MoD campaign highlights impact of public interruption to military training

Image courtesy MoD
 
The new photo campaign features thought-provoking images of soldiers unexpectedly interrupting civilians at work, highlighting the disruption this would cause.  
 
Aldershot was chosen for the campaign following continued disruptions to training exercises by members of the public straying onto the training area. These incursions force critical military training exercises to be paused or even cancelled, impacting how our personnel can be prepared for potential deployments. 
 
While some areas of the MoD estate are accessible to the public at certain times, it is primarily an area for essential military training. It is vital that our Armed Forces can carry out training exercises uninterrupted, now more than ever after the government announced a move to ‘warfighting readiness’ in the recently published Strategic Defence Review.  
 
The photo series is part of the MoD’s Respect the Range campaign to warn of the potential dangers of accessing military land when and where not permitted. 

 
Lt Col Jens Gronn, Defence Training Estate Regional Commander for the South East, said: “Military training areas are workplaces for our Armed Forces where they develop the vital skills they need to keep our nation safe. As the UK moves towards enhanced warfighting readiness, it’s more important than ever that training exercises can proceed without disruption. We welcome responsible public access but ask visitors to respect this critical training and steer clear of any military activity for everyone’s safety.”  
 
Members of the public can access military land but only when and where permitted to do so and are asked to follow these guidelines:  

• If you come across military training, stay at least 100m away and never touch military equipment or kit.  
• Risks to the public include pyrotechnics and ammunition, fast-moving military vehicles with limited visibility, deep water with hidden dangers and legacy unexploded ordnance.  
• Observe all signs and information and always conform to instructions from MOD personnel.  
• Be aware that training can be happening at all times of the day and night; just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not happening  
• Keep dogs under close control, always in sight and pick up after them.  
• Never touch any military debris and report it to the Ops room on 01429 483405 for safe removal.  
• Do not light fires or use BBQs, and dispose of cigarettes and litter responsibly.      
• If you encounter a wildfire don’t attempt to put it out yourself – call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service. 

For further information visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safe-access  
 
This year’s hot weather has increased the risk of wildfires on the MoD estate. These can also interrupt military training and pose a risk to Armed Forces personnel and the public. The MoD is working closely with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and asking the public to help support critical military training by acting responsibly to reduce the risk of wildfires on the MoD estate in the South East.  
 
A spokesperson from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: “The MoD takes its role in trying to prevent and control fires very seriously, and we are working closely with them to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both serving personnel and members of the public. 
 
“To help prevent wildfires this summer we’d ask the public not to light fires or use BBQs, and to dispose of cigarettes and litter responsibly. If you encounter a wildfire don’t attempt to put it out yourself – call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.”