Possible Clues:

• Those at the end of 18 across taken on by a major employer
• Continues doggedly, with 'on'
• Army promoted banks of irregulars to guard monarch
• Troops
• Perseveres, with 'on'
• Perseveres, with "on"
• Makes joints, keeping one for military types
• They have disposed of the crooked rise in force( 8)