MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
News Release (087/2009) issued by COI News Distribution Service on
28 April 2009
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 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."
The review - the first focussed specifically on UK Reserves -
produced seven central findings, including improving training,
creating clearer command structures and increasing the use of
individual reservists' skills. Work to implement these
recommendations is now underway.
Notes to editors:
1. The full review and a summary of the review will be available
on the Ministry of Defence website from 1530 when Armed Forces
Minister Bob Ainsworth will make an announcement in the House of Commons.
2. The review will be located at http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/WhatWeDo/ReserveForcesandCadets/SRUKRF.
3. For further information contact Tom Bennett, Ministry of
Defence Press Office, 0207 218 5083.