IN THE WORKPLACE
needs rationalisation, the training overheads need optimisation and Reserve units need better mechanisms to partner with the Regular component. The force generation of the Reserve component needs to be done more efficiently, with a greater guarantee of quality and a surer knowledge of availability.
“Notwithstanding these sobering conclusions, the Commission fully recognised the remarkable contribution that the Reserve Forces continue to make to operations. Indeed the outstanding acts of individual and collective service, particularly on recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, show that, despite the true and worrying condition of our Reserve Forces, their potential remains invaluable.
“The Commission believes that, if the recommendations are carried through, then the overall capability, utility and resilience of our Armed Forces will be enhanced, in a way that meets the security, financial and societal challenges of the day, and in a way that maintains continuity with historic British practice”.
How will this affect the RAF Reserves? “There are two reserve air forces; the RAF Reserve comprises individuals with previous
Regular service; the Volunteer Reserve component – Royal Auxiliary Air Force – comprises principally reservists without previous Regular service. Personnel on Sponsored Reserves commitments serve in a special category of the RAF Reserve. The Regular Reserve currently consists of 6,000 personnel, who have incurred a 6 year reserve liability through their non-pensionable Regular service.
“Royal Air Force Reserve (RAFR). The RAFR employs personnel in established Reservist posts – providing continuity of outputs at lower cost compared with regulars on ‘contracts’ up to 4 years. These personnel are not routinely mobilised, as their abated Terms and Conditions of Service reflect their stability of employment. Additionally, some 290 RAFR personnel fill gapped regular posts funded within the regular headcount.
“Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF). The RAuxAF liability is 1,975 posts – allocated against 20 squadrons/flights – principally against Force Protection, Movements, Medical, Intelligence, Media roles and Flight Operations tasks. Of these roles, only Medical, Media and aircrew do not require professional training from the RAuxAF. The RAuxAF is currently manned to approximately 68% of liability (down from 75%
pre-SDSR). Its trained strength is just below 1,000 personnel. This reflects the time taken to train civilians, using on average only 35 training days per year. The RAF believes that the bulk of its technically trained trades are not represented in the Reserve Forces because the time necessary to achieve and sustain technical competence is not available. RAuxAF units are mainly located on RAF bases; their outputs are integrated with those of Regulars. There is no discrete RAuxAF command chain and, because mobilisation takes place through the parent RAF station, there is no requirement for a bespoke mobilisation centre.
“It is our view that, whilst the RAF has partially adopted the Whole Force Concept principles, it now needs to be more vigorous in their application, providing far more opportunities to maximise its use of the Nation’s talent, especially that from the aviation industry. Proportionally, the small number of Reservist personnel in the RAuxAF is far outstripped by the equivalent numbers in allied forces”.
Are you a Reservist? Would you like to comment on the Review or Reserve service? Then please go to the Federation website to complete our survey at
www.raf-ff.org.uk. Call or email the Federation, 01780 781650,
enquiries@raf-ff.org.uk for a password.
Enjoy a great family break at the seaside, and forget the stresses and strains of daily life.
A free one week holiday for all Serving and ex Service families and their children meeting the eligibility criteria.
High quality accommodation with meals and entertainment provided in one of our selected resorts throughout the UK.
Breaks are available from March to October.
For more information on how to apply call 08457 725 725.
www.britishlegion.org.uk
Shoulder to shoulder with all who Serve Registered Charity No. 219279
www.raf-ff.org.uk Envoy Autumn 2011 35
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