Court Circular
“The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, travelled in State to the Palace of Westminster today to open the Session of Parliament.
Her Majesty and His Royal Highness drove in a Carriage Procession, escorted by a Sovereign's Escort of The Household Cavalry, under the command of Major Nicholas Stewart, The Life Guards, and were received at the Sovereign's Entrance by the Earl Marshal and the Lord Great Chamberlain.
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall drove in a Carriage Procession, escorted by a Travelling Escort of the Household Cavalry, under the command of Major Simon Deverell, The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons).
Guards of Honour were mounted at Buckingham Palace by The Queen's Guard found by 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, under the command of Major Piers Ashfield, and at the Palace of Westminster by 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, under the command of Major Henry Llewelyn-Usher.
A staircase party of The Household Cavalry was on duty at Victoria Tower, House of Lords.
Royal Salutes were fired in Green Park by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, under the command of Major Mark Edward, and from the Tower of London Saluting Battery by the Honourable Artillery Company, under the command of Major John Chorley.
The Imperial State Crown, the Cap of Maintenance and the Sword of State were conveyed previously to the House of Lords in a Carriage Procession, escorted by a Regalia Escort of The Household Cavalry.”
Information from the Ministry of Defence website:
In total 1,290 Armed Forces personnel took part in the Sate Opening of Parliament ceremony including Cavalry, troops lining the route and forming guards of honour and bands.
Soldiers from the Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards and Welsh Guards together with 4 half-companies of the Royal Air Force Regiment and 4 half-companies of the Royal Navy, lined the route of the procession, from Buckingham Palace to the Huse of Lords while the Queen’s carriage was escorted by members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
Musical accompaniment was provided by the Royal Artillery Band, the Band of the Grenadier Guards, the Band of the Coldstream Guards, the Band of the Scots Guards, the Band of the Irish Guards, the Band of the Welsh Guards and the Band of the Honourable Artillery Company.
The General Officer Commanding London District, Major General George Norton, commanded the parade.
As the Queen reached the House of Lords, a 41-gun salute was fired by members of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, supported by the Royal Artillery Band, in Green Park.
A further 41-gun salute was be fired at midday at the Tower of London by the Army’s oldest regiment, the Honourable Artillery Company, which is part of the Territorial Army.
After the Queen’s procession returned to Buckingham Palace, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery marched past Her Majesty, followed by the Sovereign’s Escort and Regalia Escort, formed by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, and a Guard of Honour provided by members of the Grenadier Guards and the Welsh Guards.
Israeli Mostly Female Combat Unit "karakal" Perform Large Combat Exercise
Soldiers from the Karakal battalion participate in a graduation march near the Israeli-Egyptian border on September 03, 2014 near Azoz, Israel. The mixed-sex Karakal combat battalion was formed in 2004 and is based in the Negev desert on the border with Egypt and Jordan.
(September 2, 2014 - Source: Ilia Yefimovich/Getty Images Europe)
Members of the Irish Defence Force serving with the 118th Battalion, serving in the Lebanon with UNIFIL
Photos: Airman Gibney
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River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the fourth week of June 2017.
Back in January/February 2017, we saw posters indicating public disquiet about these latest Council proposals, and the meetings called to discuss possible action.
I offered an observation at the time.
Matters have clearly moved onward now.
The work is happening.
This view is from the opposite side of the river, Glenwood Road.
============================================
Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) – Part XI.
Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) – Part 8.
Construct an Access Ramp into the River Dargle, and make the fencing to the People’s Park removable at the West end of the People’s Park, adjacent to River Lane, in the townland of Bray Commons, in the Municipal District of Bray.
The purpose of the proposal is to provide the means to access the River Dargle to maintain the River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme in the area of the People’s Park.
Background:
Wicklow County Council (and the former Bray Town Council) have almost completed the construction of the River Dargle Flood Defense Scheme. This Scheme consists of a number of interventions including deepening and widening the river, and constructing embankments and river walls. These interventions are designed so that a fluvial (river) event of 1% probability of exceedance will remain within the banks (or walls) of the River Dargle. In other words, that means that the likelihood of an event occurring that would breach the river walls (and embankments) is in excess of one in a hundred years. This is the standard that the OPW set for Flood Defense Schemes.
In addition to the civil engineering measures, Wicklow County Council have, in close consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland, constructed weirs and narrow channels, mostly of large rocks or boulders, in order that the environment is as natural and attractive as possible for fish life. Some more in-river fish environment works will be done in Summer 2017, also in consultation with IFI.
It is an inescapable fact that sands, gravels and even cobbles will be moved by the river. Also the more water that flows in the river, the more material will be carried downstream. For years, Bray Town Council, (now Wicklow County Council) have removed gravels and other deposited material from the river to ensure the capacity of the river to carry water is maintained.
For Wicklow County Council (or the OPW) to get access to the River in the stretch from Fran O’Toole Bridge to the lower end of the Slang, it is essential that there be an adequate access ramp. The works described in this proposal would ensure the availability of such an access ramp.
It is intended that this new ramp would be accessible by driving along River Lane.
It is intended that the new ramp would only be used for essential maintenance of the River Dargle Flood Defense Scheme. While the frequency of use of the ramp is dependant on the frequency of significant flooding events, experience of Bray Town Council would suggest that it would be required less often than every two years. Also, the duration of use is unlikely to exceed one or two weeks in each case.
Works Outline
The works consist of
1. Diverting existing ESB cables that would be over the proposed ramp.
2. Constructing sheet pile and masonry walls, alongside the River
3. Constructing a concrete ramp into the River
4. Constructing a removable, masonry clad, reinforced concrete (RC) panel at the top of the ramp with removable railings in and around the ramp.
These works are shown on drawings number B1282.3_7000, B1282.3_7001, B1282.3_7003 and B1282.3_7004.
Timescale:
It is intended to carry out the construction work in Q2 and Q3 of 2017, subject to approval of the Part 8 procedure.
___________________________________
Marc Devereux
Senior Engineer
Wicklow County Council
20th December 2016
Paratroopers Prove Themselves On the Ground
The paratroopers of the 101st Battalion had a full week of training to make sure they know exactly what to do once they land on the ground.
Images: Copyright Israel Defence Force
Nahal's Elite Unit Concludes Training Course
The Gadsar, Nahal's Elite Unit, concluded their 16 month course with a final, challenging exercise. From storming and capturing hills, to a 15km trek throughout the night, the soldiers completed the course. At the concluding ceremony, the soldiers were awarded with their combat wing pins. February 13, 2013
Photo by Cpl. Zev Marmorstein, IDF Spokesperson's Unit
IDF's Mostly Female Combat Unit Attend Training Day in Azuz
Israeli Soldiers from the Karakal Batallion on the Shooting range on July 6, 2016 in Nitzana, Israel.
The first mixed-sex Karakal combat battalion was formed in 2004 and is based in the Negev desert on the border with Egypt and Jordan.
Source: Ilia Yefimovich
This is my first B&W proper competition entry - possibly a tad high on the contrast.
To any contacts who see this photo I will catchup tomorrow!
Botswana Defence Force Soldiers taking part in the SA Army 12th Annual Combat Rifle Shooting Competition held in de Brug, Bloemfontein over the period 25 June to 07 July 2019.
R4 Rehearsal, Army soldiers from the United States of America, Zambia, Lesotho and Botswana, 27June 2019.
Information and Photographs by Lance Corporal Phillimon Mafemo, SA Army Corporate Communication and Private Teboho Khoare 1 SAI, Corporate Communication
09/12/2021. Arvidsjaur, Sweden. The Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace is met with Honour Guard on Arrival at Arvidsjaur airport with Minister Hultqvist. Picture by Tim Hammond / No 10 Downing Street
Nahal's Elite Unit Concludes Training Course
The Gadsar, Nahal's Elite Unit, concluded their 16 month course with a final, challenging exercise. From storming and capturing hills, to a 15km trek throughout the night, the soldiers completed the course. At the concluding ceremony, the soldiers were awarded with their combat wing pins. February 13, 2013
Photo by Cpl. Zev Marmorstein, IDF Spokesperson's Unit
IDF's Mostly Female Combat Unit Attend Training Day in Azuz
Israeli Soldiers from the Karakal Batallion on the Shooting range on July 6, 2016 in Nitzana, Israel.
The first mixed-sex Karakal combat battalion was formed in 2004 and is based in the Negev desert on the border with Egypt and Jordan.
Source: Ilia Yefimovich
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the second week of June 2017.
Back in January/February 2017, we saw posters indicating public disquiet about these latest Council proposals, and the meetings called to discuss possible action.
I offered an observation at the time.
Matters have clearly moved onward now.
The work is happening.
Liebherr PR 732 bulldozer, sitting in the construction compound at the western part of The People's Park, adjacent to the River Lane access ramp.
============================================
Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) – Part XI.
Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) – Part 8.
Construct an Access Ramp into the River Dargle, and make the fencing to the People’s Park removable at the West end of the People’s Park, adjacent to River Lane , in the townland of Bray Commons, in the Municipal District of Bray.
The purpose of the proposal is to provide the means to access the River Dargle to maintain the River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme in the area of the People’s Park.
Background:
Wicklow County Council (and the former Bray Town Council) have almost completed the construction of the River Dargle Flood Defense Scheme. This Scheme consists of a number of interventions including deepening and widening the river, and constructing embankments and river walls. These interventions are designed so that a fluvial (river) event of 1% probability of exceedance will remain within the banks (or walls) of the River Dargle. In other words, that means that the likelihood of an event occurring that would breach the river walls (and embankments) is in excess of one in a hundred years. This is the standard that the OPW set for Flood Defense Schemes.
In addition to the civil engineering measures, Wicklow County Council have, in close consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland, constructed weirs and narrow channels, mostly of large rocks or boulders, in order that the environment is as natural and attractive as possible for fish life. Some more in-river fish environment works will be done in Summer 2017, also in consultation with IFI.
