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TAQ aims to cover issues that will or may affect TA soldiers and officers, and to ensure that you are kept as well-informed as possible about those issues. If there is any issue that you would like to see included, or if you or your unit is doing something that you think would interest others in the TA, then we’d like to hear from you. If you wish, you can write in complete confidence – if you request it, we guarantee that your identity will be kept confidential.Items should preferably be accompanied by good-quality photographs, in JPG format, together with details of everyone in each photo.

HAVE YOUR SAY

TATAQQ - The magazine for the Territorial ArmyWritten and edited by Maj Alan Frost

Additional material by Maj Lynda BlackDesigned by MultiMedia Centre, HQLF(Wilton)

By post: Maj Alan Frost, Room C58, Main Building, HQ Land Forces, Erskine Barracks, Wilton, SP2 0AGBy e-mail: alan.frost232@land.mod.uk

New Campaign is a Challenge

The Army Recruiting Group has launched a new advertising campaign to give the British public a better idea of what the service does around the world, and encourage new recruits to sign up.

The campaign kicked off with a series of television adverts that encouraged people to contact www.tothebest.army.mod.uk to express their support for the good work done by the Army around the world, which largely goes unrecognised.

Since then, the website has received video messages from grateful people in Afghanistan, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Kosovo and Bosnia - some of which have been incorporated into the new campaign.

The website has also received a number of celebrity endorsements, as well as providing a means for family and friends to get messages to serving soldiers around the globe.

Col Bill O’Leary of the Army Recruiting Group, commented: “This website, which forms part of the overall campaign, proves there is an overwhelming support for the British Army among the public and a desire for a vehicle to express that support.

The advertising campaign is designed to give the British public a broader view of what the Army does around the world, as well as its effect on British society, through positive testimonies of the actions of both our regular and TA soldiers and officers.

The campaign includes footage from Afghanistan demonstrating local people’s gratitude for the reconstruction work and medical aid, as well as Bosnian civilians whose lives were touched and helped by the efforts of British soldiers.”

Filming has also taken place in Ghana and Sierra Leone, and research is currently underway to source appropriate footage in Iraq.

Visitors to the website will be encouraged to upload their own video, picture or text-based messages of support, participate in online perception studies or register a point of view. Those who request further information will be sent an eight-weekly e-bulletin on national and regional recruiting and Army in Society activity.

Col O’Leary added: “Our aim is to challenge the traditional beliefs about the role of the Army. We want to show society what positive role models our soldiers are and to demonstrate the values that the military embodies and which society lacks.”

The campaign, via its website, aims to challenge popular misconceptions about the Army.

Those of you who visited the temporary TA100 website on the Army site (www.army.mod.uk/ta) will remember that, out of necessity, it was fairly basic.

TA100 now has a specially-designed, commercially run site at www.ta100.co.uk. As well as information about the TA, its history and role, the new site offers much more. There are reports of events that have taken place and news of others that are forthcoming, divided into areas of the country. Special pages are dedicated to employers and the RFCAs, who do such a good job of supporting TA

units around the UK.

If you’d like to wear your TA100 support on your sleeve – or elsewhere – you’ll find a section where you can purchase anything from a T shirt to a zippo lighter, all branded with the TA100 logo.

There’s even a section (The Mess) where you can post comments and exchange views with other visitors.

Why not visit the site and see what’s on offer? As always, we are open to suggestions on how we can improve it, and other ways we could celebrate the TA’s 100th birthday. Just use The Mess to post your suggestions.

TA100 ON THE WEB

Issue 3 : July 2008

The magazine for the Territorial Army

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TA100 GETS OFF WITH A BANG

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FOREWORD By the Commander Regional Forces/ Inspector General Reserves (Army)Lieutenant General N R Parker CBE

A Look At The Future

TA100 Gets Off With A Bang

Celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the Territorial Army were launched in the four national capitals on 1st April.

Crowds gathered to watch as, at precisely 1130, TA Royal Artillery units fired a Feu de Joie (‘joyful firing’) in Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and London.

Following the official launch on 1st April, a reception was held at the National Army Museum in London, hosted by Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt. As well as marking TA100, the reception also launched the specially-commissioned book Territorials, a Century of Service (see page 7) and the author, military historian Ian Beckett, was on hand to sign copies.

On the following pages we cover some of the events that have already taken place around the UK, and look forward to what is to come.

Remember, you can keep up to date by visiting the TA100 web site at www.ta100.co.uk where you will find details of events around the country, plus background information to TA100, branded merchandise and much more.

Gen Dannatt, author Prof Ian Beckett and Director Reserves (Army) Brig Greg Smith with a copy of the new book.

Prof Beckett chats to some of the VIP guests at the launch reception.

Cover Images:

Top - Trumpeters from five bands play a fanfare to mark the start of the TA100 Pageant at Horseguards.Bottom - The colours and Guidons of TA Regiments.

More images from the Pageant on pages 8 and 9.

With the TA 100 celebrations in full swing it is worth taking a moment to reflect on how we are doing and, with the Reserves Review in progress, to consider what the immediate future has in store.

TA100 is proving to be a great success at all sorts of levels. It is an excellent vehicle to promote the Armed Forces, and the Army, in the wider community. The range of events around the country, both regional and national, has given us an opportunity to show a very positive aspect of the Nation’s historical links to the military as well as highlighting the extent of our current commitment in Iraq and Afghanistan. This has acted as something of a counter-balance to the range of less positive stories that have become common in the media. We have been able to promote the role of the Territorial Army to many who hitherto had little idea of its existence, recognising the dedication of our volunteers and the critical role they play in the security of the country. Importantly, we have also been able to say a very public thank you to our soldiers, their families and employers. This has only been achieved thanks to the considerable efforts of Territorials in every part of the Army. I am very grateful for this, and I know that you have had to volunteer a considerable amount of extra time to make the various events such a success. I can assure you that it has been worth it, and as the celebrations continue we will get an increasing amount of positive publicity which will go a long way to set the TA up for the next 100 years!

Many of you will be watching the Reserves Review with a degree of scepticism; I understand this, but I urge you to be positive. I do believe that the stated objective of a ‘policy led’ review offers us considerable opportunity. We will be able to reinforce the requirement for a Reserve that is designed to support large scale operations while also forming a crucial part of the current deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. I intend to emphasise the need to have sub-units that are large enough to conduct worthwhile routine training that is appealing to those who must volunteer every time they come on parade. We will ensure that the need for proper integration between Regular and Reserves is fully understood – one Army on operations; and the critical role of the TA in linking us all to the communities we serve must be recognised more widely. These points will seem like blinding glimpses of the obvious to many of you, but to have the chance to explain them at the highest level is particularly timely and will ensure that the TA remains a vital and indispensable element of the fighting force, just as it is today.

Your support is appreciated at the very highest levels of the Army and the Nation. Quite rightly, this is being celebrated and promoted through TA100 and I am in no doubt that this is a perfect time to promote the Territorial Army in the Reserves Review.

REVIEW OF RESERVES GETS UNDERWAYOn 19th March, Defence Secretary Des Browne announced a comprehensive review of the Reserves (see the foreword at the front of this edition). The Review Team, headed by Maj Gen Nick Cottam and comprising Regular and Reserve officers, civil servants and consultants, began work on 21st April and will submit their recommendations before the end of the year.

The aim of the review is not to save money, but with Reserve forces playing an increasingly vital part of Defence, ways need to be found to make them even more usable, sustainable and integrated.

Unlike previous reviews, this one wants to hear the views of

everyone. The Review Team have been holding meetings, workshops and briefings, supplemented by questionnaires where appropriate. If you would like to contribute your comments and opinions, you can contact the team by post or e-mail. The contact details are:

Post: Strategic Review of Reserves Team Level 8, Zone C MOD Main Building Ministry of Defence Whitehall London SW1A 2HB E-mail: DRFCReservesReview@mod.uk

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Hot-shot TA Gunners Win National Artillery Competition

Territorial Army soldiers from 106 Regiment Royal Artillery (V) have brought home a staggering seven out of eight of the Royal Artillery’s most coveted live firing trophies for 2007.

And, for the first time in the competition’s 144-year history, the Regiment has brought home the Queen’s Cup for Best Overall Regiment.

Throughout 2007, the Regiment’s three batteries, based in Southampton, Wolverhampton and Grove Park in South London, were judged and tested on their artillery firing and other military skills. Competing against six other Territorial Royal Artillery Regiments from around the country, 106 Regiment swept the board.

Two trophies were awarded to the Regiment for its live-firing scores in hi-tech missile systems. These included Rapier, one of the most advanced air-defence missile systems in the world, and the High Velocity Missile (HVM), which launches a missile from the shoulder at speeds in excess of Mach 3 and is used to engage enemy helicopters and low-flying aircraft.

