Armed forces in Wales
Regular, Reserve and University Training Officer Corps teams now participate, in addition to 20 patrols representing international armies.
He said in February 2021, "It continues to be a tremendous privilege to support NHS Wales in any way we can during this latest stage of the pandemic response.
[13] Since 2011, the Armoured Infantry Battalion has been deployed in operations and training exercises in: Somalia, Estonia, Ukraine, Germany, Kenya, Canada and the United States.
The Welsh Cavalry uses Jackal 2 high mobility vehicles and also moves on foot, making the regiment very versatile and adaptable to various environments.
[14] On 9 December 2021, it was announced that the Welsh Cavalry would move to a revamped Barracks in Caerwent, near Newport in Wales in 2028.
[citation needed] MOD St Athan is a large Ministry of Defence site in the Vale of Glamorgan.
HMS Cambria was established as the Royal Naval Reserve unit for South Wales in July 1947 and originally occupied buildings in Cardiff Docks.
Cambria remained in Cardiff until 1980, when the redevelopment of the docks there precipitated a move to the former service married couples' accommodation at Sully, Vale of Glamorgan.
The Swansea-Tawe Division, based at Swansea, began its life as a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Wireless unit in 1932.
The unit was briefly commissioned as the stone frigate HMS Dragon from 1984 to 1994, but was subsequently made subordinate to Cambria and rechristened to its current name.
[citation needed] HMS Dragon (D35) is the fourth ship of the Type 45 or Daring-class air-defence destroyers built for the Royal Navy.
[24][full citation needed] Candidates complete a Personal Fitness Test (PFT) upon arrival,[25] which includes a march cross-country against the clock, increasing the distance covered each day; this culminates in an endurance test known as the Endurance, in which candidates march 40 miles (64 km) with full equipment before climbing up and down the mountain Pen y Fan (886 m; 2,907 ft) in 20 hours.
[24] In 2018, Welsh government cabinet secretary for Local Government and Public Spending, Alun Davies stated his concerns about Ministry of Defence plans for potential army base closures in Wales, adding "The Welsh Identity within the Armed Forces is an essential part of our national identity.
[27] The Welsh Affairs Committee said in November 2019, "The UK Government should ensure that Wales has a fair share of military presence, broadly in proportion to its population.
It should provide certainty about any proposed changes to the location of units and minimise the impact on the Welsh economy and local communities.
"[5] In November 2021, the UK government made a U turn saying that the Brecon Barracks will remain as the main Army headquarters in Wales.
It was also announced that reserves base in Wrexham would be expanded as part of the UK government's £8.6bn Future Soldier programme.
[28] UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace announced in December 2021 that The Welsh Cavalry (The Queen’s Dragoon Guards) who predominantly recruit from Wales, will be moving to a renovated Caerwent Barracks from 2028.
[32] The armed forces personnel and veterans in Wales have free access to participating leisure centres and pools, using their defence privilege card.
The Welsh government also supports the seven regional Armed Forces Liaison Officers (AFLOs) and runs an advice service called Wales Resettlement Guide.
[34] There are around 5,000 cadets in Wales who develop skills and qualifications by working in communities and charities and participating in practical activities as organised by 1,500 volunteers.
