TA soldiers shed their 'civvies' for the day A People In Defence news article
16 Jul 08
A school teacher, a member of parliament, an artist and a postie are among those ditching their usual work clothing to proudly display their Territorial Army uniform today, Wednesday 16 July 2008. 
Perth soldier Private Russell Duffy, a member of 51st Highland, 7th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS), is wearing his uniform to work at his local post office
[Picture: Mark Owens]
The TA's 'Uniform to Work Day' sees Territorials swapping their civilian clothes for military kit as part of the celebrations for TA100 - the 100th anniversary of the Territorial Army. In addition to today TA100 events will continue to take place across the country throughout 2008.
The Territorial Army is an integral part of the British Army, representing about a quarter of its total manpower, with its members both male and female, training as soldiers in their own time – many holding down full-time civilian jobs.
Event organiser, Colonel Alastair Bruce explained the thinking behind Uniform at Work Day:
"On Uniform to Work Day, we are encouraging those TA soldiers who wish to be involved to arrange with their employer to go to work at their civilian jobs in Army uniform. This will remind the public that the Territorial Army is 'among us' in society.
"But perhaps more importantly we want to encourage public affirmation, recognition and understanding of the remarkable work these people undertake as volunteers. Butchers, trawlermen, beauticians and bus drivers are among the occupations of those people who put time aside to train and to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, alongside the regular Army.
Major Aleks Tomczyk, a Business and IT consultant, is pictured at Arum Systems, Westpoint, Edinburgh, during the TA's 'Uniform to Work Day'
[Picture: Mark Owens]
"They are doing it right now on operations and we see Uniform to Work Day as a way of celebrating this commitment."
One of those taking part in the day is Major Anita Newcourt who in her civilian job is the Manager of the VIP and Royal Suite at Heathrow airport. She has spent the past 25 years in the TA and now holds the post of Second in Command of Media Operations.
Major Newcourt greeted Prime Minister Gordon Brown in her TA uniform last week on his way to the G8 Summit. She said that she's proud to wear her military kit:
"I'm absolutely delighted to have the chance to wear my uniform to work. Whenever we can, we should be showing our colleagues and bosses that we are part of the TA. They should be aware of the interesting things, that as part of the British Army, we have the opportunity to do."
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