Around 900 personnel will be provided by the Army, with 300 each from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, with a further 900 to be held in reserve in case they are needed.

Hundreds of reservists are among the personnel who will take part in the operations, with no other existing operations to be affected.

This follows an agreement with the Home Office meaning that military personnel, as well as private security firms including perimeter security provider Selex ES, will offer additional support.

The army presence at the London 2012 Olympics, when military personnel were drafted in after security firm G4S failed to supply the staff it promised for the Games, enhanced security, while also increasing the public's confidence.

The contribution will be funded by the UK Government, who see it as part of their shared commitment to a safe and secure Games, although Police Scotland retain overall control of security.

The Armed Forces also played a vital security role during London 2012 ©Getty Images



"The Armed Forces have always provided support to the civilian authorities at home in the UK whenever it is needed," said Lieutenant General Sir Nicholas Carter, the Standing Joint Commander of the United Kingdom.

"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."

Military personnel will also provide specialist capabilities such as explosive ordnance disposal support and air security measures similar to those seen during London 2012.

As well as the presence of the Red Arrows, their ceremonial roles will also include the provision of 72 flag bearers for medal ceremonies.

Shona Robison, Scotland's abinet Secretary for Commonwealth Games and Sport, added: "I'm delighted that the UK Government has accepted my calls for the Royal Regiment of Scotland to be used to assist our security effort at the Commonwealth Games.

"This is an issue I pursued directly with the Home Secretary in January of this year and I'm glad the UK Government have acceded to our request.

"Reflecting on the serious security problems in London 2012 where one private firm was enlisted to provide cover for the entire Games, the Scottish Government decided to create a framework from which a range of security and stewarding companies would be awarded contracts according to their capacity and capability.

"We agreed that a mixed workforce consisting of Police Scotland, military and private industry would be the most appropriate response.

"It is a fitting role for the representatives from the Royal Regiment of Scotland and other military personnel based in Scotland to assist in providing a safe and secure Games of which the people of Glasgow and Scotland will all be proud."

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January 2014: Armed forces drafted in to help with Glasgow 2014 security
December 2013: Perimeter security at Glasgow 2014 to be provided by Selex ES
November 2013: G4S among list of firms invited to provide safety and security at Glasgow 2014