THE Territorial Army has set its sights on West Devon by launching a recruiting campaign to re-inforce its ranks in the South West.

On Saturday, March 31, and for three Saturdays in April, the Royal Devon Yeomanry will have a recruiting stand in Bedford Square, Tavistock for those considering combining their civilian life with one as a part-time member of the British Army.

The TA, which has a connection of more than a 100 years connection with the area, is due to play a more significant role in the British Armed Forces. In that initiative, the Royal Devon Yeomanry, part of the The Royal Wessex Yeomanry, a South West Territorial Armoured Regiment, are looking for men and women from all backgrounds to combine their civilian lives while training to become a soldier.

Captain Clive Pearce, a permanent staff administrative officer for D Squadron Royal Devon Yeomanry, told the Times: 'The Tavistock, Okehampton, Bere Alston and Callington area have been great supporters of the "call to arms" in the past for the British Army and have, over the years, served with distinction.

'The Royal Devon Yeomanry continues to flourish, having a presence in North Devon (Barnstaple) where it has Squadron headquarters and two troops, with South Devon (Paignton) where it has two troops.

'Its role is now enhanced, to provide crewmen to the Regular Army on the Challenger Two main battle tank as individual replacements.

'We have therefore mobilised 40 soldiers over the last 10 years, to support operations in Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

'At present, we have six soldiers mobilised to Afghanistan with the King's Royal Hussars.

'With the proposed increase to the Territorial Army announced in The Future Reserves 2020 review, this will be an exciting time for the Territorial Army and the regiment as a whole.'

One of those who has already answered the call is Trooper Emma Mannings.

Emma, aged 22, has been in the TA for three years and is training to be a qualified combat medical technician.

Coming from a military family, she joined the TA to complete her degree alongside training to be a solider. She is currently teaching dance at City College, Plymouth while taking her Post Graduate Certificate of Education.

Emma, from Plymouth, said: 'From the opportunities that have arisen from being in the Royal Wessex Yeomanry I have gained valuable life skills which are transferable to my civilian career.

'In the short time I have been in the TA I have gained many qualifications including track licence, combat medical technician, First aid at work and instructor qualifications.

'Throughout my training I have enjoyed the sense of achievement I gain from overcoming challenges, both physical and mental, individually and together as a team.

'The people I have met and worked with are from different walks of life, but we all muck in together and have a laugh in order to complete tasks.

'These people are the most interesting, dedicated and genuine individuals I have come across.

'Time, commitment, hard work and selflessness are all attributes I have given to the Army; however they are only a fraction of what the TA has given back to me.'

For anyone aged between 17 and a half and 43, the South West Territorial Armoured Regiment has a recruiting stand in Bedford Square, Tavistock on Saturday, March 31 and Saturdays, April 14, 21 and 28.

For more details or if you would like to join the Territorial Army call Captain Clive Pearce on 01271 345471 or email [email protected]">[email protected]