Club Meeting

The Army Today

For more information on the Army Engagement Team visit their website at www.army.mod.uk/engagement

The presentation was everything you would expect from the army informative, entertaining and very professional. The presentation addressed issue of why do we have an army identifying our defence of freedom and sovereignty, our obligations to NATO and to aid disaster relief and assist civil authorities in times of emergency.  In these times of austerity when the army faces the loss of 4,000 personnel in the coming year it was encouraging to lean that they currently have 11,000 apprentices leaning trades that will stand them in good stead when they leave the services. It is recognised that the army is a young persons profession and a 4 year term is very much the norm so the basic training which covers such things as map reading, weapons handling and first aid is augmented by a wide range of skills aimed at life after the services. It was particularly encouraging to hear first hand the army efforts in Afghanistan where they see their primary effort of supporting the local people in the areas of education, reduction in infant mortality, building bridges to facilitate trade routes and of course the training of local personnel to take over the peace keeping role. It was also explained the importance that they place on the Territorial Army and their increasing role in the army of tomorrow where an increase in numbers is anticipated along with a faster state of readiness. The club responded with some in depth questions and the point was made that their