Thankfully, comradeship in the TA is strong, morale is high, and most would never dream of doing anything else with their spare time, which is just as well as the role they play is invaluable. They may be bankers or builders by day, but in the TA they can expect to serve shoulder-to-shoulder with regular troops in Afghanistan or Iraq.

The troops certainly got a taste of the real thing on a recent training exercise, complete with realistic explosions and battlefield conditions. But many TA soldiers have already been on active service, and have carried out essential duties with the skill of the professionals they emulate.

Private Steven Currey, from Orton Malborne, who is a line repairman with Network Rail when he isn't in uniform, makes an interesting point when he suggests that young lads who are out of work should try signing up with the TA. They would certainly learn a lot about discipline, commitment, and hard work, which would serve them well for the future.

Read the full feature: Training with the Territorial Army.


Others may benefit from downfall

PERHAPS the fact that benefit cheat Brian Capon has been sent to prison for 12 months will act as a warning to others.

Some people seem to think that the rules don't apply to them, and they will use every trick in the book to fleece a system designed to help those who really deserve it.