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Centenary highlights vital role of Territorial Army

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE News Release (056/2008) issued by The Government News Network on 1 April 2008

Cannons were fired in celebration today in each of the nation's capitals to mark the 100th anniversary of the Territorial Army (TA) and launch TA100 - a major campaign to acknowledge the contribution of Territorial soldiers since 1908.

To celebrate the centenary, HM The Queen - patron of TA100 - has sent a birthday card and message of thanks and congratulation to every member of the Territorial Army.

TA100 will highlight the significant changes to the TA's role and purpose over a century of service. A series of high profile events and commemorations will take place throughout 2008 in communities across the UK.

Founded by Richard Burdon Haldane, Secretary of State for War, on 1 April 1908, Territorial soldiers were first engaged in active service during World War 1. The London Scottish were the first deployed TA unit in Flanders and the first TA unit to go into action at Messines (part of the First Battle of Ypres) on 31 October 1914. Having served in both world wars, Territorials have since served with distinction in Aden, Kosovo, Bosnia, the Gulf and Afghanistan.

Speaking from the Tower of London, The Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Des Browne MP, said:

"This 100th anniversary year is a great opportunity to praise the contribution of our Territorial Army and celebrate 100 years of excellence and commitment. Our TA100 campaign will pay tribute to the Veterans who have played such an important role in that success. It is also a chance for the nation to say 'thank you' to the men and women serving currently who are so vital to our Defence effort - both at home and overseas. We also owe employers thanks for the support they show to the TA."

Chief of the General Staff (CGS) Sir Richard Dannatt said:
"Today the TA continues to make a significant contribution to operations as it has done throughout its 100 year history. Territorials receive the same training and equipment as their Regular counterparts and, even as we speak, are sharing the demands and rewards of operational service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Elsewhere they continue to provide a vital link between the Army and Society, helping to explain the subtleties and challenges of contemporary military activity. These are challenging times for all of us and for the TA, but if its history teaches us one thing it is the ability of this highly regarded and dedicated force to evolve and strengthen according to the circumstances of the day."

Thousands of employers across the UK support the TA within their workforce, from small family-run businesses to large multinational companies. Since 2002, SaBRE (Supporting Britain's Reservists and Employers) has been working with employers, of all sizes and sectors, providing support and information regarding the benefits, rights and obligations associated with employing a member of the Reserve Forces.

Speaking on behalf of TA employers, Anne Minto OBE, Group Director, Human Resources, Centrica plc said:

"Without the support of employers like Centrica, the TA and other Reserve Forces simply couldn't operate to their full potential. This was as true in 1908 as it is today.

"At Centrica, we are committed to supporting our Reservists. As an employer, we recognise the skills and experience that service in the Reserve Forces can bring to our employees, particularly in areas such as leadership, teamwork and thinking under pressure. But we also support the Reservists because, quite simply, we believe it is the right thing to do.

"Supporting Reservists in the workplace can be a challenge, particularly for small businesses, but employers should be reassured that advice and support is available through SaBRE to help them, particularly when employees are mobilised."

2008 is also the 100th Anniversary of the Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations (RFCA). These regional Associations play a very important role in supporting and promoting the Volunteer Reserves of the three services and the Cadet organisations within the community, employer support and support to recruiting as well as delivering property and facilities management. The RFCAs provide that vital bridge between the Reservist and the Community

A number of national and regional events will take place during the year, acknowledging the RFCA's 100 years of support.

Speaking at the TA100 launch, President of the Council of RFCAs, Lord Freeman, said:

"RFCAs provide a vital support network throughout the country. And their work is only possible thanks to help from some 8,000 volunteers. In today's society it is refreshing to be associated with such a high degree voluntary effort, which is sustained at the sacrifice of much personal leisure."

Notes to Editors

1. Feu de Joie (celebratory cannon firing)

TA artillery regiments equipped with 105mm Light Guns conducted a simultaneous firing in each of the Nation's capitals at 11.30am today. There were three guns in each location, all firing four rounds at ten-second intervals.

London
Location: The Tower of London
VIP Guests: The Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Des Browne MP:
Sir Richard Dannatt, Chief of the General Staff (CGS)
TA Regiment: The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC)

Edinburgh
Location: Mills Mount Battery, Edinburgh Castle
TA Regiment: 105th Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers)

Cardiff
Location: The National Assembly for Wales (The Senedd)
VIP Guest: The First Minister for Wales, Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan AM
TA Regiment: 104th Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers)

Belfast
Location: Carrickfergus Castle
VIP Guest: Brigadier George Norton, Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade
TA Regiment: 105th Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers)

2. TA100 Celebrations throughout 2008

This centenary year will be marked by the following national events and many regional events, details of which can be found on the TA100 website http://www.TA100.co.uk

3 April National Army Museum - Exhibition, TA100 Book Launch
15 May St Paul's Cathedral Service - City March & Guildhall Luncheon
21 June National TA Pageant - Horse Guards Parade
21 June National Reception - St James' Palace
10 July TA100 Royal Garden Party - Buckingham Palace
13 Sep Armed Forces Memorial - Service and Parade.

3. In depth information and facts and figures about the Territorial Army can be found in the online TA100 media centre at http://www.TA100.co.uk. This includes statistics about TA people, women in the TA, TA history, deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, famous Territorials, the role of the TA, awards and achievements, welfare, family support, mobilisation, the cost of the TA, TA pay, and employer support.

4. SaBRE - Supporting Britain's Reservists and Employers
SaBRE (Supporting Britain's Reservists and Employers - http://www.sabre.mod.uk) is a Ministry of Defence campaign which aims to build support for members of the Volunteer Reserve Forces (VRF) from their employers. It does this by explaining to employers the benefits, rights and obligations associated with employing a member of the VRF.

5. Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations (RFCA)
RFCA is formed of 13 semi-autonomous tri-Service Associations, deliver support (£113M in 07/08) promoting the Volunteer Reserve Forces of all three services within the community through liaison with local authorities, employers, trade unions and other influential groups. The Presidency of each Association is held by Lord Lieutenants on rotation.
In addition to publicity responsibilities and a significant advisory role in the recruitment process for the TA and Cadets, RFCAs have responsibility for managing all Territorial Army centres and tri-service Cadet buildings and many training facilities. RFCAs link the Services with communities, work places and institutions from which the Reserve Forces and the Cadet Movement volunteer, providing local knowledge, continuity and support from members who are long term community representatives familiar with and prominent in their area. They promote Defence in general and nurture the goodwill, understanding and support of the population - essential to the military volunteer concept. They reinforce support and administration by harnessing civilian expertise and skills and they support welfare, especially for those who are operationally deployed.

6. The video of the Task Force Commander in Afghanistan is available on the Defence News Imagery website, http://www.defencenewsimagery.mod.uk

7. Useful Links

TA100 - Information about the TA, TA100 and case studies
http://www.TA100.co.uk

SaBRE - Support for Britain's Reservists and Employers
http://www.sabre.mod.uk

RFCA - The Council of Reserve Forces and Cadets' Association
http://www.rfcacouncil.org.uk

One Army Recruiting - information on joining the Territorial and Regular Army
http://www.armyjobs.mod.uk