PRINCE Charles urged young recruits to have pride in Britain's military traditions yesterday - adding that he suspected the US forces wished they could benefit from something similar.
The Prince of Wales is Colonel in Chief of the Welsh Guards, the Parachute Regiment and the Gurkhas, which all have recruits in the 3rd Battalion, Infantry Training Centre at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.
There was a special significance to the day for the Welsh Guards when 17-year-old recruit Leon Peek, who has only been in the Army nine weeks, was presented with a new Regimental Colour by the prince to mark a decade of training at Catterick Garrison.
Addressing a parade at Helles Barracks, Prince Charles said soldiers who had returned home from the recent war in Iraq had told him the British regimental system was held in high regard by US forces.
"I suspect others wish they had it," he said.
"It provides our soldiers with a sense of pride, of not wanting to let others down, a sense of belonging, of courage and fortitude of spirit."
Many Welsh Guards recruits will take on Household duties when they join their units rather than face active service - but the prince reminded them 40 per cent of the tourists who came to Britain from abroad visited to see the ceremonial aspect of the forces.
"You are not toy soldiers as some believe, because they are not able to see your training," he said.
"Go out there and surprise them and make us all proud of you."
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