If you’re mobilised for deployment abroad, you’ll generally receive pre-deployment training (PDT) at the Single Service Mobilisation Centre specified in your call-out pack. This normally takes between two and eight weeks and includes:
- administration - pay, kit and equipment, welfare and medical
- refresher training to brush up on your skills
- collective (group) training
- training specific to your theatre of operation
- training specific to your function
Joining your unit
You’ll be attached to a Regular unit throughout your operational tour, or your entire unit will be deployed. Your duties will depend on your particular skills and the requirements of the operation.
Normally, Reservists are mobilised for operations abroad, but there’s a small chance you may be deployed in the UK.
Can your mobilisation be extended?
Yes, if the situation demands it, your mobilisation may be compulsorily extended, or you may be asked ask to extend your period of operational duty.
The maximum period you can be mobilised for varies according to:
- the section of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 under which your call-out order was made. Click here for further details of call out powers;
- whether or not you were already in mobilised service prior to the day on which you were mobilised under the current call-out order;
- or the 'Run Out Date' of your current engagement.
Keeping in touch
You could ask your employer to send you regular newsletters so you can keep up to date with what’s going on at work; this shows your commitment to your employer and will make things easier for you when you return to work.