Amongst the oldest Armies in Europe (only England, France, Spain and Portugal are older in terms of countries still in existence) the Byddin Frenhiniol Gymreig (Royal Welsh Army) has seen substantial changes over the years. It has been influenced by many outside agencies. For most of its history it has paralleled the British Army, both in regimental and organisational matters. In the 20th Century the notable influences have been the Germans in the thirties and the United States from the 1950’s onwards. From the largely volunteer organisation of the Great War era to the conscripted army of the 1950s (National Service), it has settled again onto a volunteer based system. There are approx 25,000 soldiers in the Army, 11,000 regulars and 14,000 in the reserve Militias.