Summary
ITV News reports that SAS sniper Sergeant Danny Nightingale, who was released from jail after a court appeal, will mark his 38th birthday today with a meeting with lawyers to discuss the fight to overturn his conviction. | The Wall Street Journal reports that Afghanistan's military leaders are preparing a wish list of weaponry ahead of the withdrawal of international troops. | The Telegraph reports that defence companies competing for the £1.5bn Project Marshall contract to replace Britain's military air traffic system are due to submit proposals over the next few days. The contract is expected to be awarded in 2015. | The Independent carries a feature on the Race2Recovery team of six former soldiers who were injured in Iraq and Afghanistan and will be competing in the Dakar Rally. | Various media report on the inquest into the death of Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux who was killed on board HMS Astute in a shooting incident. | Various media report that a man swept into the sea on New Year's Day in Blackpool, leading to a search involving RAF pilot Prince William, has now been named. | Various papers have printed the MOD's dismissal of comments made by Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar that Prince Harry was drunk while he killed 'innocent Afghans'.
Army's disciplinary and complaints procedure
The Times has criticised the Army's disciplinary and complaints procedure. Whilst the MOD cannot comment on individual cases we can be clear that the Army is committed to treating all of its soldiers fairly and transparently.
It is only right that those who understand the military best are in charge of the disciplinary process; a point made by Lord Dannatt in The Times today. He argued that the military should have their own form of criminal justice system and that he believed the system was fair.
Commanding Officers are provided with guidelines on the punishments they can award at a summary hearing, taking into account the nature of the offence and aggravating and mitigating factors, and, following the hearing, personnel have 14 days in which to appeal against the finding or punishment awarded at the hearing through a Service Appeal Court. A judge advocate presides over the court and ensures that the proceedings are conducted in accordance with the law.
The Service Complaints Commissioner provides vital independent oversight of the complaints system to ensure it operates as effectively and efficiently as possible. Rather than acting as an Ombudsman after an event, the Commissioner is able to contribute while complaints are still active. To reduce delays, the Commissioner's role is being strengthened, and she will be able to raise any concerns direct with the chain of command. We continue to look for, and implement, ways to improve the complaints system.