Four further trophies were awarded to the Regiment for its skills in aircraft recognition, driving, first aid and navigation and, finally, the Queen’s Cup awarded to the Best Overall Regiment.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Mike Waymouth said: “It was

a long competition and I have been impressed at the sustained commitment of all my soldiers over a long and busy year.”

He added: “Each of our batteries has won at least one trophy, and every one of our soldiers has contributed to the award of the Queen’s Cup, so we have all achieved something we can truly be proud of.”

The winning team from 106 Regt RA(V)

Snow Shoot

This year’s TA Joint Corps Operational Shooting Competition saw 470 competitors from the RA, RE, RSIGNALS, RLC, REME, AGC and INT CORPS fire advanced shoots with rifle, LSW and 9mm pistol. The operational focus of the event, held at Ash and Pirbright Ranges on 5-6 April, meant that all competitors wore CBA, webbing weighing 7.5kg and helmets. Good marksmanship, slick weapon-handling, fitness and determination were all required in order to complete the shoots and achieve a high score. Some were clearly more prepared than others!

Saturday’s shoots involved firing at ranges of 300m down to 25m with the rifle, from 600m down to 200m for

the LSW Gun Run, and from 25m for the pistol. Each shoot is designed to provide an element of shooting that might be encountered on operations, hence the title of the shoots such as the Urban Contact Match and Attack Match. The nature of the scoring requires excellent marksmanship in order to score highly and all the shoots are at a level well beyond APWT.

In spite of 2 ½ inches of unseasonal snow on the second day the shoot eventually went ahead, with the top six firers from each Corps firing the Attack Match to determine the overall winner, and a team falling plate match. White falling plates did not show up well against the snow!

Lt Gen Nick Parker presents the overall winner’s prize to SSgt Pavis RLC

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In true Engineers’ style, armed with chainsaw and chisel, an artist has taken the trunk of a Beech tree to create an imposing sculpture of a Royal Engineers ‘sapper’.

The six-foot tall commissioned artwork now takes pride of place at the entrance to 75 Engineer Regiment’s headquarters in Cheshire and marks both the Regiment’s move to a new home and its 40th anniversary, celebrated in 2007.

Last year, the TA Regiment moved from Manchester to become the new residents of the barracks in O’Leary Street, Warrington, which had previously been a base for TA infantry.

Determined to stamp the Royal Engineers’ mark on the town, the Regiment installed a huge 41-tonne AVRE as an imposing gate guard. Now the statue of the sapper further reinforces their presence at the barracks.

Sculptor Martyn Bednarczuk used a famous Terence Cuneo painting of the Second Battle of El Alamein as his inspiration, but adapted it

so that his sapper is equipped and dressed in modern style. Martyn said: “I bought the raw material from a sawmill and have taken about eleven months to complete it. I think it looks great in its new setting.”

Lieutenant Colonel Seán Harris, CO of 75

Engineer Regiment (Volunteers), said:

“It was very important in stamping our identity in the area that we looked at commissioning a piece which was very specifically Royal Engineers. Of all the engineering roles that we carry out, mine clearance is synonymous with the Corps.”

From Sapling To Sapper

Renamed Ulster Unit Moves To New Home

One of Belfast’s most high profile Territorial Army units has moved into new premises after almost half a century in the city. The former Ambulance Regiment, which was based at Sunnyside Street in South Belfast, was given a new name and a new role last year.

As 152 (Ulster) Transport Regiment Royal Logistics Corps (Volunteers), the unit is responsible for providing heavy lift services to the military. Now equipped with new heavy lifting vehicles and equipment, the unit has outgrown the Sunnyside Street facilities and recently moved into new quarters at Palace Barracks in Holywood, County Down. The Sunnyside Street facility still retains its former Ambulance Regiment roots and is home to TA medics.

A VIP house-warming at Palace Barracks saw the unit celebrating gallantry both past and present. Private David Poole, who was seriously injured while on deployment in Afghanistan, received the GOC Northern Ireland’s Commendation for his distinguished service to the Territorial Army, both on operations and during his rehabilitation.

As well as showcasing the unit’s work at home and abroad, members of the Regiment re-enacted their contribution – as part of the old 36th Ulster Division - at the Battle of the Somme, with Corporal Gary McWilliams playing the role of Corporal O’Hara, who won the Military Medal at the battle, and Corporal Paul McMahon as Lieutenant Wilson, who earned the Military Cross.

Corporal Gary McWilliams, left, as Corporal O’Hara, and Corporal Paul McMahon as Lieutenant Wilson.

Private David Poole with his CO, Lt Col Gareth Collett, his mum Christine, girlfriend Laura McHenry and stepdad John Connolly.

Sculptor Martyn Bednarczuk and Lt Col Seán Harris view the finished piece at its new home in Warrington.

London’s Feu de Joie was fired by gunners of the Honourable Artillery Company on the banks of the Thames beside the Tower of London. With Tower Bridge in the background, hundreds of visitors to the Tower watched as the gunners fired four salvoes over the water (also creating an interesting experience for tourists on passing pleasure boats).The event was also the official national launch of TA100, and reporters and TV crews gathered in the Regimental Headquarters of the Fusiliers to hear Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne and Chief of the General Staff (CGS), General Sir Richard Dannatt pay tribute to Territorial Army soldiers past and present.Des Browne thanked the 35,000 men and women currently serving with the TA, describing them as ‘an integral part of our defence effort’, both here at home and overseas.‘The men and women of the TA serve side by side with their Regular counterparts, taking part in the same operations and facing the same challenges, risks and dangers,” he said. “And, like their Regular counterparts, TA soldiers have been awarded for their gallantry on operations.One Regular soldier put it to me that these are men and women who ‘match us every time when it comes to professionalism and commitment’. I can vouch personally for that. On my visits to Iraq and Afghanistan I always make a point of meeting the soldiers of the TA who are out there and I am always hugely impressed by their professionalism and ‘can do’ attitude. The sheer scope of their roles shows just how vital their expertise is to today’s Army – they are engineers, medics and logisticians, drivers and linguists.”

CGS looked back on the Territorials’ 100-year history of combat operations. “Long before the establishment of Kitchener’s New Army and the stalemate of trench warfare which followed the first Battle of Ypres, Territorials volunteered to serve alongside the Regulars. In fact, the first Territorials to see combat were The London Scottish, who took part in the action at Messines in Flanders on 31st October 1914.Today across Britain, TA soldiers also fulfil an important ambassadorial role on behalf of the Army, explaining the subtleties and challenges of military activity to the communities in which they live. In so doing, they strengthen the bond

between counties and cap badges and the Army and the Nation.But these are challenging times for all of us and for the TA, and if its history teaches us one thing, it is that this highly-regarded and dedicated force will evolve and strengthen according to the circumstances of the day. But while change is constant, values and aims remain the same, and I am sure that the role and purpose of the current TA is one which would be recognisable to its founding members a hundred years ago.Territorial soldiers are as impressive a collection of people as you are likely to meet, combining as they do both civilian and military careers. In so doing, they have earned the trust of their Regular counterparts and their employers, not to mention the communities in which they live – and of course their families. By anyone’s reckoning this is some feat.Frankly, when the bullets are flying and everyone is wearing helmets, Regular or Territorial are indistinguishable – this really is One Army!”

London - Heads At The Tower

Trooper Izzy Zakaria from the HAC is interviewed by a TV crew. Izzy, whose day job is with an aerospace design consultancy, served on Op HERRICK for six months from October 2007.

TA100

Wednesday 16th July was Uniform to Work Day, part of the TA100 celebrations designed to put the TA, its work and contribution to society in the public’s mind and on the media.

At a time when support to operations has never been so valued, Uniform to Work Day will help to put the TA on the public agenda as a force ‘Among Us’ in society.

The unique aspect of a Territorial’s soldiering is that it comes in addition to other skills and professional experience. The intent was to show the public that Territorials do their soldiering in addition to everything else that is expected of them, and they are proud to wear the uniform. The event also gave employers, families and friends the chance to join society in affirming what you do for the UK.

We will be carrying a full report in the next edition of TAQ.

Uniform To Work Day

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Scottish Gunners from 207 Battery, 105 Regiment Royal Artillery (V) fired their Feu de Joie at Edinburgh Castle, where three 105mm Light Guns were placed at Mills Mount Battery.

The Regiment has its headquarters in Edinburgh, and Commanding Officer Lt Col Ian Ross said: “It is an honour that 105 Regiment RA (Volunteers) was selected to conduct the Feu de Joie today. The troops participating in the event have trained hard and were keen to ensure that all ran smoothly. The weather held, I am sure the day proved to be a fitting tribute to all those that are currently serving, or have served in the Territorial Army over the past 100 years.”

Among the Troop firing the Feu de Joie were soldiers recently returned from a six-month deployment in Afghanistan, where they served alongside Regular Royal Artillery soldiers. “I am particularly proud of those members of the Regiment who put their civilian lives on hold in order to go on ops,” said Col Ross. “We should also remember and thank the employers who release their TA employees to serve their country.”

