David Cameron ponders armed forces reservists boost

Gerald · 07-01-11, 08:30 AM

The prime minister is considering a report which recommends that reservists should play a greater role in Britain's armed forces, the BBC understands.

David Cameron personally commissioned the review which is due to be published before the summer recess.

The BBC's Carole Walker says it will suggest increasing training so that companies of reservists can deal with instances such as civil emergencies.

A review of defence spending in October 2010 recommended large-scale job losses.

The MoD said it would not speculate on the outcome of the review.

However, our correspondent says Mr Cameron is thought to be sympathetic to the review's ideas.

The review, carried out by the deputy head of the armed forces, General Sir Nick Houghton, was commissioned at the time of last year's Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR).

He was asked to look at the future role and structure of the Territorial Army and its Royal Navy and RAF equivalents.

As part of the SDSR, the government announced that 7,000 soldiers, 5,000 navy personnel and 5,000 RAF personnel would lose their jobs by 2015.

Reservists were spared any immediate reductions, despite reports during the negotiations over cuts that suggested their numbers could drop by as many as a third.
Cost implications

Part-time troops currently make up 17% of armed forces numbers, but the review is expected to recommend a significant increase in that proportion.

The BBC understands that it will suggest making better use of the specialist skills and experience that reservists can bring from their civilian work.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13985025

Note: 1 July 2011 Last updated at 09:14 GMT

07-01-11, 08:30 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	David Cameron ponders armed forces reservists boost The prime minister is considering a report which recommends that reservists should play a greater role in Britain's armed forces, the BBC understands. David Cameron personally commissioned the review which is due to be published before the summer recess. The BBC's Carole Walker says it will suggest increasing training so that companies of reservists can deal with instances such as civil emergencies. A review of defence spending in October 2010 recommended large-scale job losses. The MoD said it would not speculate on the outcome of the review. However, our correspondent says Mr Cameron is thought to be sympathetic to the review's ideas. The review, carried out by the deputy head of the armed forces, General Sir Nick Houghton, was commissioned at the time of last year's Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR). He was asked to look at the future role and structure of the Territorial Army and its Royal Navy and RAF equivalents. As part of the SDSR, the government announced that 7,000 soldiers, 5,000 navy personnel and 5,000 RAF personnel would lose their jobs by 2015. Reservists were spared any immediate reductions, despite reports during the negotiations over cuts that suggested their numbers could drop by as many as a third. Cost implications Part-time troops currently make up 17% of armed forces numbers, but the review is expected to recommend a significant increase in that proportion. The BBC understands that it will suggest making better use of the specialist skills and experience that reservists can bring from their civilian work. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13985025 Note: 1 July 2011 Last updated at 09:14 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie