The Territorial Army at work

Territorials have served alongside our Regular forces in almost every post-1945 conflict in which Britain has been involved. Notable among these have been the Balkan crisis and the present engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. This first century has thus required the Territorials to be increasingly flexible in their response to new challenges, both in overseas theatres of engagement and in training.

One of those wearing his uniform to work was Conservative MP Mark Lancaster, a TA major serving with the Royal Engineers.

"I think it is incredibly important to raise the profile of the TA and to celebrate the role of the TA," he said.  "There are thousands of people going to work today across the country in uniform and many of their colleagues probably don't even realise they serve in the TA."

Event organiser, Colonel Alastair Bruce explained the thinking behind Uniform at Work Day:

"On Uniform to Work Day, we are encouraging those TA soldiers who wish to be involved to arrange with their employer to go to work at their civilian jobs in Army uniform. This will remind the public that the Territorial Army is 'among us' in society.

"But perhaps more importantly we want to encourage public affirmation, recognition and understanding of the remarkable work these people undertake as volunteers. Butchers, trawlermen, beauticians and bus drivers are among the occupations of those people who put time aside to train and to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, alongside the regular Army.

"They are doing it right now on operations and we see Uniform to Work Day as a way of celebrating this commitment."

- "Opinion is split but overall, this appears to be an idea from the centre without any real consultation with those that it directly affects. I for one would not be seen dead with my uniform on at work - for more reasons than I can be bothered to articulate on here."

- "Working in Belfast, as I do, I think Ill be giving this a miss."

- "I'm going to do it (& take a tin around the office collecting for help for heroes or ABF at the same time). Its no different than wearing your uniform whilst popping into a service station to grab a grease burger on the way back/to an exercise or wearing it whilst filling up your car on the way to the TAC. Alright you might get some office jibes or some unpleasant comments but if we can't have a little pride in what we do what's the point. Although I would completely understand if you live in a 'sensitive' area and chose not to, that's just common sense!"

- "There is little or no point in members of the TA turning up at their workplace... in uniform without this being supported by a national TV and Advertising campaign. Otherwise, uniforms will appear in workplaces and the onlookers will have no idea why...members of the TA will spend all day explaining it, undermining the principle and generally adding no value whatsoever."

The late 1990s and the first decade of the 21st Century have seen the Territorial Army assume an exceptionally high profile. It has moved from being a force of last resort to becoming ‘the reserve of first choice’ in support of Regular army operations.

Some 6,900 Territorial personnel were mobilised for Operation TELIC, the invasion of Iraq, and the TA continues to provide around 1,200 troops each year in support of Regular operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans.