TA soldiers dress for success

7:52am Thursday 17th July 2008

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Part-time soldiers proudly donned their army uniform on Wednesday for a regular day at the office - or hospital in this case.

The Territorial Army (TA) is celebrating its 100th anniversary and as part of the celebrations soldiers were invited to wear their uniform to their regular jobs.

�I�m extremely proud of being in the Territorial Army."

Lieutenant-Colonel Jane Carey-Harris

The day was officially announced by Prime Minister Gordon Brown on July 10 to celebrate the contribution of TA soldiers over the past 100 years.

The uniform has, in the recent past, attracted some unwarranted protests due to the war in Iraq. Many believe the respect the uniform used to command has diminished.

One of those is Lieutenant-Colonel Jane Carey-Harris, 53, who has been in the TA for over 30 years.

She said: "Back when I started, it seemed that everyone had a relative in the armed forces, but now that isn't the case. I think that is why attitudes towards it have changed.

"People only seem to see the bad news, like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but I have colleagues who have been there and we should be very proud of them."

The aim of the day is to reinforce the TA's military role, which complements and benefits civilian employment. It is also hoped that it will raise the profile of the TA within the local community.

Lt-Col Carey-Harris is the officer commanding the clinical squadron 256 City of London Field Hospital.

In her day job she is a continuous improvement programme manager at Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust.

She said: "I'm extremely proud of being in the Territorial Army.

"It's such a rewarding thing to do and complements my work for the NHS perfectly.

"The PCT are very understanding when it comes to having to take time off to fulfil my duties. I am wearing my uniform to work to show my colleagues what being in the TA is all about."

Alex Johnstone, director of finance and strategy at Sutton and Merton PCT, said: "We encouraged Jane to wear her uniform to work on Wednesday to show the PCT's support for the British armed forces and the excellent work they do.

"Jane's involvement brings additional skill to her role in the PCT."