TA100

Scotland

105 Regt RA(V) fires the Feu de Joie from the battlements of Edinburgh Castle.

Throughout the year there will be receptions, tattoos and piping events to celebrate TA100 across Scotland.

Wales - Goats And Guns In Cardiff

The sound of the Feu de Joie echoed across Cardiff Bay to mark the launch of TA100 in Wales. Gunners from 104th Regiment Royal Artillery (V) fired their celebratory rounds in front of the Senedd and before a large audience that included the First Minister for Wales, The Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan AM, the Commander of the Army in Wales, Brigadier Rick Libbey, many other VIP guests and a soldier from every TA unit in Wales.

Addressing the guests, Brig Libby paid tribute to the volunteers of the TA: “TA 100 is an opportunity for the whole nation to recognise the distinguished role played by the Territorial Army. The chance to reflect on the service given to this country by hundreds of thousands of men and women over the years, and a most suitable occasion to thank them for the sacrifices they have made.

It is also an opportunity to demonstrate the achievements of the Territorial Army and to highlight the incredibly high standards of the TA’s operational capability in places where the Territorials are currently serving, such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

Territorial soldiers are some of the most admirable and impressive people you will ever meet. They manage to combine the demands of civilian life with the demands of professional soldiering, at a level which has made the British Army the envy of the world.”

Certainly one of the most admirable and impressive TA soldiers on parade was Lance Corporal Shenkin, the official Regimental Mascot of The Royal Welsh. The 11 year old Royal Windsor White goat was accompanied by the Goat Major, Sergeant David Joseph BEM, who has held the post for the past 31 years.

Music was provided by the Corps of Drums of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh, and Brig Libbey marked the occasion by presenting the First Minister with an engraved 105mm shell casing, similar to the ones used to fire the guns to commemorate the event.

Guests gather on the steps of the Senedd, with L/Cpl Shenkin and Goat Major Joseph.

Gunners from 104 Regt RA(V)fire the Feu de Joie across Cardiff Bay.

Have you got the Scrolls?

There has been some delay in the Army Personnel Centre, Glasgow in producing parchments for Commissions and Royal Warrants, both for TA and Regular personnel. This has been due to a breakdown of the machine and a change of staff, leading to a backlog.

Both machine and staffing problems have now been fixed and APC are working on the backlog. However, G1 staffs are reminded that for Soldier Warrants they can instigate the process directly on appointment through JPA by requesting a parchment on the system.

Trust UpThe Ulysses Trust provides financial grants to TA, UOTC, ACF and CCF units for Adventurous Training exercises thoughout the world. In 2007/08, the Trust supported 137 expeditions in locations such as Canada, South America, Nepal, Australia, Namibia, Egypt and most countries within Western Europe, donating almost £146,000 to Volunteer and Cadet units.

More than £62,000 has already been allocated for this accounting year, but is your unit aware of this source of funding? If not, perhaps you should visit www.ulyssestrust.co.uk, where you’ll find details of how to apply.

Career Changes If you intend to progress through the TA, then the changes that have taken place over the past 12 months will probably affect you.

Promotion. The only way to gain promotion is via a Promotions Board and you need to be both qualified and recommended (excepting AMS CToS personnel). The board will either be at unit level (for promotions below the rank of Maj), Brigade (for most promotions in the rank of Maj) or in the APC (for all ranks above Maj).

Opportunity for Full-Time Service. There are a number of opportunities to take up regular full-time service, either through Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) or Mobilised contracts of service. Opportunities exist for soldiers and officers, and the duration will generally range from six months to three years. All opportunities and application processes are advertised on the website at http://www.army.mod.uk/servingsoldier/career/mcmdivs/ta .

Annual Reports. Your annual report is the key evidence considered by promotion boards; you must keep on top of its raising and progress in order for it to be available to the relevant promotion board. If you do not complete the mandatory training time you will not receive a report (details are in JPSP757).

Be VersatileVersatile Engagement (VEng(V) is applicable to TA Gp A Soldiers. You will initially sign on for a period of 12 years, after which, subject to satisfactory performance and suitable vacancies, you will be offered the opportunity of a further 12 years. On completion of 24 years, and again subject to performance and vacancies, you will be offered further re-engagements in six-year periods until a Normal Retirement Age of 55 is reached.

VEng(V) removes the need to sign on every three years and provides a ‘stepping stone’ approach through Short/Full and Long engagements to a Normal Retirement Age of 55. This will aid career management and retention and remove Terms of Service irritants. Service beyond 55 may still be authorised in exceptional cases by DM(A) on an annual basis. Specific Regulations/ guidance can be found at 2007DIN02-070.

NEWS

Pensions CorrectionIn the last edition of TAQ we reported the findings of an Employment Tribunal on the issue of pensions for TA personnel.In one part of that article, we stated “…the Tribunal ruled that the Army must ensure that part-time personnel are serving under the most suitable type of engagement for the nature of their employment.” We have been asked to point out that it was the Army, not the Tribunal, who made the statement.

JPA ISSUESJPA is settling in and many of the early glitches have been resolved. There are still some issues, and these items are brought to you by the Army Personnel Centre (APC), Glasgow…

Promotions. Details of personnel graded as suitable for promotion should be forwarded to the relevant APC AO for confirmation of eligibility before promotion is actioned at unit level. This applies to both Soldiers and Officers. (TA P&P 08 refers).

Appointing. Units do not have the authority to place personnel in PIDs of a lower rank without the authority of APC (SO2 Offrs/Sldrs) - e.g. placing a Lt Col in a Maj’s PID is not permitted.

Correct Personal Data. Individuals are encouraged to log on to JPA and check their personal data. If it is incorrect, comment should be passed to your chain of command so that it can be rectified (you may be asked for proof if it includes qualifications, etc).

Auditing. As part of the distribution of authority of JPA roles, the APC has assumed an ‘auditing’ role. This will commence shortly, with ‘sampling’ of critical activities e.g. enlistment criteria. Units and MS staff will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible after an auditing activity has been conducted and a summary of common issues forwarded to the chain of command at an appropriate point in time.

Enlistment Packs. It has been agreed with HQ Recruiting Group that units are now to send enlistment packs to MS Reserves and not to the DHC. The JPA Recruitment BPG has been amended to reflect this.

Data Cleansing. Major effort is being put into cleansing JPA data to enable accurate data to be fed to EUCLID. Primary focus is on liabilities. Units will be asked to assist as required

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TA and Reservists Memorial to be Built atRTMC ChilwellIt is an unfortunate fact that, as more and more Reservists deploy on operations, some may not return. Whilst the Armed Forces Memorial at Lichfield in Staffordshire includes the names of Reservists killed on duty or by terrorist action, there is no memorial specially dedicated to Reservists who have fallen in the line of duty. It seems fitting that the most appropriate place for one would be the Reserves Mobilisation and Training Centre (RTMC) at Chilwell, which almost every Reservist passes through on being mobilised.

The idea for the memorial was conceived by RTMC staff. Chief of Staff Major Jason Watkinson said: “The RTMC is the central hub for TA deployments and we thought it only right that we commemorate those soldiers who mobilised through the RTMC but, sadly, did not return.”

The four-foot tall obelisk was designed by RTMC staff, and will be created from Yorkshire stone. It will feature four slate inlays which will hold the names of all TA and Reservist soldiers killed in the line of duty dating back to April 1999, when the RTMC was officially opened.

To date, 19 soldiers who mobilised through the centre have been killed while deployed on operations. Their names will be inscribed in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice they made.

The emblem of the RTMC engraved in bronze will feature on the top of the memorial, with the words ‘Let silent contemplation be your offering’ inscribed in gold inlay.

The memorial will cost around £30,000 to build. Staff at the centre have already raised £1,200 through charity events and hope to reach their target with further charity events and donations.

Anyone who would like to donate money to the memorial fund can do so by sending a cheque - with ‘RTMC Memorial Fund’ written on the reverse - to the Army Benevolent Fund at the Reserves Training

& Mobilisation Centre, Building 10, Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell, NG9 5HA. Alternatively, an electronic transfer can also be made into account number 31758950, sort code 40 10 06.

“All the staff, both civilian and military, will be working hard over the next few months to raise the money for the memorial,” Maj Watkinson added. We all believe it is a worthwhile cause.

It will be a place for the families of those killed on operations to visit and see that their loved ones haven’t been forgotten.”

Since 1999, RTMC has prepared all branches of the Reserve Forces and civilians for service with the Regular forces. This can range from deployment into an operational theatre such as Afghanistan, Iraq or the Balkans, or commitment for a peacetime attachment.

The RTMC also helps returning troops to adjust back into their civilian lives, a process that includes mental health welfare.

