Business people and leaders of Wiltshire communities were given an insight into Today's Modern Army on Wednesday.

More than 250 invited guests packed into the theatre at the Land Warfare Centre in Warminster to watch a multi- media presentation which portrayed the role of today's Army in a changing world.

The Army is one of the largest organisations in the country, with one of the best trained workforces in the world and this was one of the themes of the presentation by the Sandhurst-based Army Presentation Team.

Brig Richard Cary, Commander of 43 (Wessex) Brigade, outlined the changing role of the Army.

He said: "The front line has changed in this changing world. We have a role in securing freedom in the UK's commitment to a safer world."

Guests heard how security situations had continued to change and how the Army had to adapt its forces, placing greater emphasis on flexible deployment and technologically advanced equipment and the manpower to meet emerging threats.

With the reservists playing a far more important role with today's army, businessmen were briefed on the dual roles they could play by employing highly skilled and experienced personnel when they left the army, and by assisting people to take time out of work to be deployed by the army as reservists.

Wiltshire has the largest contingent of cadets in the UK, and the presentation explained how the cadet scheme helps youngsters learn how to be good citizens and contribute to communities.

Melksham councillor Vic Oakman, who was one of many invited said: "The presentation has been enlightening, and very informative on how today's Army works."