The Territorial Army’s press and publicity corps, the Media Operations
Group, has launched a recruitment drive to swell its ranks by up to 30
new members.
Already 70-strong, the Media Operation Group includes mainstream
journalists and PR professionals who are called on periodically to serve
with regular Army and TA troops around the world. Duties include
briefing and ensuring the safety of civilian journalists and advising
Army personnel on the impact of the press during military operations.
Gerry Bartlett, publicity officer for English Heritage and also a TA
Major with the Media Operation Group, said that the recruitment drive
was prompted by the need to replace former TA members and the explosion
of media interest in Army activities, particularly during conflicts such
as the Gulf War and Bosnia.
‘Basically, we are a group of journalists in uniform,’ said Bartlett.
‘The Army is coming round to the idea that we are actually quite useful
to them and that the media are allies, not enemies.’
The Media Operations Group is particularly keen to sign up journalists,
photographers, PR officers and linguists aged between 25 and 37.
Successful applicants will be given basic training, payment and the rank
of Acting Captain.
