Cadets from South Pembrokeshire were given a taste of Army life when they were joined by members of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards (QDG) on a recent training exercise at Castlemartin.

More than 60 members of the Dyfed Army Cadet Force (ACF) were treated to a closely supervised day, where they were put through their paces by members of the Regiment in a programme that included first aid, weapons training, map reading and a series of 'field craft' exercises.

Cadets were taught how to defend themselves if ambushed as well as being schooled in the art of camouflage.

Several of the visiting soldiers had just returned from Iraq and were on hand to answer any questions the youngsters had about their experiences.

Members of this formation reconnaissance Regiment - which acts as the Army's eyes and ears - work deep in enemy territory to gather intelligence for the identification and destruction of key targets.

The QDG were awarded the 'Commando Dagger' by the Royal Marines as testimony to the role that they played in the recent conflict.

Nationally, the Army Cadet Force is an extremely popular youth organisation with more than 50,000 members, including 10,000 girls and as many as 8,000 volunteer leaders.

The Dyfed ACF visit was particularly relevant for the QDG soldiers as members of this detachment actually wear the cap badge of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards.

Staff Sergeant Dave Evans said that the cadets had gained a real insight into life within the Regiment.

"We always enjoy visiting the cadets and it gives us the opportunity to show them first-hand the kind of activity we're involved in as a Regiment," he commented.

"It also gives us the chance to answer any questions they may have about Army life in general and proved particularly relevant on this occasion as some of our lads had just come back from Iraq, where the QDG played a key role."

For further information about a career in the Army, please contact the Haverfordwest Army Careers Information Office, The Dalton VC Centre, Freemans Way, Haverfordwest (01437 767329) or visit http://www.armyjobs.co.uk">www.armyjobs.co.uk. For further information about 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards, please contact Staff Sergeant Dave Evans on 02920781241.