Armed forces at the Commonwealth Games
Members of the armed forces will help keep the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games safe and secure.
![A member of the Royal Gurkha Rifles carries an Australian flag prior to a flag-raising ceremony at the London 2012 Olympic Games (library image) [Picture: Sergeant Alison Baskerville, Crown copyright]](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a613279e5274a443e00a26f/s300_commonwealth01.jpg)
A soldier carries an Australian flag at the London 2012 Olympic Games
More than 2,000 military personnel from all 3 services, including hundreds of reserves, have been tasked to assist with venue security as well as undertaking a number of ceremonial roles.
Examples of the armed forces’ roles include a flypast by the Red Arrows at the opening of the Games, and the provision of 72 flag-bearers for medal ceremonies.
The Red Arrows perform a flypast (library image) [Picture: Corporal Graham Taylor RAF, Crown copyright]
Lieutenant General Sir Nicholas Carter, the Standing Joint Commander, said:
The armed forces have always provided support to the civilian authorities in the UK whenever it is needed. We are ready to assist in whatever contingencies may arise and have done so during the 2012 Olympics and more recently during the floods crisis.
We are extremely proud to be able to provide support to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games as part of a task that reflects the flexibility, capability and adaptability of our armed forces.
Royal Navy personnel raise flags of the medal-winning nations in the men's gymnastics at the London 2012 Olympic Games (library image) [Picture: Bombardier Murray Kerr, Crown copyright]
The armed forces will provide specialist niche capabilities such as explosive ordnance disposal support and air security measures, similar to those seen during the London 2012 Olympics.
As part of our shared commitment to ensure a safe and secure Games, the UK government will fully fund this military contribution, with no costs being incurred by Police Scotland.