MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
News Release (PN 161/2008) issued by The Government News Network on
14 July 2008
Territorial Army
(TA) soldiers across the country will be turning up for work in
Army uniform on Wednesday 16 July. 'Uniform to Work
Day' will see Territorials swapping their civilian clothes
for military kit, to celebrate 100 years of the TA.
Later in the afternoon, the Prime Minister will be holding a
reception to mark Uniform to Work Day at No 10 Downing Street.
Territorials and their employers from all over the United Kingdom
have been invited to attend.
Event organiser, Colonel Alastair Bruce explains:
"On Uniform to Work Day, we are encouraging those TA
soldiers who wish to be involved to arrange with their employer to
go to work at their civilian jobs in Army uniform. This will
remind the public that the Territorial Army is 'among
us' in society.
But perhaps more importantly we want to encourage public
affirmation, recognition and understanding of the remarkable work
these people undertake as volunteers. Butchers, trawlermen,
beauticians and bus drivers are among the occupations of those
people who put time aside to train and to serve in Iraq and
Afghanistan, alongside the regular Army. They are doing it right
now on operations and we see Uniform to Work Day as a way of
celebrating this commitment."
The day is part of a series of events taking place throughout
2008 celebrating TA100, the TA's 100th anniversary.
Here are just a few examples of who will be wearing uniform to
work around the UK:
* In London, MPs and Majors Mark Lancaster (Royal Engineers) and
Desmond Swayne (Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry) will be in
the Houses of Parliament while Corporal Nichola Harrison (Royal
Military Police) will be heading off to work at Battersea Dogs Home.
* In Cardiff, infantrymen Corporal Peter Jones and Colour
Sergeant Daniel Radford, (3rd Battalion The Princess of Wales
Royal Regiment) from Hi-Reach will be servicing access platforms
for the construction industry.
* In Truro, sculptor and Rifleman James Eddy (Rifles) will be
creating a new work of art.
* Bath-based Lieutenant Colonel Tim Purbrick (Queens Royal
Lancers) will be looking for missing diggers.
* In Perth, Private Russell Duffy (7th Battalion Royal Regiment
of Scotland) will be delivering post.
* In Glasgow, Gunner Kelly Gallagher, (105 Regiment Royal
Artillery) will be going to work at Superdrug.
* In Manchester, schoolteacher Lieutenant Colonel Joanne Laverty
(Manchester and Salford University Officer Training Corps) will be
teaching all day in uniform.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
1. The TA is an integral part of the British Army, representing
about a quarter of its total manpower, with its members both male
and female, training as soldiers in their own time - many holding
down full time civilian jobs.
2. TA100 events will continue to take place across the country
throughout 2008. See http://www.ta100.co.uk for details.
3. The TA is good for individuals, employers and communities.
Territorial's gain leadership skills and specialist
expertise, which serve them well in their civilian as well as
military lives.