DUKE QUIZZED OVER LOCAL T.A. SOLDIERS
The welfare of local Territorial Army (TA) soldiers has been raised by Helen with army top brass.
Speaking at an evidence session of the Commons Public Accounts Committee, Helen pressed army officers, including the Duke of Westminster, on the support that TA recruits receive when sent to fight for their country. Ninety men have been sent from County Durham to Kosovo and Iraq to serve their country.
Helen said, “Territorial Army soldiers are obviously tough individuals, but they deserve the best possible support.
“I recently visited the Territorial Army at the Eden Armoury in Bishop Auckland and met with officers and recruits. I raised some of the issues I heard about directly with the army when TA officers gave evidence in Parliament.
“For example, many local soldiers have been sent overseas singly or in pairs when it is obviously better for morale and welfare if they can be sent as a team. I was told that slow progress is being made towards this, but I would like to see this speeded up.
“I also pressed the senior officers on what support is available to the families of soldiers if they are sent overseas. I was pleased to hear that welfare support has been increased and dedicated staff are available to advise relatives.
“Another issue is support for soldiers who return from conflicts abroad. It is not always immediately clear if individuals will need further help with physical or mental health issues. I challenged the officers over this as I think they need to improve their tracking of ex-soldiers once they have left the TA.”
The Public Accounts Committee is currently investigating the performance of the Ministry of Defence over reserve forces.
Filed under: Uncategorized on June 30th, 2006
