AS the Government seeks to cut 20,000 Army jobs by 2020, the Territorial Army is seeking volunteer recruits in Swindon and Wiltshire.

Last week, defence secretary, Philip Hammond, announced cuts which will see 17 Army units disbanded across the country, although Wiltshire emerged unscathed. The changes – to be completed by the end of the decade – will see the regular Army cut from 102,000 to 82,000 while the TA will be expanded to give a combined force of 120,000.

Among those from Swindon who have already joined the TA is gas engineer Lee Pearce, 28, who is currently training to become a commando.

Lee, who joined the TA three and a half years ago, recently transferred from an infantry unit to Bath-based 131 Independent Commando Squadron’s Engineer Field Troop, which is running a recruiting drive.

“It’s just something I must do,” he said. “I’m 28 now and have reached the point where, if I delay any longer, it may be too late.

“I know it is a huge challenge. But, as a physical training instructor with my old unit, I hope it will give me a good start with the fitness side of the course.”

Lee hopes it will not be too long before he can wear the famous commando green beret with its distinctive dagger insignia. But the commando course is tough.

It includes a nine-mile speed march inside 90 minutes carrying full fighting order, a six-mile endurance course through rough terrain including tunnels and an underwater culvert, followed by a four-mile run home and marksmanship test, and a Tarzan assault course, ending in a rope climb up a 30ft near-vertical wall – again, in full kit.

Bath’s commandos provide combat engineer support to 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, in specialist areas such as demolition, bridge building, mine warfare, field engineering, water supply and force protection.

The recruitment drive is targeting much of the West Country, with potential recruits expected to demonstrate a good basic level of fitness.

“But we are not looking for the finished article straightaway,” said Lieutenant Chris Harvey, a 24-year-old civil servant. “Main requirement is that individuals are keen and motivated and prepared to dedicate themselves to reaching the required standard.

“Of course, unlike commandos of the Regular Army, we don’t train together every day. But we are expected to perform at the same level, which inevitably means a big commitment to fitness work in your spare time.”

131 Independent Commando Squadron is based at Bath TA Centre. For more information, call 01225 427 747 or click on www.army.mod.uk/royalengineers/units/853.aspx To learn more about reserve service in the South West, contact Wessex Reserve Forces and Cadets Association on 01823 254571 or log on to www.wessex-rfca.org.uk