The TA

[richie264]

I served as a PSI with 3 Cheshire for 3 years, as a normal infantry Bn and then as a Fsp Bn, I found them to be very professional, they did not like to be patronised & responded well to enthusiastic & professional instruction.
When Lt Col Thomson took over he was TA himself, & together with his PSIs.
he completely changed the Bounty training, from ticks in boxes & tests being done on Trg nights, to Bounty Trg weekends, where the Sat would be all instruction at three levels, Ptes, L/Cpls & Cpls & Officers & SNCOs, all carried out in a small area, the Sunday would consist of a long full kit march to checkpoints were they would be tested at those 3 levels,( I introduced them to the 3 RWF Mast to Moel Famau tab) .
Initially we met with a lot of opposition especially from " The Old & Bold" but once they rose to the challenge they enjoyed it.
From what I could gather from the the older Guys was that in the 70s it was a bit of a "drinking club" but I seem to remember us regulars weren't exactly dry!!!
I believe that over the last few years they have stepped up to the mark & dispeled "the myth" well & truly.
I hope that when these lads return from their tours they are given full support, as unlike regulars who can chat amongst themselves about their expeiences good or bad & share their fears. Young Dai has to go back to being a civie where no one gives a **** about where he's been ,what he.s seen & done. & has to face up to it himself with no one to ease his burden.
( I believe that this happened to a 3 Cheshire member afer a tour of Bosnia & it ended in very sad circumstances).
Apolagies for getting on my "Soap Box"

[Bob Bacon]

You have clearly established the qualities of the TA soldier and the fact that they play an important role alongside the Regular Army in both peacekeeping and operations, at home and abroad.

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