The Territorial Army has started a scheme to get more people in Wales to sign up. There are more than a hundred TA units across the country. Today a team were in Cardiff City Centre to promote what they do. Our reporter Hannah Gurney has more.
The Territorial Army will start its recruitment drive in Wales today, with events starting in Cardiff and continuing across the country until the end of this month.
There are more than 100 TA units in Wales. The event in Cardiff today will have representatives from a range of careers including chefs, drivers, medics, caterers, infantrymen, engineers and signallers.
Welsh residents will also be able to see and try out the kit and weaponry for themselves.
Each unit will bring a range of specialist equipment and supplies to put on demonstrations and educate the public about the role of the TA and its importance to the UK Armed Forces. Those who go along to the event will be able to see and try out the kit and weaponry for themselves.
Last year the UK Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond set out plans to double the number of people in the territorial army from about 15,000 to 30,000, while also renaming it Army Reserves.
– Colonel Kevin Halus, Colonel TA RecruitingWe think this is a great way to demonstrate and educate people in Wales about the opportunities available with the TA and its contribution to the defence and security of the nation.
There has never been a better time to be a Territorial Army soldier and we have so much to offer potential candidates - an active lifestyle, the opportunity for travel and adventure, as well as first-class training and access to further skills and qualifications. No matter what your talents, you can get involved.
More than 170 Territorial Army soldiers from the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers will march through Monmouth town centre this afternoon. After the Freedom Parade, there will be a medals parade in the grounds of the castle for soldiers who have recently returned from Afghanistan.
The march will begin at the Old Monnow Bridge at 1pm, and go past Shire Hall, before a service at St Mary's Parish Church.
Guests include the Duke of Gloucester, who is Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, and Brigadier Philip Napier, Head of the Army in Wales.
As the UK Government moves to cut the number of regular troops, reserve forces such as the Territorial Army will play an ever greater role.
Read the full story