British Army Jobs

Armed Forces Day flag raised to salute heroes

THE Armed Forces Day flag was raised in a special ceremony at Cardiff Castle yesterday, to honour servicemen and women past, present and future.

Councillor Delme Bowen, the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, was joined by veterans, cadets and members of the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Coun Bowen described the flag-raising ceremony, which was one of hundreds taking place across the UK, as a “simple but evocative act” which could encourage everybody to show their support for the armed forces.

He said: “Armed Forces Day has become firmly established in the calendar every year, an opportunity to pay tribute and support our armed forces past, present and future.

“Flying this specially commissioned Armed Forces Day flag here signifies our continued involvement with and commitment to supporting this national event.”

Coun Bowen, who will give a reading in Welsh as part of the Drum Head Service at Cardiff’s main event on Saturday in Cooper’s Field, also spoke of his “tremendous gratitude” to servicemen and women, whose contributions are “fundamental to our wellbeing and prosperity”.

The event culminated with the raising of the flag on the corner bastion of the castle wall by representatives of the Lord Mayor’s Own Scouts and Guides.

Sergeant Tich Taylor, who retired from the Royal Air Force Regiment in 1992 after 22 years’ service, was one of many veterans who attended the ceremony. The 59-year-old from Barry said: “I was a gunner and ended up as a sergeant. I travelled the world as we did in those days – to Northern Ireland, Oman, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bahrain, Malta, Cyprus.

“When we were in Oman, we were part of the forgotten war, which meant the British forces were not there.

“We were under a different name because the Sultan of Oman hired British servicemen to fight his war because he didn’t have an army.”

Sgt Taylor, who is chairman of the Penarth branch of the Royal Air Force Association, will be celebrating Armed Forces Day on Saturday, although not in Cardiff.

He added: “I will be supporting my RAF Regiment Association at the National Memorial Arboretum near Tamworth in Staffordshire.”

Warrant Officer (WOII) John Dart, 65, of Heath, Cardiff, served for 30 years, having started in the Sixth Territorial Battalion of the Welch Regiment in Cardiff, which is now 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh.

British Army Careers

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There are around 220 different jobs & army careers available in the British Army ranging from part time territorial soldiers to full time career officers. Whether you decide to develop existing skills or learn new ones, the British Army is committed to making sure you succeed.

Army careers provide a uniquely bonding environment where your workmates become your family by travelling, living & working together as a team through thick & thin. It is the ability to work together through difficult yet rewarding situations that builds an underlying set of core values, ensuring all soldiers & officers have a deep respect for one another throughout their daily lives.

One of the exciting aspects of an army career is the travel opportunities. A career in the British Army could see you assisting with humanitarian aid, conducting close combat missions in Afghanistan or helping rebuild communities all over the world. From exercises in Canada to jungle warfare training in Belize, you’ll have the ability to travel to places you never dreamed possible.

Depending on your existing skills, goals & interests, the British Army will help you decide between an army career as a soldier or an officer. Regardless of the army career you choose, you’ll have the opportunity for adventure, travel & benefits that come with being part of the team.

Becoming a Soldier

Army careers for soldiers have a huge range of trade positions available where you’ll be extensively trained to get the job done. You could be required to repair tanks, build bunkers or mount defensive weaponry in hostile environments. Soldier careers are ideal for those that enjoy exciting roles & practical challenges.

Officer Careers

A career as a British Army officer is about having the right type of temperament in highly demanding situations. An officer is required to be trustworthy in character & maintain an overwhelming desire to help make a difference in people’s lives.

Territorial Forces

A part time position in the British Army Territorial Forces will allow you to train & conduct your military activities in your spare time. This means you can combine the benefits of an army career with your life as a civilian & still have the opportunity to get paid for overseas military operations. As a Territorial soldier you’ll be paid for their all your time spent training plus bonuses for completing a qualified amount of training each year.

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