SENIOR business managers from Wiltshire have discovered first hand how the Army selects the best talent for future officers.

The Wessex Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, which provides support to the region's 3,000 Reservists and 16,000 Army cadets, organised a visit to the Potential Officer Selection Centre at Westbury, Wiltshire.

Colonel Peter Ashton-Wickett, the supervising officer, explained how young people are put through a rigorous series of tests to assess their intellectual, practical and physical capabilities as well as their personality and character.

"We are looking for people with the potential to command a platoon or troop on operations," he said.

Alec Dunn, of the Wessex Reserve Forces Association, stressed the tremendous value of Reservist training.

He said: "Employers recognise the high levels of self-confidence, loyalty, resilience, leadership skills and decision-making that naturally reveal themselves in anyone who has experienced Territorial Army service."

Mr Dunn said it was vital, particularly at a time when the Volunteer Reserve Forces were so important to Britain's defence capabilities, that all senior executives and managers have the opportunity to understand the benefits and implications of having reservists on their staff. The visiting party included Stephen Ware, general manager of Chippenham-based Westcode Semiconductors. His son, James, serves in the Territorial Army in Lincolnshire and hopes to join the regulars as an officer.

"One of industry's frustrations these days is that many middle managers find decision-making very difficult," said Mr Ware.

"The Westbury system helps to tackle the problem and is a fantastic way of highlighting a person's intelligence and mental agility and therefore developing our future leaders."

Also attending was Mark Dowdney, director of Bath stockbrokers Seymour Pierce Bell and a Territorial Army major in his spare time. Mr Dowdney said his company had a policy of encouraging staff to serve in the reserve forces and backed this up with an extra week's leave when necessary.

"If you employ someone who is in the TA, he or she is likely to be fitter and more committed than the average person," he added.

Advice and information on reservist service is available to employers through the Ministry of Defence SaBRE (Supporting Britain's Reservists and Employers) campaign. For more details contact the Wessex Reserve Forces and Cadets Association on (01823) 254571 or visit www.sabre.mod.uk