PEMBROKESHIRE teenagers are set to join the Army for a day over the coming weeks as part of a new youth initiative at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy.

Brawdy-based 14th Signal Regiment (EW) is to hold weekly personal development activity days to give local youngsters a taste of life within a military routine.

The project follows two successful pilot days, during which more than 40 pupils from Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest, and Milford Haven School enjoyed a taste of Army life.

The teenagers, aged 15 and 16, will be put through their paces by members of the regimental recruiting team and enjoy an activity-packed day which involves them in various practical exercises and command tasks. They learn about the importance of radio communication and message encryption and their skills are tested in the small arms trainer, an indoor range which simulates firing on a number of different types of terrain - from jungle fighting to a desert battle.

Qualified Army physical training instructors run a variety of group games, including basketball and football, which focus upon the importance of team work. The youngsters also have the chance to improve their computing skills in lessons based around the latest technological developments.

WO2 (Supvr R) Tony Watters, Officer Commanding the Regimental Recruiting Team, said the activity days were a great way for youngsters to learn more about the Army, while developing useful new skills.

The trials have proved such a success that we are looking forward to expanding the initiative to include schools from further afield and overnight stays at the barracks to enable us to make the most of our excellent facilities, he said.

While here, the youngsters get a real taste of life within a military routine but they also leave with newly developed skills that can be applied to everyday life, as well as a greater understanding of the many and varied career opportunities that await new recruits.

q For further information about a career in the Army, contact Haverfordwest Army Careers Information Office, The Dalton VC Centre, Freemans Way, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TN (01437 767329) or visit www.army.mod.uk.

Caption: Lance Corporal Martin Jowett demonstrates the art of camouflage to Peter Rozeblat and Adriana Pini from Milford Haven Comprehensive School. PICTURE: Martin Cavaney Photography.