Plans of the new Reserves Memorial

WO2 Dave Hills, of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment, was prepared to go the extra mile – 26 extra miles in fact - to raise money for the TA and Reservist memorial.

His original plan was to complete a 26-mile run on Armistice Day, but he broke his ankle while on a training run. Not to be deterred, he waited until his ankle had mended and then did four laps around Farnborough Airfield, which is the equivalent of a marathon.

Currently the CSM for the Recruit Company at Malta Barracks in Aldershot, he just missed his target of under four hours, finishing with an excellent time of four hours and six minutes. So far, WO2 Hills has raised more than £1,500 towards the memorial.

Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Hearty, CO of 4th Division Regional Training Centre (South East), commented: “WO2 Hills started out at 7:30am

and, after completing the run and a short, well-deserved break, was back in uniform and getting on with the day’s training. The staff and trainees all turned out to welcome him back into camp at the end of his run - we could not be more proud of him.”

WO2 Hills recalled: “The run was really pleasant for the first 20 or so miles, but then I hit the wall and it needed every ounce of determination to finish. I kept on thinking about not wanting to let either the charity or my friends and colleagues down, and that helped to motivate me to keep going. I only wish that I had broken my four-hour target.”WO2 Dave Hills completes his marathon

in aid of the Reservists’ Memorial

TA100

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s Feu de Joie was fired at Carrickfergus Castle in Belfast in the presence of the Mayor of Belfast, Alderman David Hildritch MLA and the Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade, Brigadier George Norton.

Gunners from 206 Battery Royal Artillery (V) fired from the battlements of the castle that stands as testament to a rich military history. Brig Norton referred to that history when he acknowledged the contribution of Northern Ireland’s volunteers.

“It is particularly appropriate that the regional launch of TA100 should take place in the historic surroundings of Carrickfergus Castle,” he said, “given its long association with the military stretching back to Norman times. No one can be unaware of how long a military history is woven into the tapestry of this part of the world and how the tradition of military service and commitment runs deep in the NI community.

Throughout the UK we will see a raised profile for the Territorial Army in the coming months. In Northern Ireland this is particularly important. The TA never had a role in security in Northern Ireland but for obvious reasons had to adopt a very low profile over the last four decades. This meant that NI society was largely unaware of the commitment of men and women from across the communities, who gave of their time and expertise to train and, in so many cases, deploy alongside their regular counterparts.

Today, with over 200 TA soldiers from Northern Ireland committed to the difficult but nevertheless developing stability in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, I think it only right that the TA be recognised, understood and appreciated.”

Ranger Francis Strain, 2 Royal Irish, plays on top of the Castle in Carrickfergus.

206 Bty firing the Feu de Joie from the battlements of Carrickfergus Castle.

Sisters Morgan and Lauren Taylor aged 7 and 10 get to try some of the kit with the assistance of Corporal Neil Mullan (left) and Corporal Frankie Kelly

Jersey’s militia celebrates 100 years of the TA

The Jersey Field Squadron celebrated TA100 with a jam-packed weekend in April.Islanders were able to try out activities such as paintballing and abseiling at the unit’s headquarters on Mount Bingham, plus vehicle rides, displays and a barbecue. The Squadron provided an overview of their history, which spans nearly seven centuries.

Operations officer Captain Richard Beck said: “We are really proud and excited to be able to open up our squadron for the activity weekend to make the start of the TA100 celebrations this year.”

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100 Not Out In The Northwest

The world-famous Old Trafford cricket ground has witnessed many centuries over the years, but none like this one! The home of Lancashire County Cricket Club hosted a special photocall in April, helping the North West’s TA soldiers kick-start their centenary year in great style.

The soldiers taking part were from units across the North West area, and they came together to form the number ‘100’ in the stands, marking the start of TA100. They also enjoyed an impromptu game of cricket with Lancashire and England bowler Sajid Mahmood and Lancashire batsman Mark Chilton.

Leading the tributes to the work of the TA was Lancashire and England cricket hero Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff. “I am full of admiration of the work carried out by Britain’s Armed Forces and, in particular, the Territorial Army over the last 100 years. Our soldiers are doing a great job in difficult environments, like in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is amazing to learn that some of the soldiers serving in these places have trained as soldiers in their spare time, looking after their families and holding down full-time ‘civvy street’ jobs on top of all their military duties. And as a Lancashire lad myself, to be told that over 1,300 TA soldiers from the North West have served tours of duty in the last six years makes me really proud. I wish the TA well for another century!”

Lancashire batsman Mark Chilton said: “Territorial Army soldiers are very special people; performing an important role under trying situations with a selfless attitude. It’s humbling to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people, and I’m delighted to be at Old Trafford to help the TA in the North West celebrate their 100th Anniversary.”

Lancashire and England bowler Sajid Mahmood said: “Congratulations to the Territorial Army in the North West on reaching such a milestone. Behind every soldier is a family, so to everyone involved in the TA directly or indirectly, thank you for continuing to do such a brilliant job.”

Many of the North West’s military museums are planning TA100-related exhibitions during 2008, including the museums at Fulwood Barracks, Preston, and Wellington Barracks in Bury. These will include photographs and stories relating to the TA through its 100 years of existence.

For full details of activities in your neck of the woods, check the website at www.ta100.co.uk.

(l to r) Mark Chilton, Private David Bolton, from Adlington, Lancs and Sajid Mahmood

Liverpool’s Service Of Dedication

On 19th April a Service of Dedication was held in Liverpool Cathedral to celebrate 100 years of Territorial Army service. The congregation included Lt Gen Nick Parker, Inspector General Reserves (Army), and senior figures from both the military and civilian worlds.

In his sermon the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt. Rev. James Jones, spoke about the changing roles of the TA. “Although the Territorial Army still attracts people because it offers adventure, camaraderie and even fun, ultimately it is about service and sacrifice. That is what we celebrate today in this Centenary Service of the Territorial Army. We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but as we know only too well in this congregation, we are not talking history here. The Territorial Army forms a vital part of today’s military service, with many men and women serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Today we salute their service and sacrifice.”

The Bishop went on to highlight the difficulties of serving on operations that may not have popular public support. “I know that the war in Iraq and in Afghanistan has not had widespread popular support in this country. This makes the task of our troops even harder. It is one thing to give of yourself when you know those at home are proud of your endeavours; it is quite another thing to give yourself wholeheartedly when back at home the people are at the very least divided. Recent press reports about our soldiers not receiving the right equipment further underlines the danger and the courage. In a service such as this to mark the centenary, it gives us within the Community an opportunity to express our deep gratitude and to honour the service and the sacrifice of the Territorial Army.”

You can read the whole of the Bishop of Liverpool’s address on the TA100 website www.ta100.co.uk; look under TA100 News & Articles and go to page 2.

Liverpool Cathedral

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Media Operations Group (V)

These days we are used to seeing up-to-the-minute images of operational theatres on our TVs. In only slightly slower time we read newspaper articles written by journalists who are there in the thick of it, on or close to the front line. So used are we to 24-hour rolling news and ‘eye-witness’ pictures that most people never give a thought to how those pictures were captured. Likewise, we never wonder how those journalists are able to operate in such hostile environments.

In many cases, the answer to both questions is the Media Operations Group (V), or MOG(V) as it is widely known, a national TA unit based in Kingston-on-Thames but operating wherever the British Army does. MOG(V)’s mission is to provide the Army and Defence with a Media Operations capability; what that means in practice is a wide range of media-related work, from training all ranks in the Regular Army in media relations, to ‘minding’ journalists in operational theatres and commanding Combat Camera Teams that provide much of the operational footage that appears on television news.

The unit is currently 61 strong but was recently endorsed to grow to 137 of all ranks and all cap badges. Many members of the Group work in some area of the media, such as TV, radio, public relations or freelance photography.

MOG(V) is divided into three squadrons, each capable of providing a Press Information Centre (PIC) on a large scale operations. “The PIC is divided into two elements,” explains Lt Col Tim Purbrick, CO of MOG(V). “The first handles news analysis, planning and presentation, dealing with tasks such as media enquiries, planning media visits and providing media escorts. On ops there would be linguists to ensure that our messages were passed to the in-theatre and regional media.

The other part of the PIC is a Media Production Centre (MPC), which captures and distributes the stories that we want to tell to a range of audiences via the media, using our own writers, radio, TV and internet specialists and two CCTs comprising an OC (usually a Captain), 2ic, cameraman/editor and a stills photographer.”

Few people doubt the power of the media to influence and even change opinions, and the fact that MOG(V) also has an ‘Influence Activity (IA) Cell’ reflects that fact. The IA Cell liaises with other branches such as Psychological Operations and the Joint Civil/Military Co-operation (CIMIC) Group to ensure that the Information Campaign is delivered in a harmonised and synchronised manner.

