LOCAL cadets got a taste of Army life when they joined members of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards on a recent training exercise at Castlemartin.
More than 30 members of the Dyfed Army Cadet Force (ACF) were treated to a closely supervised day on the range where they were able to watch as members of the regiment took part in live firing training, involving both the general purpose machine gun and the main 30mm Rardon cannon - features of the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance, CVR(T) Scimitar.
The cadets were also put through their paces on the assault course and enjoyed lunch 'Army' style with the soldiers.
Nationally, the ACF is an extremely popular youth organisation with more than 50,000 members, including 10,000 girls and as many as 8,000 volunteers leaders.
Although many cadets do go on to join the regular Army, membership of the ACF is not dependent upon this and many youngsters simply enjoy the opportunity to tackle new challenges - both mental and physical - develop new friendships and build confidence in their own ability to complete a task.
The Dyfed ACF visit was particularly relevant as members of this detachment actually wear the cap badge of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards - a formation reconnaissance regiment which acts as the Army's eyes and ears, working deep in enemy territory to gather intelligence for the identification and destruction of key targets.
Staff Sergeant Dave Evans said that the cadets had gained a real insight into life within the regiment.
"We always enjoy hosting the cadets and it gives us the opportunity to show them first-hand the kind of activity we're involved in as a regiment.
"It also gives us the chance to answer any questions they may have about Army life in general, the many and varied career and training opportunities available as well as the exciting experiences they could enjoy as a new recruit."
For further information about a career in the Army, please contact the Haverfordwest Army Careers Information Office, Haverfordwest (tel: 01437 767329).