MoD: Reserve forces review announced
Wednesday, 19 Mar 2008 16:42
A review of Britain's reserve forces contained in the national security strategy announced today will ensure their future, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) says.
From April 1st the review will examine how the UK's 42,630 reservists can continue making a "vital" contribution to Britain's armed forces capability.
In the Territorial Army's centenary year the MoD is set to examine the extent to which reservists can be integrated into regular forces. Around 17,000 have been deployed on operations since July 2003.
"It is a fitting time to look forward at how all our reservists can continue to be a key component of the security of the UK," defence secretary Des Browne said.
Chief of defence staff Sir Jock Stirrup added: "Our reserve forces have a remarkable and proud record of achievement, and over the past few years in particular have made an invaluable contribution to our operations in the Balkans, Sierra Leone, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.
"They are, and will remain, an essential component of the UK's armed forces. It is because they are so important that we want to make sure that the Reserves continue to contribute in the most effective way possible."