Garrison cover army training in Kenya

Garrison FM is airing a series of special reports about life at the British Army’s Training Unit in Kenya after presenter Rafe Parker visited the base.

He spent three days on the equator and interviewed members of the 1 Scots Battle Group who were finishing off their six weeks’ training there – and spoke to other troops involved in exercises.

Commander of BATUK, Colonel Tim Sandyford spoke exclusively to Garrison FM about the importance of the facility in the overall army training strategy.

The special reports will air on Garrison FM’s network of stations in UK army bases as well as being available to download as podcasts.

While out in Kenya, Rafe Parker also came across a new Private who’d had a less than funny experience with a Hyena. Private Steven Wishart had spent just one night with his battalion before travelling to Kenya. Three weeks into the exercise he found himself being dragged from his poncho one night by, what is thought to have been a Hyena. Following the quick reactions of his fellow soldiers he was rescued from the exercise ground and transported by ambulance to Nairobi where he started treatment for rabies and other potential diseases. In an exclusive interview with Garrison FM, Private Wishart said the experience had made him think about where he sleeps and to be more aware of what is out there. He added that the experience had scared him but when it comes to explaining the experience in the pub when he returns: “I may change the story a little bit.”