LONDON (AP) — Britain's Olympics minister says the soldiers at the Olympic Park will give people "enormous reassurance" at the London Games.

About 3,500 more troops are being brought to Olympic venues to fill the void left by private security contractor G4S, which couldn't provide enough guards.

Asked if the army will help to ensure a safer Olympics, minister Hugh Robertson said Tuesday: "I've always felt this."

Soldiers who have been fighting in Afghanistan have switched their weapons for metal-detecting security wands at airport-style checkpoints to the Olympic Park.

Robertson, a former army major, says athletes are "incredibly reassured to see the armed forces on the gate."