Photos: Virtual fighting force takes over shopping centre

A taste of Army life comes to Hounslow

Laser weapon ranges and virtual battlefield simulators came to a shopping centre in London yesterday as the army launched a recruitment drive.

As well as testing their mettle in simulated warfare, visitors to the army showroom in the Treaty Centre in Hounslow tried out army equipment and chatted to serving soldiers.

Colonel Paul Meldon, seen sat in the buggy here, the commander of regional recruiting for London said in a statement: "While one might not expect to see a soldier ordering a Subway or a pair of military fatigues striding past New Look, the army are convinced that this is the way to demystify the military and begin a dialogue with the public."

Photo credit: Commander Regional Recruiting

Here the simulator displays one of the range of armoured vehicles that is used by the army.

London's first army showroom opened in Hackney in March and another showroom is due to be opened in Bromley in September.

If the London showrooms prove successful, then similar showrooms will open across the country.

Photo credit: Commander Regional Recruiting

Here, Meldon helps a member of the public get to grips with the heavy weaponry inside the simulator.

Photo credit: Commander Regional Recruiting

Visitors can also watch videos of army operations, with the showroom hoping to show off the wide range of careers within the army, from dentistry to dog handling.

Photo credit: Commander Regional Recruiting