In 1964 he enlisted in the Territorial Army, the volunteer reserve of the British Army. Two years later he received a commission as a second lieutenant with the T.A., and was promoted to lieutenant on 17 June 1968. He was promoted acting captain in 1972, substantive captain in 1973, acting major in 1978, promoted to substantive major in 1980. In 1983, he transferred to and took command of the 2nd Battalion, The Wessex Regiment. In 1979 he was awarded the Territorial Decoration (the Long Service Decoration for commissioned officers of the Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve).