3 royal welsh

[karl7125]

Forum Members,

Just to give you an update from 3 ROYAL WELSH.

As you are all aware it has been a difficut time for the TA in 3 R WELSH over the past couple of months. Firstly we had to reduce all training and Battalion activities due to budget cuts and as we rebalanced ourselves we were hit with the news that all TA training would stop. Thankfully we have now had some money put back in the pot and a somewhat limited training programme can continue. During all the uncertainty, TA soldiers in the Battalion have carried on as normal, sometimes without pay because it was the right thing to do. I have so much respect for them for this decision.

As we stand today we have 30 soldiers currently in Afghanistan or about to deploy with 1 R WELSH. There are also some of these soldiers in Helmand with 11 Brigade and also part of the NCO Training Team in Kabul. We also have had a number of soldiers who have trained with 2 R WELSH in Canada and deployed with the Armoured Infantry Companys to OP Herrick.

As a Battalion again we have been asked to provide more soldiers for the next OP Herrick deployment early next year. We have 14 soldiers who begin their Mobilisation process in the first week of January. The demand for TA soldiers is greater than ever.

We still face an uncertain future with next year's budget to be announced and the review of the TA to be published. However the Battalion will conduct it's Annual Camp in April 10 next year in Cyprus. Some light at the end of the tunnel.

May I take this opportunity to wish all Forum Members and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. From the Commanding Officer and All Ranks 3 ROYAL WELSH.


Karl Roberts
RSM
3 R WELSH

[ap1]

.

As we stand today we have 30 soldiers currently in Afghanistan or about to deploy with 1 R WELSH. There are also some of these soldiers in Helmand with 11 Brigade and also part of the NCO Training Team in Kabul. We also have had a number of soldiers who have trained with 2 R WELSH in Canada and deployed with the Armoured Infantry Companys to OP Herrick.

As a Battalion again we have been asked to provide more soldiers for the next OP Herrick deployment early next year. We have 14 soldiers who begin their Mobilisation process in the first week of January. The demand for TA soldiers is greater than ever.

Thanks Karl. What strikes me reading your post is the role change the TA have undertaken in the last 5 yrs. I was a PSI in 96-98, my CSM and a LCPL of that era are both here in Kabul. One as an senior training officer the other as a SNCO, both training the Afghans.......completely outside their remit a few short years ago.

We have gone back to the era of 39-45, there is no difference between the TA and regular soldier....Massive cuts, ill thought out reorganisations and a constant stream of badly wounded regular soldiers means the TA are at the forefront of our efforts. They have my respect.

[Rog Ball 01]

Al / Karl

Like you both, I served with the TA; I know it was in the 80's before the TA were embodied into the reguler army to work alongside the regulers, but I found that the soldiers were very professional and were always on top form.

When you think of what they are achieving in Afgan, and gaining full respect from their peers it is a marvel for them and their families must be very proud of their exploites and achievements.

[dai29]

Kark,
Thank you for the update. I started my career with the 3rd Battalion back in 88. The TA today is far from the TA I can remember. When these lads are attached to the Battalion be it for exercises or operations they fit straight in.

They have supported us for many years now and are respected by all. The bottom line is that with the undermanning in the Army the TA have been essential. They have got my respect.

Merry Xmas to you all.

Dai 29
RSM
2 ROYAL WELSH

[Paul Hinge]

Karl/Dai
Be assured that at a political level there is much being done to bring the TA's invaluable role to the media's attention especially as they provide the necessary infill of troops in our theatres of war and post-war operations.
It's just so bl***y annoying that this Government has lost any back-bone it may have had to ensure our troops not only have the equipment they need but in the TA's role of supporting the Regulars the money that needs to be there without question.
I'm full of admiration for those TA's that still turn up for training despite not being paid it just shows the metal of these wonderful soldiers who put duty before their own personal needs... something this Government would do well to note!

Hingey

[nasher546]

Karl/Dai
Be assured that at a political level there is much being done to bring the TA's invaluable role to the media's attention especially as they provide the necessary infill of troops in our theatres of war and post-war operations.
It's just so bl***y annoying that this Government has lost any back-bone it may have had to ensure our troops not only have the equipment they need but in the TA's role of supporting the Regulars the money that needs to be there without question.
I'm full of admiration for those TA's that still turn up for training despite not being paid it just shows the metal of these wonderful soldiers who put duty before their own personal needs... something this Government would do well to note!

Hingey

Absolutely second that Paul,

[Davies GW]

As an ex TA soldier I'm glad to see that my part time colleagues have the respect of their regular counterparts. I wish all the boys, regular and TA the best in the run up to Christmas and I look forward to them coming home having done a good job.

[sox3044]

Like so many before me i to was a PSI and had a great time with the lads and girls of 3 Royal Welsh, they worked hard played hard over training weekends and their comitment was second to none. A lot of the TA guys will have as many medals as regular soldiers (more than Scouse) which shows that they take the deployments at a drop of a hat. When you think of all these false claims politicians have put in and probably many more pennies going adrift else where, you have to respect these guys for turning up and not being paid.

Happy xmas to all 3 royal welsh keep safe where ever you are

Sox

[Vic Hughes 53]

I was a PSI in A Coy 3 R WELSH and had the opportunity to work with some outstanding and dedicated individuals.

3 R WELSH can be proud of who they are and what they offer up in regards
to support to both the 1st and 2nd Bn.

regards

Vic 53