Territorial Army

Territorial Army
Unit name	Territorial Army
Caption	Cap badge of the Territorial Army
Dates	1908–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Reserve Force
Role	Reinforcing the Regular Army
Size	~30,000 personnel
Garrison	London
Garrison label	Headquarters
Motto	Defendimus (We Defend)
March	Quick – "Soldiers of the Queen" Slow – "The Duchess of Kent"
Battles	First World War, Second World War, Korean War, Falklands War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War
Notable commanders	Earl Kitchener

Territorial Army. The Territorial Army, now officially known as the Army Reserve, is the volunteer reserve force and integral component of the British Army. Originating from earlier Volunteer and Yeomanry units, it was formally established in 1908 by Secretary of State for War Richard Haldane as part of wide-ranging military reforms. Its personnel, often balancing civilian careers with military service, provide critical support to the Regular Army in operations, homeland defence, and specialist roles, with a history of mobilisation for major conflicts including both World Wars.

History

The origins of the force lie in the long tradition of British auxiliary forces, notably the Militia, the Yeomanry, and the Volunteer Force of the 19th century. The modern organisation was created by the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act 1907, which came into effect in 1908, forming a unified reserve intended for home defence. It saw massive expansion and deployment during the First World War, with battalions serving with distinction at battles like the Somme and Gallipoli. In the Second World War, units fought in every major theatre, from the Fall of France to the Burma Campaign and the Normandy landings. Post-war, it was reorganised multiple times, seeing service in conflicts such as the Korean War and the Falklands War, and was formally renamed the Army Reserve in 2014 under the Future Force 2020 reforms, though the "Territorial Army" title remains in widespread colloquial use.

Organization and structure

The force is integrated within the overall structure of the British Army and is commanded from the Army Headquarters in Andover. It is organised into regional brigades, such as the 11th Infantry Brigade and the 51st Infantry Brigade, which administer units across the United Kingdom. These units mirror their regular counterparts, including infantry battalions like the 4th Battalion, Parachute Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps regiments, and support arms from the Royal Engineers to the Royal Army Medical Corps. The London Regiment is a notable reserve infantry regiment, and the SAS Reserve provides a direct link to United Kingdom Special Forces.

Roles and responsibilities

Its primary role is to provide trained personnel to reinforce the Regular Army, particularly during times of war, crisis, or national emergency. Reservists routinely deploy on overseas operations, having served extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan in roles from frontline infantry to logistical and medical support. A key function is Civil Contingency support, aiding civilian authorities during domestic emergencies such as flooding, the COVID-19 pandemic, or providing security for major events like the London 2012 Olympics. Specialist units, such as those in the Intelligence Corps or 77th Brigade, provide niche capabilities not always held in the regular force.

Training

All recruits undergo initial training at the Army Training Centre Pirbright or similar centres, followed by trade-specific courses. A central commitment is the requirement to complete a minimum of 27 days training per year, typically consisting of evening drills, weekend exercises, and a two-week annual camp. Training is designed to bring reservists to the same standards as their regular counterparts, with many attending courses at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the Infantry Battle School, or specialist schools like the Royal School of Artillery. Exercises are often conducted alongside NATO allies and can take place at major training areas such as Salisbury Plain and in countries like Canada and Kenya.

Equipment and insignia

Reservists are issued the same personal equipment and weapons as the Regular Army, including the SA80 rifle and personal protective equipment. They utilise the same vehicles and major platforms, such as the Foxhound patrol vehicle and various support trucks. The distinctive "T" within a circle insignia was historically worn on uniforms but has been largely phased out in favour of standard Army uniform and rank insignia. Unit-specific cap badges and stable belts are proudly retained, displaying lineage from historic Yeomanry and Volunteer regiments.

Notable members and units

Many prominent figures have served, including former Prime Minister Winston Churchill with the Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars, and adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes in the Royal Scots Greys. Victoria Cross recipients from its ranks include Theodore Wright of the Royal Engineers in the First World War. Notable units with long histories include the Honourable Artillery Company, the Artist Rifles, and the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers. In popular culture, the experiences of reservists have been depicted in works like the television series *Our Girl* and the film *The Last Post*, reflecting their integral role in national defence.

Category:British Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1908 Category:Reserve forces of the United Kingdom