UK overhauls Territorial Army to integrate forces

The plans are being proposed with an extra £1.8bn in funding for equipment, uniforms and training for the TA, which may also get a name change to Army Reserve to reflect its enhanced role.

The measures are aimed at integrating the forces and are outlined today in a consultation published by Defence Secretary Philip Hammond.

“This transformation of the reserves will see a radical shift in the way in which we use them, with units deployed as formed units or sub-units,” Mr Hammond said.

To further integrate the teams, the ministry plans to train regulars and reservists together using similar equipment and reserves will deploy as formed units and sub-units. The government is also considering an increase in the number of training days for army reservists from 35 to 40 days a year and requiring them to serve a six-month tour of duty at least once every five months.

The government also hope to boost the number of navy and air force reserves by smaller numbers, including a maritime reserve of 3,100, and an RAF auxillary of 1,800.

Mobilisations

Employers are to be given more certainty about the timing of possible mobilisations and more notice, but it remains to be seen in an era of austerity whether companies will be willing to part with trained staff for extended periods of up to a year.

Companies that discriminate against members of the Territorial Army by sidelining them may be sued under a new law, the same kind that protects women and ethnic minorities.

Jim Murphy, shadow defence secretary, said: “We support action to enhance the role of the reserves, but the government can go further to protect our reservists’ patriotism. Anti-discrimination legislation, improved pre-deployment training and better mental healthcare are vital.

“At a difficult time for many companies, employers must be given the support they need when their workers serve on reserve duty.”

‘Pivotal security role’

Some 30,000 posts are being cut from the regular armed forces. The army is losing 20,000 soldiers and will be reduced to 82,000 by 2020.

The plan will allow them – and the the 18,000 members of the armed forces who voluntarily leave their jobs every year – to serve again as reserves.

“Since 2003 there have been over 25,000 reservists mobilised, fighting alongside their regular counterparts. 29 have paid the ultimate price for their country and just this summer we saw 2,000 reservists provide a pivotal security role at the London 2012 Games,” Vice-Chief of Defence Staff, General Nick Houghton said.

The consultation will run until 18 January 2013. The government will publish a white paper in 2013 setting out this new relationship.