Standing proud over the rolling Wiltshire hillside close to the Westbury White Horse, the installation features 10ft-high silhouette ‘giants’ modelled on soldiers from 5 Rifles, the British Army’s sharpshooting regiment.
Soldiers from 5 Rifles conduct military training on the nearby Salisbury Plain and the giant silhouettes stand alongside figures representing members of the public.
The giant silhouettes of soldiers are being used to inform and educate the public about the dangers of accessing military land where live firing takes place.
The 10-feet tall giant silhouettes modelled on soldiers from the 5 Rifles in place near the military training area on Salisbury Plain. Image: Trevor Porter 77223-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)
Designed by the Standing With Giants charity, the artwork is to raise awareness of the MOD’s Respect The Range campaign and will remain in place for four weeks.
RFN Isabel O’Malley, one of the soldiers on which the military ‘giants’ were modelled, said: “It’s been a great experience having one of the military giants based on my likeness, in support of the Respect the Range Campaign.
“Training is key to our safety when on deployment, and it can be frustrating when we have to stop activity mid-exercise because a member of the public has strayed into an area they shouldn’t be, putting both themselves and us at risk.
“We know the public are supportive of our need to train and they can help us by always respecting our training and following key safety advice.”
The 10-feet tall giant silhouettes modelled on soldiers from the 5 Rifles installed near the Westbury White Horse close the military training area on Salisbury Plain. Trevor Porter 77223-9 (Image: Trevor Porter)
Military training is vital to ready the UK Armed Forces for operations throughout the world. Over two-thirds of the MOD’s land is held for training.
Last year alone saw thousands of incidents in which the public accessed the Defence Training Estate when and where they shouldn’t have.
This meant hundreds of ‘near misses’ where training was interrupted due to a serious safety risk to the public or the military.
Brigadier Gavin Hatcher with some of the 38 giant silhouette soldiers on display. Trevor Porter 77223-8 (Image: Trevor Porter)
Brigadier Gavin Hatcher CBE, Head of the Defence Training Estate, said: “At a time of heightened tensions across the globe, war in Europe and conflict in the Middle East, it’s imperative that our military undertake crucial training safely and uninterrupted.
“Where permitted, the public can access and enjoy the unique and varied MOD estate, but only when and where it is safe for them to do so, and always with caution.
“Military training can take place round-the-clock and MOD land can go from calm to combat at a moment’s notice. By working together, we can ensure the public and our military keep each other safe.”
Dan Barton, who has made the giant silhouettes, with Emile Kelland who modelled for the woman on a bike. Trevor Porter 77223-5 (Image: Trevor Porter)
Dan Barton, chief executive officer of Standing with Giants said: “We’re incredibly proud to work with the MOD to promote Respect the Range.
“Our ethos is about honouring and respecting those who have and continue to make the ultimate sacrifice. The freedoms we enjoy were hard fought for, and our military need to train to ensure those freedoms remain.”
People are being reminded that they should only access military training areas when and where it is safe to do so and should exercise caution at all times.
Little troopers from Bratton Primary School learn about the dangers of going onto MOD training areas. Trevor Porter 77223-7 (Image: Trevor Porter)
To help keep themselves and their loved ones safe, the MOD is asking the public to follow these simple steps:
· Look out for red flags and observe all signs and information
· Check live firing and training times online at Gov.uk before visiting a military training area
· Stick to footpaths, bridleways, byways and Public Rights of Way
· Keep dogs under close control and pick up after them
· Never touch any military debris (UXO), report it for safe removal
For further information visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safe-access