In between large scale ops, MOG(V) provides support to current ops; for example, MOG(V) officers are currently deployed as the OC CCT on OP TELIC in Basra, the SO3 Media Ops at Camp Bastion on OP HERRICK, the Media Advisor to 2 Rifles Battlegroup on Op OCULUS in Kosovo and the Deputy Director of Media Ops in HQ ISAF in Kabul. The Group also helps HQs prepare for ops, as well as providing a range of media training assistance to exercises and tasks. MOG(V) officers and soldiers are shadowed to the Media Ops office of their local Regional Force HQ for annual familiarisation and to provide sp to that RFHQ during a civil/national emergency.

MOG(V) is looking for a range of recruits - ex-Regulars with Media Ops experience on operations, including military photographers; TA officers (2nd Lt - Capt) and soldiers (LCpl - SSgt) with media or other relevant skills; and civilians with key media skills who will, on passing MOG(V) selection, join the TA and transfer across to MOG(V) after at least three years’ military experience.

For information on joining MOG(V) contact the PSAO on 020 8481 3435 and see their website at www.army.mod.uk/mog

A regular spot featuring units that are perhaps not what you would expect to fi nd in the TA.

UNIT FOCUS

UNIT FOCUS

A Combat Camera Team at work in Basra. OC (second from right) is Lt Meredyth Lewis, MOG(V).

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One of MOG(V)’s roles is to train the Regular Army in handling the media. Here, Capt Ric Cole and Maj Wendy Faux pose as a TV crew.

Maj Tim Smith drafts a press release. The Group can operate a fully-equipped Press Information Centre in the field.

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TAQAdvance and be recognised…

Military training develops skills and knowledge that are valuable – to you, to the Army and potentially to your civilian employer. As well as developing your military and trade skills, you may develop a range of others such as team-working, planning, briefing, decision-making and personnel management, which can be vital in many civilian jobs.

If you want to develop your civilian career – a better job with better pay – these are skills which employers will look for. But how do you prove to a potential employer that you have them?

Accreditation is the process of gaining civilian recognition for military training, in the form of civilian qualifications. This is sometimes quite easy, as there are many similarities between the skills and knowledge required to be an effective soldier and those required in civilian life. A range of accreditation opportunities is already available to Regular personnel, and some are available to TA soldiers and officers.

This year sees the start of a co-ordinated programme to develop accreditation opportunities for TA personnel, and to ensure that information on how to access those opportunities is widely available. For instance, information will be included in TAQ, and more detailed information, including application forms, will be available on ArmyNET.

Following successful trials at some of the Regional Training Centres (RTCs), accreditation of the Defence Instructional Techniques (DIT) course will now be rolled out across all RTCs. Personnel who successfully complete DIT will be able to gain the new Level 3/4 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS), the new foundation qualification for teaching adults. Further civilian accreditation for instructors in the TA is under development and will be introduced later this year.

If you are taking any of these military training courses at one of the RTCs, you will be briefed on the opportunity to gain the civilian qualifications. Only the DIT accreditation requires you to do any extra work, and in this case you will need to put together a small portfolio based on a checklist that will be provided during the DIT course.

Watch out for further developments in future issues of TAQ and on ArmyNET. You can get further information about these opportunities from the Accreditation Officer at any of the RTCs – your unit Admin Office or Unit Training Team will have contact details for the RTCs.

What types of accreditation exist?Civilian recognition of the skills and knowledge you gain in military training can be:

• A vocational qualification (VQ) which normally requires a one-off payment and is yours for life.

• Membership of a professional or trade body which demonstrates a level of competence in a particular area and requires you to pay an annual fee to maintain your membership. Some professional bodies are licensed to award VQs as well as their own membership grades.

Existing opportunities

City & Guilds Senior Award in Leadership and Management:

Officers and soldiers with the rank of substantive Sergeant and above can gain this qualification which has been mapped to the Army’s leadership and management training. The qualification is available at three levels, depending on rank and experience. There is a one-off cost of £55 - £95 (depending on level). Further information and an application form are in Defence Instructions and Notices 2007DIN06-101.

Membership of the Institute of Leadership and Management:

Officers and soldiers with the substantive rank of Corporal and above can gain membership of the Institute at various levels, depending on rank, experience and other qualifications. TA personnel must hold the minimum of a Level 2 VQ in team-leading or a management-related activity. The requirements of the Institute have again been mapped to the Army’s leadership and management training. There is an initial joining payment and annual membership fee to be paid. You can join online at www.i-l-m.com/join-ilm/733.aspx

Membership of the Chartered Management Institute:

Warrant officers and commissioned officers can gain membership of the Institute at various levels, depending on rank and experience. The requirements of the Institute have again been mapped to the Army’s leadership and management training. There is an annual membership fee to be paid. Further information and an application form are in Defence Instructions and Notices 2006DIN06-192.

New accreditation opportunities available from the start of this Training YearNew opportunities to gain a civilian qualification become available shortly through the ten Regional Training Centres (RTCs). These are the first in a range of new developments to be introduced to gain civilian recognition of areas of your military training. The military courses which now carry civilian accreditation are:

• Range Management Qualification (RMQ): Level 3 Award in First Line Management (cost £83.00)

• Combat Marksmanship Coaching Qualification (CMCQ): ILM Junior Management Award in Coaching (cost £63.00)

• Battlefield Casualty Drills Trainer (BCDT): ILM Junior Management Award in Incident Management

(cost £63.00)

• Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Assistant Instructor (CBRN):

ILM Junior Management Award in Hazard Management (cost £63.00)

TA100

Royal Visit

Northern Ireland jumped the gun (excuse the pun) with their TA100 launch with a royal visit on 17th March.Her Majesty the Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, visited the TA on the first stop of an official visit. She met more than 300 TA soldiers, veterans and guests from Northern Ireland at a reception to mark the TA’s centenary year.

Speaking with TA soldiers, their families and their employers, Her Majesty heard about their experiences in support of operations around the world, whether on the front line, covering an absence at work or waiting patiently at home. Among those she met were soldiers who served in recent operations, including Sierra Leone, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as some who are preparing for deployment to Afghanistan.

Those who met The Queen and Prince Philip said it was a huge honour. Private David Poole (23) from 152 (Ulster)Transport, RLC(Volunteers) was very seriously injured in an IED explosion whilst providing force protection to a combat logistic patrol in Helmand. He said the Queen had asked him to explain about his injuries received in Afghanistan and his treatment afterwards. “She took an enormous interest in how I was cared for after receiving multiple injuries and asked if I was thinking of returning to Afghanistan,” he said.

Staff Sergeant Joe Coulter, who works in recruitment, said Her Majesty asked a great many questions about how recruitment was working in Northern Ireland given the low profile the TA has held over the past number of years because of the security situation. “She was genuinely interested and quite knowledgeable about the whole process,” he said.

More than 100 TA soldiers from 2 Royal Irish Regiment have just arrived in Helmund Province to begin a six month tour of duty alongside their Regular colleagues in 1 Royal Irish.

Lieutenant Alison Codd, attached to 204 Field Hospital, is presented to Her Majesty.

The Queen meets Miss Laura McHenry (left) and Private David Pool.

There are logos on the sides of trucks. There are logos painted on power boats. And there are logos that get towed behind aircraft at the beach. But for two days this month, TA100 became one of the fastest-moving logos in the world.

As a way of showing their support for the Territorial Army in their centenary year, the Williams Formula 1 team carried the TA100 logo on the nose of their car during the British Grand Prix.

Philip Beagle, TA100 Project Manager who negotiated the deal with the Williams team, said that as well as showing the team’s support, the placement of the logo brought huge publicity. “As many people will know, TV coverage of F1 Grand Prix is estimated to be around 350 million per race. In addition, there’s extensive coverage in print, TV news and magazine articles.”

TA100 ON THE NOSE

The TA100 logo on the nose of the Williams Formula 1 car, at speed at Silverstone.

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HRH Prince Andrew visited York in June to celebrate TA100. Hundreds of people gathered to watch students from the Leeds University Officer Training Corps fire a royal salute to celebrate the Queen’s birthday. The Duke also celebrated the TA’s birthday by dedicating a locomotive at the National Railway Museum.The type five diesel locomotive - which will be used by rail freight operator English Welsh and Scottish Railway Ltd to

haul heavy loads as well as trains for the Ministry of Defence - was named

“The Territorial Army Centenary”.

There’s nothing unusual about having a drink to celebrate a birthday. But it is unusual to have a whisky named in honour of your birthday.

Albannach Whiskies, a small distillery in the Highlands of Scotland, has produced a single malt called ‘TA100’ to help you remember this 100th birthday (although after sampling the whisky, you may not remember much at all).

TA100 whisky joins ‘Airborne’, another prestigious single malt produced by the company for the Airborne Forces Museum.

