The Ministry of Defence today published its report on the Strategic Review of UK Reserve Forces.
The Review was launched in April 2008 to reflect the changing demands faced by our Reservists in recent years. As well as preparing to defend the country in the event of a major conflict, they are now required to work as an integral part of the UK's military force on operations. The Review provides a basis for improving the training and organisation of the Reserves to match this new role.
The Review also sets out to strengthen the assistance provided to employers, who support Reservists through deployments and training and accommodate the demands of Reservist commitment.
Minister for Armed Forces Bob Ainsworth said:
Our Reserve Forces have served this country with distinction in all the major conflicts and crises we have faced in recent times, including current operations, with 18,000 deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003.
The roles and demands faced by our Reservists have changed considerably over the years, and their structures, training and organisation need to be updated to reflect this.
This comprehensive Reserves Review provides a crucial blueprint for the future of Reserve Forces and recognises the vital contribution they have made and will continue to make."
Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets) Major General Simon Lalor - the UK's most senior serving Reservist - said:
On behalf of the Reservist community, I welcome this report. The Strategic Review of Reserves marks a step change in the development of the UK's Reserve Forces, being the first time they have been looked at in their own right.
By acknowledging the vital contribution Reserves make on operations, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan, and then looking in detail as to how the Reserves can be better organised, equipped and supported, this Review has provided the MOD with a clear mandate for change and improvement. As a result the Reserves will be in the best possible shape to meet the challenges not just of today but more importantly of tomorrow."
Report on the Strategic Review of Reserves (PDF - 766Kb)