THE men who joined the Territorial Army when it was first formed in 1908 would most likely look in awe at the changes that have taken place more than a century later.

For a start, it's not now the domain of men at all — even the name has now changed — to The Army Reserve.

Following the national restructuring of the Armed Forces, with a greater role and emphasis for the Army Reserve units, greater opportunities than ever are available for men and women, including West Devon residents, to combine civilian life with service in the military.

The 165 Port and Maritime Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, which is based across the South of England, has its regimental headquarters located in Plymouth. Two sub-units of that regiment are 264 (Plymouth) Headquarters Squadron RLC and 265 (Devon) Port Squadron RLC who operate from Derriford Army Reserve Centre in Plymouth.

Captain Rob Gammage of 264 Squadron told the Times that people from Tavistock and places such as Bere Alston, Callington, Lydford, Okehampton and Princetown had been attracted by the varied experiences offered by the Territorial Army and now the Army Reserve.

Captain Gammage said: 'The role of the Army Reserve has changed over the years and now there are some excellent opportunities for young men and women.

'Some people used to think of the TA as SAS — "Saturday and Sunday Soldiers" — weekend soldiers, who spend their time yomping over the moors weighed down by a 50lb bergen, dripping with sweat, in the rain and cold; that still may be so if you want to join an infantry regiment, but in the modern Army Reserve there are so many specialist roles.'

Captain Gammage, who has served 22 years in 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery and in the Army Air Corps, said that one weekend, 165 Port and Maritime Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps Reservists could be helping to fill sandbags to help out their local community in a flood, the next week, loading humanitarian supplies aboard a ship that will take them to anywhere they are needed in the world.

They could also find themselves on exercises in the Jordanian desert or just enjoying sailing or adventure training.

165 Port and Maritime Regiment was one of the first Army Reserve units to deploy during the Gulf War.

More recently, in 2013, a troop of 32 soldiers from the regiment deployed for six months to Nicosia, Cyprus, in support of the United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Currently, members of the Regiment are deployed or are preparing to deploy in various roles to Jordan, Canada, Germany, Norway, France and Afghanistan.

165 Port and Maritime train as port operators in order to load and unload ships of the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary that carry stores and equipment for British Forces on operations overseas.

It also specialises in unloading ships and getting stores ashore where no established port exist.

The regiment will also train Reservists as mariners and marine engineers in order to pilot the Armed Forces fleet of inshore vessels such as Landing Ships (logistics) and Mexeflote powered rafts.

It works alongside its sister regiment, 17 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC, which is based at Marchwood, near Southampton. Regulars and reservists work in harmony both in the UK and around the world.

There are also opportunities for vehicle specialists, with a full spectrum of licenses to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicles in transit.

Another vital role is that of operational hygiene specialists to deliver essential showering and laundry services to units — in particular deployed field hospitals — in support of operations around the world.

Captain Gammage, aged 49, said: 'Those days are gone where a corporal is just there shouting in your face.

'We want our personnel to succeed and for everyone to realise their potential.

'Our responsibility to our personnel is almost parental.

'If it was my son or daughter, I would want them to be given encouragement, professional training and good mentoring.

'My attitude is that if it is not good enough for my children then it is not good enough for a recruit.

'Train in, not select out is now the aim of the modern British Army.

'My advice to any man or woman who is considering joining the Army Reservists is just do it.'