You can order TA100 single malt online at www.albannachwhiskies.com

The City Celebrates

More than two thousand people attended a Service of Thanksgiving at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral on 15th May to mark the TA’s Centenary. Following the service, some 900 serving members and veterans from London TA units marched from St Paul’s to The Guildhall for lunch. Territorials, veterans, their families, representatives of the RFCAs and leading figures from the City filled St Paul’s for the service, which was opened by the Fanfare Trumpeters of the Royal Artillery Band. Readings were given by a cross-section of Territorials, ranging from Cpl Guy Wilson of the Royal Yeomanry to the most senior TA officer, Maj Gen Simon Lalor, Assistant Chief of the General Staff (Reserves and Cadets).

Following the service, Territorials past and present formed up in detachments and marched off behind four bands to the applause of bystanders. Leading was the band of the Royal Welsh, complete with Regimental Mascot L/Cpl Tenkin. The second detachment was led by the Royal Artillery Band, while the Corps of Drums of the Honourable Artillery Company and the band of the Welsh Guards led the veterans with their standards and banners.

The lunch, held in The Guildhall and a number of other livery halls and TA Centres in the City, was the City of London’s way of saying ‘Happy Birthday and thank you’ to its TA units. At the Guildhall, the Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, Alderman the Lord Levene of Portsoken welcomed the guests, and Chief of the General Staff Gen Sir Richard Dannatt responded.

As the launch for London District’s TA100 celebrations the event was memorable. For most of the serving and past members of the TA who were there, it was unforgettable.

TA100

Fancy A Wee Birthday Tipple?

The band of The Royal Welsh lead the march past. That goat gets in everywhere.

Soldiers from units across the London area march past Pikemen and Musketeers of the Honourable Artillery Company outside the Guildhall.

Train Naming Ceremony

HRH Prince Andrew jokes with cadets from Leeds UOTC at the train naming ceremony in York.

SLAINTE!

JULY 2008 TA Quarterly

Fusilier Darren Taylor“Patrols are my favourite part of the tour. You get to see the people, and they all want to talk to you and ask where you are from.

I was stunned one day when, in the middle of a small village, I met a man who had been living with his family in Bury, where my TA centre is - small world! The most frustrating part of the tour is the Pass Office.

There are a lot of different passes for different areas of the base - some of which are issued to local workers - so issuing and checking all of these passes is time-consuming and complicated.”

Kingsman Jonny Wynn “Meeting people on foot patrols is the best part. You feel appreciated as the locals all say that seeing us on patrol keeps the insurgents and the local criminals away from their homes.

We Brits are one of the few nations that patrol on foot here and I can see why we do it - you learn a lot more from the locals and they respect you a lot more for it. The worst part is being on stag at night. The streets are very quiet after dark as many houses don’t have electricity. You have to fight to stay focused and concentrate on the task.”

Kingsman Andrew ‘Robbo’ Roberts “Getting out and about on patrol and seeing the real Afghanistan is definitely the best part. Kabul has fantastic scenery, with high mountains surrounding the city. It is also nice to be appreciated by the locals for keeping the criminals away from their villages.”

Kingsman Jonny Wynn.

Capt Nick Kennon (l) and Kingsman Robbo Roberts try out a Soviet sniper Rifle.

LEARNING THE ROPESMembers of 165 Port Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps (Volunteers) got a taste of the Senior Service recently when HMS Charger, one of the smallest ships in the Royal Navy, played host for two days of maritime training.

Berthed close to Liverpool’s famous Albert Dock, HMS Charger is normally used to train Liverpool University Royal Naval Unit. Commanded by Lt Hugo Parkinson, and with four other regular Royal Navy sailors, she takes students from Liverpool, John Moores and Lancaster universities to sea.

During their two days on board, the Territorials experienced a wide range of training, including time on the Mersey conducting open water manoeuvres, damage control and firefighting (which culminated in some very realistic exercises), before heading back to dock for training in handling a ship in confined spaces.

HMS Charger

Members of 165 Port Regiment practise their Titanic moment aboard HMS Charger.

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Capt Nick Kennon, Platoon Commander“The tour is challenging for the lads in a number of ways. First, the routine can seem like never-ending guard duty - several of them refer to it as ‘Groundhog Day’ - the same again and again.

The platoon is divided in two - one working days, the other on nights - on a four-day cycle, which is swapped regularly. Each works a 12-hour shift. Their tasks comprise sanger-bashing, manning the gates of the base, internal security escorts and patrols, and manning the Quick Reaction Force.

It’s very important stuff, however, as our base is the headquarters for all the nations in Afghanistan and therefore a high-value target to the insurgents, and the lads put in 100 per cent searching vehicles and people, and guarding the perimeter.

The lads have already spotted some suspected suicide bomber vehicles cruising around the perimeter and, as a result, they were stopped and detained.

They have also caught local workers trying to smuggle items in and out that they should not have, and not only found forged security passes but identified the worker who was making them. In a short time they have received a lot of praise.

The greatest threat we face is the suicide car bomber or an individual on foot wearing a suicide vest. This type of threat is also one of the hardest to spot, and the lads have very little time to react and decide what to do.

Some of these roads are extremely busy - imagine trying to man a checkpoint on the M6 near Manchester in Friday rush hour!

One of the streets we patrol we informally refer to as ‘drug dealers row’, due to the number of very expensive houses and cars on it, guarded by private security firms - some of them very well armed indeed.

In complete contrast, we also patrol through an area populated by immigrants to the city with no sanitation. Their village is built around a graveyard on a hillside crammed full of shallow graves.

The weather has been changeable to say the least. The first few weeks were spent in snow, and the temperature dropped to minus 15 to 25 degrees centigrade some nights.

Since then, we have had hot days reaching 25 degrees and days of never-ending rain, which turn the tracks into swamps. It clears the smog and keeps the dust down so it’s not altogether unwelcome. The problem is some of the roads are quite treacherous, with steep drops, so heavy rain and mud slides make for interesting moments.

Kingsman Doug Medcalf “Being a chef I really enjoyed cooking a barbecue for everyone in the platoon and putting my civilian skills to use.

Due to the split shifts, the platoon rarely gets to mix together, so making this barbecue a success was very important to keeping morale high. I also met a village elder who was impressed that I had learnt some of his language and, as a result, he may have become a source of local information that will help our patrols in future.”

Kingsman Ian Cotter“The highlight of the tour for me is going out on patrol. The young kids speak really good English and always want to play football with us. It’s amazing. They are always laughing and joking when they have such hard lives.

The most memorable moment for me is when we had to hold a cricket match on the hill in the centre of Kabul as part of a media task to get footage for a video for the 100th anniversary of the TA. It was really surreal playing cricket on the hill in full body armour surrounded by hundreds of kids that wanted to and, in many cases, did join in.”

Kingsman Paul Bruce “I love going to the ranges here. We have had the chance to fire foreign weapons and I also got to fire my light support weapon at long ranges on rapid fire, which is something I have never had the chance to do in the UK.

During vehicle patrols my role is top cover of the rear vehicle - I have to keep traffic at a safe distance and control it. This is very challenging in Kabul as it is full of crazy drivers!”

Diaries From The FrontContinuing our series of first-hand accounts of life on operations, we feature letters from members of 4 LANCS, who began a six-month tour in Kabul in February.

Kingsman Ian Cotter with some of the local lads.

Kingsman Paul Bruce on top cover.

COMMEMORATIVE BOOK IS PUBLISHED

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To mark the centenary of the Territorial Army, Royal Mail has issued two special limited-edition products.

A first-day cover bears three stamps from the recent Army Uniforms of the 20th Century issue, while the postmark depicts a Scimitar and the words ‘Territorial Army Centenary 1908 – 2008, Wilton, Salisbury, 1.4.2008’. The front of the envelope has an image of a TA soldier wearing TESEX kit and the reverse shows the TA100 logo with a short summary of the role of the TA.

However, what makes this first day cover really special is what’s inside. Printed on a folding card is a history of the TA, from its roots in the Militia and Yeomanry to its role today. Mounted on the card is a medallion, specially-minted by the Royal Mint. When the card is inserted into the envelope, the medallion appears in a cut-out.

The covers are available from the Royal Mail website at www.royalmail.com. Click on ‘Shop’ under Top Links, then ‘Collecting & Philately’ (at the bottom of the page) - Precious Metals - Medal Products and you’ll find the TA100 set at the top of the page. The price is £14.95 + £1.45 delivery. Because this is a Royal Mail product we can’t offer readers any discount, but there’s no doubt that these sets will quickly become collectors’ items.

The second Royal Mail product to mark the centenary is a Commemorative Sheet. Containing a set of Union Jack stamps, it also gives a history of the TA alongside the stamps and on a separate card. These are also available on www.royalmail.com/shop - type ‘Territorial Army’ in the search box.

Like the first day cover, the commemorative sheets are a limited edition so when they’re gone, they’re gone.

