Infanteers become giant statues in safety campaign around public access to MOD land

A new art display has turned soldiers from The Rifles into statues as part of a public safety campaign to protect the public from harm and limit disruption to military training.

Infanteers from 5 Rifles were transformed into 10ft-high silhouette giants on the rolling Wiltshire hillside, in a collaboration between the Standing With Giants charity and the Ministry of Defence's Respect The Range campaign. 

"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," said Rifleman Isabel O'Malley, one of the soldiers on whom a statue is modelled.

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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."

The art display was created as part of the campaign to educate the public about the dangers of accessing military land.

The majority of MOD land is used for military training, and in 2023 thousands of incidents were reported when members of the public entered prohibited training areas.

This resulted in hundreds of 'near misses' and caused training to be interrupted due to the risk of serious injury.

The campaign wishes for the public to: 

• 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) and report it for safe removal 

Dan Barton, CEO 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."