It is an inescapable fact that sands, gravels and even cobbles will be moved by the river. Also the more water that flows in the river, the more material will be carried downstream. For years, Bray Town Council, (now Wicklow County Council) have removed gravels and other deposited material from the river to ensure the capacity of the river to carry water is maintained.
For Wicklow County Council (or the OPW) to get access to the River in the stretch from Fran O’Toole Bridge to the lower end of the Slang, it is essential that there be an adequate access ramp. The works described in this proposal would ensure the availability of such an access ramp.
It is intended that this new ramp would be accessible by driving along River Lane.
It is intended that the new ramp would only be used for essential maintenance of the River Dargle Flood Defense Scheme. While the frequency of use of the ramp is dependant on the frequency of significant flooding events, experience of Bray Town Council would suggest that it would be required less often than every two years. Also, the duration of use is unlikely to exceed one or two weeks in each case.
Works Outline
The works consist of
1. Diverting existing ESB cables that would be over the proposed ramp.
2. Constructing sheet pile and masonry walls, alongside the River
3. Constructing a concrete ramp into the River
4. Constructing a removable, masonry clad, reinforced concrete (RC) panel at the top of the ramp with removable railings in and around the ramp.
These works are shown on drawings number B1282.3_7000, B1282.3_7001, B1282.3_7003 and B1282.3_7004.
Timescale:
It is intended to carry out the construction work in Q2 and Q3 of 2017, subject to approval of the Part 8 procedure.
___________________________________
Marc Devereux
Senior Engineer
Wicklow County Council
20th December 2016
The Estonian Ministry of Defence has purchased new service rifles from LMT Defense, formerly known as the Lewis Machine & Tool Company, and will supply the Country's Defence Force with two new service weapons.
The LMT MARS platform of AR-15 and AR-10 pattern rifles, as well as a 40 mm grenade launcher compatible with these Rifles.
Both Rifles will be replacing the current issue Rifles, the Israeli-built Galil-AR and the Swedish-made Ak4 (a licensed copy of the H&K G3A3).
The grenade launchers included in the contract are LMT’s M203 rail-mounted 40 mm GLs.
Photos @kaitsevagi.edf
Left to right: Antti Kaikkonen (Minister of Defence, Finland) with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Peter Hultqvist (Minister of Defence, Sweden)
Estonian Defence Force Soldiers live fire training while serving with BKN09 in Mali
Photos: srs Valner Väino
@kaitsevagi.edf
The Estonian Ministry of Defence has purchased new service rifles from LMT Defense, formerly known as the Lewis Machine & Tool Company, and will supply the Country's Defence Force with two new service weapons.
The LMT MARS platform of AR-15 and AR-10 pattern rifles, as well as a 40 mm grenade launcher compatible with these Rifles.
Both Rifles will be replacing the current issue Rifles, the Israeli-built Galil-AR and the Swedish-made Ak4 (a licensed copy of the H&K G3A3).
The grenade launchers included in the contract are LMT’s M203 rail-mounted 40 mm GLs.
Photos @kaitsevagi.edf
Securing the area, Gibraltar Defence Police are a regular feature at the road barriers with the runway. On this occasion they also acted as additional security to the departing Governor and military personnel on the airfield.
Sir Adrian Johns left the Rock on Wednesday 13th November 2013 for the final time as Governor of Gibraltar.
©2013 Tony Evans. All Rights Reserved.
Written permission should be sought if one wishes to use an image.
Estonian Defence Force Soldiers live fire training while serving with BKN09 in Mali
Photos: srs Valner Väino
@kaitsevagi.edf
Standard Ministry of Works design 11008/41 battle HQ, buried beneath a hedgerow on elevated ground east of RAF St. Eval, Cornwall.
It would be from here that all airfield defence would be co-ordinated in the event of an attack.
This example is in good condition and is very dry.
Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn addresses the crowd.
Protest and party outside the Ministry of Defence against the renewal of the Trident nuclear-armed submarines. Organized by CND, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
Photo: RonF
Israeli paratroopers take their positions during a military exercise in the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war, November 25, 2009.
On October 30, 2013, I found a small cardboard box amid a stack of larger boxes that put into storage in the basement of my mother’s home in Pretoria, South Africa, about three decades ago. When I pack stuff away, I usually record what's in the box by writing an inventory list on the outside. This one had nothing written on it, so I decided to take it upstairs to investigate. Back in my former bedroom, I opened the box up and found it to contain all manner of military ephemera from my two years compulsory national service in the South African Defence Force (July 1979 - July 1981). A menacing little time capsule from the worst years of my life.
A standard issue SADF military water bottle and canteen. The latter was lovingly referred to as a "Fire Bucket" and was the primary cooking utensil when on patrol in the Namibian / Angolan "Operational Area".
Israeli elite infantry soldiers armed with Israeli made Tavor rifle take part in an urban warfare training on June 30, 2009 in the IDF's Urban Warfare Training Center in Tzeelim, southern Israel. The training area simulates an Arab town.