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Overhaul for UK's reserve forces

Major changes to the UK's reserve forces have been announced by the government, intended to bring them closer into line with regular troops.
Closer integration of reservists with full-time army units will see them trained more quickly for operations, defence minister Bob Ainsworth said.
Although some units would close as a result, reserve forces would maintain their current strength, he added.
The changes will affect the Territorial Army and other volunteer forces.

'Contribution'
Mr Ainsworth said changes were needed to how reserves were organised, trained and equipped and must not be regarded as "separate" from full-time personnel.
He said reservists continued to make an "important contribution" to the UK's military capability, serving with dedication and distinction overseas.
More than 17,000 have served abroad since 2003 and currently account for about 9% of UK troops in Afghanistan.
Mr Ainsworth said they played a "crucial role" in domestic civil contingencies, such as the recent foot-and-mouth and flooding crises, and helping to connect the army with the public at large.
As part of the proposed changes, basic training for new reservists will be completed in six months and newly trained reserves will be ready for mobilisation abroad in three years.
"The outcome should be better trained, better organised reserves, better able to deliver tasks," he said.

'Detail lacking'
The BBC's Carole Walker said the announcement included confirmation that 2,000 posts would be lost from signals units whose technology had become obsolete.
However, all those affected will be offered alternative positions within the reserve force.
Property and buildings which are no longer suitable for use, or in a poor condition, will be sold off as part of a rationalisation.
The Conservatives welcomed the "genuine attempt" to improve and speed up basic training for reservists.
But shadow defence secretary Liam Fox said there was little detail about much-needed improvements to the welfare of reservists or information about the future of volunteer forces such as the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Air Force Reserve.
He called for a strategic review of the UK's defence capability.

Story from BBC NEWS: Published: 2009/04/28 15:01:59 GMT

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