STAMP OF APPROVAL

A major new book has been written to commemorate 100 years of Territorial Army service. Written by prominent military historian Prof Ian Beckett, Territorials, a Century of Service is the first complete history of the TA, tracing the development of the organisation from its roots in the county yeomanry and militias to today’s role as an integral part of the modern Army. Packed with hundreds of photographs, many of which are from private or regimental collections and not reproduced before, the book’s 288 pages chart the changing fortunes of the TA; the years when we were ill-equipped and largely forgotten, through those when we were regarded as the force-of-last-resort that would be ready to repel the Russian hordes as they scaled the white cliffs of Dover, to today when we are an indispensable part of the Army. As well as a wealth of photographs and illustrations, the book is packed full of facts. For instance, did you know that since World War 1, TA soldiers have been awarded no fewer than 88 Victoria Crosses and that the only D-Day Victoria Cross was won by a Territorial soldier, CSM Stanley Hollis, 6th Green Howards? That Winston Churchill was a member of the Henley-on-Thames Company of the Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars? That Army reservists were among the first wave of British troops to arrive at Bagram airfield, north of Kabul in 2001? Or that since 2003, the TA has supplied around 15,000 personnel to support frontline operations in areas such as Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq? In producing the book, Ian Beckett has drawn on literally thousands of sources, ranging from the major museums to obscure private records and the recollections of individuals. In doing so, he has created a unique record of the Territorial Army past and present. Territorials, A Century of Service is a fascinating insight into an organisation – our organisation - that is a true British institution, sometimes sniggered at but without doubt indispensable to the Regulars

and to the defence of British interests at home and overseas. It’s a worthy addition to any bookcase; for those who serve and have served in the TA, it is a must-have.Territorials, A Century of Service is available in all good bookshops, priced £30 (ISBN: 978-0-9557813-1-5). However, serving and retired members can order it direct from the publishers for £25 including postage and packing. Contact DRA Publishing on 01752 312061 for credit card orders or send cheques, payable to DRA Books, to DRA Publishing, 24 Mary Seacole Road, The Millfields Business Park, Plymouth PL1 3JY. All proceeds from book sales will go into the TA100 fund.

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TATAQQ

Royalty, historic and current military vehicles, actors, period costumes, simulated firefights and an audience of more than 6,000 Territorials, veterans, cadets and their families and friends. That was the recipe for the TA100 Pageant, the colourful and dramatic pinnacle of the major events to celebrate the centenary.

In the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and HRH The Earl of Wessex, London’s historic Horseguards Parade was transformed into a huge arena that was the setting for a show that mixed drama, music, re-enactment and battlefield simulation to tell the story of the Territorial Army. As well as the audience, more than 1,000 TA soldiers came to London from all over Britain to take part in the show, dressing in uniforms ranging from the 16th Century Honourable Artillery Company (the oldest TA unit) and Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (just two years younger and the only Army unit to have the word ‘Royal’ twice in its title), to the Cold War and today’s Combat 95.There was plenty of kit on display too, ranging from a First World War armoured Rolls Royce Silver Ghost to Scimitars and MLRS. Commentary was provided by Bernard Cribbins and actress Rula Lenska, and actors provided dramatic reconstructions of pivotal moments in the TA’s history. The event lived up to its promise of celebrating 100 years, although there were sombre moments; as opera singer Jonathon Ansell sang the haunting ballad For The Heroes, thoughts turned to those Territorials who have laid down their lives over the years, and particularly to Corporal Sean Reeve, Lance Corporal Richard Larkin and Trooper Paul Stout who were lost just days earlier.The climax to the show, and one which could

not fail to stir the heart, was the march-on of more than 1,000 Territorials from units across the UK and representing just some of the hundreds of skills and trades provided by the TA. They were joined by a colour party from the US Army Reserve, who also celebrate their 100th birthday this year.Addressing them, Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt said, “I salute each and every one of our TA men and women. Their contribution as dedicated and highly skilled soldiers is very much appreciated and valued, not only by their fellow soldiers, but also amongst the public at large.”HRH The Prince of Wales, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the TA, praised TA soldiers for their dedication, their families for the sacrifices that they make, and their employers who give time off for “drill nights, training weekends and annual camps”. The Prince said the Territorial Army was “absolutely vital” and the envy of other nations. The TA was a “key pillar in the defence of the realm, and a unique and indispensable asset to this country”. At the close of the show, and led by the massed bands of the Territorial Army, troops and equipment paraded down The Mall, where The Prince of Wales took the salute outside St James’s Palace. A DVD of highlights from the show will be available soon.

Lord Haldane, played by Nick Wilton, announces his vision of an integrated reserve force.

A stirring moment as the Colours and Guidons of the Territorial Army lead more than 1,000 troops onto the parade.

BFBS Television interviews Edwin Cooper, at 104 the oldest TA veteran.

A Saracen and Fox, two of the vehicles from the Military Vehicle Trust taking part in the show. (Photo:Mark Vickers)

Tpr Rachel Clayton, C Sqdn Royal Wessex Yeomanry, is interviewed by Laura Shields of BBC Radio 4. Rachel is training for the British Rowing Team in the 2012 Olympics.

Highlight Of The Year’s Events

TA Pageant

Ross Kemp To Boost Army Benevolent Fund

The DVD of an award-winning documentary highlighting the daily realities of service life in Afghanistan is to raise much-needed funds for the Army Benevolent Fund, after the producers pledged a donation for every copy sold.

The BAFTA-winning series - Ross Kemp in Afghanistan - shows the Ultimate Force and EastEnders star accompanying the 1st Battalion the Royal Anglians to Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, and experiencing at first hand the Army’s attempts to bring peace to one of the world’s most dangerous war zones.

Filmed last summer, the Sky One series - which is on sale now - gives the actor’s very personal account of British soldiers at war. Ross endures the stifling heat, constant threat of snipers, RPG attacks and land mines, while discovering first hand what it’s like to fight on Britain’s front line.

The actor also meets soldiers’ families in the UK to see how they cope when their loved ones are away, as well as meeting the relatives of soldiers who have lost their lives.

Kemp said: “‘I’m more proud of this than anything that I’ve ever been involved in, but to look into the eyes of a mother who has just lost her 18-year-old son and ask her how she feels is probably the hardest thing I’ve had to do.”

The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) is the soldiers’ charity and currently needs to raise £5.5 million each year to fund its vital work. The charity has worked tirelessly for more than 60 years to support soldiers, former soldiers and their families in need.

Sian Mexsom, Director of Central Fundraising and Marketing at the ABF, said: “We are delighted that a donation will be made to the Army Benevolent Fund with every sale of the Ross Kemp in Afghanistan DVD.

This documentary has been very effective in highlighting the experiences of the average soldier in Afghanistan, and gives a good insight into what they endure on a daily basis and the sacrifices that they make.

All donations raised from sales of the DVD will help the ABF to support soldiers and their families, such as those shown in the series, if they find themselves in need in the future.”

A donation will be made to the ABF for every copy of the Ross Kemp DVD sold.

SURPRISE WELCOME FOR RETURNING MEDICSSoldiers from C (64) Medical Squadron (Volunteers), based in Chorley, Lancashire, were greeted with a surprise reception after returning home from Afghanistan.

Six of the medics deployed for a full six-month tour, while three others joined them for the last three months. They deployed as part of 5 General Support Medical Regiment, based at Fulwood Barracks, Preston, and carried out a variety of roles ranging from ambulance driver, ambulance technician and patrol medic to medical stores, operations staff and liaison officers.

Among the nine was the Squadron OC, Major Nick Medway, who served three months as a brigade medical liaison officer. He said: “It was a really worthwhile challenge and an opportunity to see at first hand the harsh conditions that exist in an operational environment, where our soldiers work alongside their regular counterparts on an equal footing.”

Reflecting on his time in Afghanistan, Maj Medway commented: “The local population live in a biblical setting, but have all the modern conveniences, from fridges and mobile phones to 4x4s. It’s a world apart from the life we know in England.”

Civilian crane driver Sergeant Baz Wootten was also celebrating with his family after spending his six-month tour driving a Saxon armoured ambulance.

Ex-regular Baz has previously served on operational tours in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Kosovo. He said: “It was good to go on another operational tour. You feel like you’re achieving something and making a difference by helping the local population.

Their living standards are a world apart from those in England and life can be hard for them at times.”

