The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has recently completed its first ever review of Britain’s Reserve Forces.
The review was specifically undertaken to look at the structure and capabilities of today’s Reserves to ensure that they’re in the best possible shape to meet the challenges they face right now and, more importantly, are likely to face in the future.
A great deal of information was gathered and analysed from sources with an interest in, knowledge of, or responsibility for Reserves.
The MOD’s review of the Reserve Forces and its plans to focus training for operational theatre, demonstrate continuing commitment to Reservists and their importance in the success of military operations. The Review presented a clear mandate for change, which will benefit the men and women preparing for deployment, as well as their employers.”
Tim Corry, SaBRE Campaign Director
What did the review find?
When the results were published, they unequivocally recognised that the demands placed upon the Reserve Forces have changed dramatically over the years. Reservists have always played an important role in the Armed Forces, but over recent years, the contribution they have been making has become increasingly vital. The Reserve Forces are held in very high regard and are well respected for the wide range of abilities they possess. In particular, they have a variety of specialist capabilities that can be put to great use in augmenting those of the Regular Forces.
With this in mind, the Ministry of Defence has developed a clear mandate for change.
Plans for the future
From now on, Reservists’ training is to be aligned more closely both in breadth and in nature with that of the Regular Armed Forces. This will provide them with even more valuable skills, so should they be mobilised, they’ll have all the preparation they need to serve side by side with the Regulars. This will also have a knock-on effect for you as an employer. Your Reservist employees will be bringing even more transferrable skills to the workplace.
The way Reservists are selected for mobilisation is also evolving. Traditionally, Reservists have been mobilised as a unit. In future they will increasingly be selected individually, according to their specific skills. These skills could be gained from their military training or from their civilian roles, but either way, they’ll be put to good use – as exemplified by Bob Fox’s time at Camp Bastion. Read the full report here.