Back from Afghanistan:

LCpl Jamie Clift, Cpl Sarah Loines, LCpl Tammy Yates, SSgt Brian Southworth, LCpl Andrea Judge, Maj Nick

Medway, Sgt Baz Wootten, Capt Phil Valentine

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Every year the Army Benevolent Fund needs to raise more than £5 million to continue its vital work in supporting both Regular and Reserve soldiers and their families. The operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have added to the calls for their help, and they now need to raise a lot more if they are to continue to be there for those who need them most.So the ABF has launched The World’s Biggest Curry Lunch, and the idea is very simple – you and your unit, family or friends organise a curry lunch, and everyone who comes along makes a donation to the ABF. What could be easier?! You can hold your lunch when you want, where you want – you can even have whatever curry you like. Just get as many people to come as possible and help the ABF to help others like you. The only other thing the ABF ask is that you get the money you raise to them by 31st October. The official launch of the World’s Biggest Curry Lunch was at Mansion House in the City of London earlier this year. There with their spoons were the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman David Lewis, and Adjutant General, Lt Gen Sir Freddie Viggers. The Lord Mayor went on to host his own Curry Lunch for 1,000 people, although we don’t expect TAQ readers to invite that many guests. The ABF’s World’s Biggest Curry Lunch is being supported by many famous names including chef Gary Rhodes, England rugby player Josh Lewsey, TV Presenter Fern Britton, actor Ewan McGregor and famous author, curry connoisseur and founder of the Curry Club, Pat Chapman. So now it’s over to you. You can find all the details by visiting www.worldsbiggestcurrylunch.com, and if you have a curry lunch for the ABF, don’t forget to take some pictures and let TAQ know about it.

It’s The World’s Biggest Curry Lunch . . . .

AND YOU CAN HAVE A SHARE

Most members of the TA who are mobilised to go on operations quickly become part of the ‘machine’, part of the team and indistinguishable from the Regulars

they serve alongside. But what happens if something goes wrong? What if you’re injured and have to spend time in recovery? Or perhaps the move back to your former civvie life doesn’t go well and there are money or family problems.Such problems can affect any soldier, but for the Territorial, part of the Army family one minute and back in civvies the next, it can seem as though you are on your own.Fortunately, you are not. The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) is the soldiers’ charity and is there to help all soldiers and their families, Regular and Reservist. The only requirement is that serving TA soldiers must have completed at least one year’s service to be eligible for help or three years service if they are a former TA soldier. Since the end of the Second World War the Fund has given financial support and practical advice to thousands of soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need. In order to continue their work with members of the ‘Army Family’ who urgently need help, the ABF needs to raise around £5.5 million every year. Around half of the money that the charity raises each year is given directly to individuals in need. The rest is divided between around 80 smaller charities that look after the special needs of the Army Community.

A Lifeline for JasonTA soldier Jason Sylvestre was just nine days away from the end of his first operational tour in Iraq, when he was thrown from his vehicle and incurred serious back injuries. He was admitted to Headley Court for specialist back treatment.

Once he left Headley Court the ABF helped Jason to get his life back on track. He was awarded a grant to cover his removal costs to move to a s p e c i a l l y - a d a p t e d flat for disabled ex-servicemen in Balham, South London. The Fund also assisted with debt relief and helped him secure a brand new computer to develop IT skills for a future new career.

Since moving to his new home Jason has been able to re-build his life and says: “My life has changed 100% and it’s getting better. I can’t praise organisations like the Army Benevolent Fund enough.”

Each case referred to the ABF is considered on its own merits. If you would like to know whether you are eligible for help from the ABF, please contact your Regiment or Corps Association or your local SSAFA Forces Help. To find out more about the Army Benevolent Fund, visit www.armybenfund.org or call 0845 241 4820

THERE IF YOU NEED THEM

Ready to tuck in are (l to r) Jason Sylvestre, ABF grant recipient, Sir Gulam Noon, Chairman of the Noon Group, David Loftus ABF Grant Recipient, and soldiers from 1st Btn Welsh Guards.

The ABF helped Jason to purchase a computer as a path to a new career.

A WW1 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost armoured car leads TA soldiers across the ‘battlefield’.

… and even fought the Boers! In the background are pikemen and musketeers of the Hon Artillery Company.

A simulated contact illustrated the TA’s war-fighting capability.Territorials dressed in uniforms spanning our heritage….

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TATAQQ

Oxford Celebrates 100 years of the Territorial Army

On Saturday 26th April, more than 150 members of the Territorial Army, Oxford University Officer Training Corps and Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force attended a special anniversary service at Christ Church, Oxford to celebrate the TA’s 100 years.

As well as the Cadets and OTC, TA units taking part included 5th (Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars) Signals Squadron, A Company of 7th Battalion The Rifles (taking time off from their well-earned post-operational leave), and D Detachment 202 Field Hospital. Following the service, the troops were inspected by Mr Hugo Brunner, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, who also took the salute. Music for the church service and parade was provided by the Waterloo Band of the Rifles.

Following the ceremonial events, a reception in the Oxford Town Hall hosted 300 guests, including serving and past members of the Territorial Army and their families, Cadets and members of the Royal British Legion

TA100

Major Heather Saunders, OC 202 Fd Hospital, with the Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire.

The Jackal, already on the ground in Afghanistan

The first of 100 new Jackal vehicles has been delivered to troops in Afghanistan. The vehicle, which replaces the WMIK Land Rover, offers greater mobility, manoeuvrability and protection, enabling it to operate over a wide variety of terrains.

An airbag suspension system provides a smooth ride and a more stable weapons platform when on the move. The armour-plated vehicle can be fitted with a .50 calibre machine gun or 40mm grenade launcher.

DAY OF THE JACKAL

Territorial Soldier Honoured For Outstanding Service

Corporal Christopher Skirrow was presented with the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal (VRSM) at a ceremony held at Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre, where he is recovering from gunshot wounds sustained on operations in Afghanistan in 2007.

A member of 104 Btn REME (V) based at Bordon, Corporal Skirrow has also seen service in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. He was presented with his medal by Brigadier Greg Smith, Director Reserves (Army).

Brigadier Smith praised Corporal Skirrow for his commitment and especially for his contribution to operations overseas. He said, “Chris Skirrow represents the very best of today’s TA. I am delighted to present him with his VRSM to mark what he has done in his time with us.” He added “I’m also very pleased to see him looking so well – a mark of his own courage and determination to get fit again and recognition of the fantastic treatment and care that he is being given at Headley Court.”

MEDALS FOR MEDICSMembers of 208 (Liverpool) Field Hospital paraded to receive their Operational Campaign Medals for their tour in Afghanistan.

As family, friends and military colleagues looked on, the medics of 208 – which has its HQ in Liverpool and additional training bases in Ellesmere Port, Blackpool and Lancaster – marched on to the parade square at Altcar Training Camp, Merseyside.

Brigadier Tom O’Brien, Deputy Commander Theatre Troops, presented medals to about 50 members of the Field Hospital, before the soldiers and their guests moved onto a celebratory buffet lunch.

208 ran the military field hospital at Camp Bastion for three months between July and October 2007. Like many of the medical units deployed on ops recently, it was the first time since the Second World War that the unit had deployed on operations.

It was a busy tour for the medics, who received a baptism of fire on day one when they were confronted with a boy with a knife in his head. The team was conducting the handover from their predecessors in 212 Field Hospital when the boy walked into the hospital with his father.

Major Stephen Gallacher, the senior A&E nurse of 208 Field Hospital at Camp Bastion, explained that an argument had occurred at the shop which the father owned in Kandahar. As a man lunged at his father with a knife the boy had put himself between the attacker and his father, with the result that the knife became embedded in his head.

His father had taken him to the military base at Kandahar, pleading for help. The Canadian medical facility there took an X-ray before father and son were flown to the British field hospital at Camp Bastion, which had the capability and specialists to deal with neurosurgery (even though it was at that time still operating in a tent!).

“When the child reached us, he walked in,” said Maj Gallacher. “He was still conscious and talking, so he was sedated and that night he was operated on. We knew how the knife was sitting because we had the X-ray. The knife had come in at an angle and gone down behind his eye and had penetrated the front of his brain. To have simply pulled the knife out would have been a disaster because you wouldn’t have known what damage was behind it. It was a horrendous sight.”

Surgeons of 212 Field Hospital operated the same night – their last operation before handing over to 208 Field Hospital, who administered the aftercare. “I just didn’t think he would survive,” said Maj Gallacher, “but he was soon off the life-support machine and was up and about within days. It was just amazing.”

Maj Gallacher, from Caernarfon, North Wales, added: “Our three-month tour was extremely hard but very successful. The tempo of operations had increased dramatically while we were there and as a result the workload for us in the field hospital increased dramatically. It was quite relentless. We saw a wide variety of injuries and, overall, we did very well. Some of the equipment out there is well ahead of the game. For example, we were using instant digital X-rays – portable machines which meant we

could see X-rays in two minutes, which in a UK hospital might take 30 minutes. Don’t forget, that’s in a tent in the desert!”

Corporal Emma Rose from Blackpool also received her Afghanistan medal at Altcar. Cpl Rose is a staff nurse at the intensive care unit of Blackpool Victoria Hospital, but has also been a TA medic for five years. She said: “It’s hard to put into words what Afghanistan was like. I feel quite proud and emotional when I think back about it now. Although the basic nursing skills are similar to what I do in Blackpool, the actual job and working environment was very di