Reserve Forces (Hansard, 31 March 1994)

§ Mr. Colvin
To ask the Secretary of state for Defence what is the established strength of the Territorial Army, the Royal Naval Reserve including the Royal Marine Reserve and the Royal Air Force Reserve; and what are their actual strengths.

§ Mr. Hanley
As at 1 January 1994, the established and actual strengths of the volunteer reserve forces were as follows:

Established Actual

Royal Naval Reserve¹ 4,700 4,103

Royal Marines Reserve 1,220 1,049

Royal Naval Auxiliary Service² 2,199 2,200

Territorial Army³ 63,950 63,819

Royal Air Force Reserve⁴ 2,209 1,768

¹ Excludes University Royal Naval Units.

² Due to disband on 31 March 1994.

³ Includes the Officer Training Corps. Excludes the Home Service Part Time element of the Royal Irish Regiment and Non Regular Permanent Staff.

⁴ Excludes the University Air Squadrons.

§ Mr. Colvin
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the annual cost, and likely future costs of(a) the Territorial Army, (b) the Royal Naval Reserve, (c) the Royal Marine Reserve, (d) the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and (e) the Territorial and Volunteer Reserve Association.

§ Mr. Hanley
The full cost of maintaining the reserve forces—including such things as equipment development, fuel, ammunition, accommodation and utilities, food or transport—could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The figures for pay, allowances, earnings-related national insurance contributions and training bounties are as follows:

1992–93 actual £ million 1993–94 forecast £ million 1994–95 estimate £ million

Territorial Army¹ 134.2 128.0 114.2

Royal Naval Reserve² 9.5 8.7 9.0

Royal Marine Reserve 2.4 2.2 2.2

Royal Auxiliary Air Force and RAF Volunteer Reserve 4.6 4.2 4.4

TAVRA³ 15.8 15.6 15.3

¹ Excludes the Home Service Part Time element of the Royal Irish Regiment, and Non Regular Permanent Staff.

² Excludes the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service, which is due to disband on 31 March 1994.

³ The Territorial Auxiliary Volunteer Reserve Associations (TARVAs) costs include salaries, heating, lighting and consumables, and vehicles.

§ Mr. Colvin
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the command structure, and who is in charge, of the regular reserve.

§ Mr. Hanley
The services do not have command structures dealing solely with members of the regular reserve forces. In peacetime, all personal documentation is held by the appropriate service personnel authority. On mobilisation, a reservist would become subject to the command structure of the unit to which he was assigned.

§ Mr. Colvin
To ask the Secretary of S4State for Defence what Territorial Army units are under two thirds recruited; and what proposals exist to improve their recruitment or disband the units.
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§ Mr. Hanley
The following Territorial Army units are under two thirds recruited:
202 Field Hospital

203 Field Hospital

204 Field Hospital
When the future of the TA is announced later this year, and the prospects for the above units are known, appropriate action will be taken.
Additional funding may be made to units two thirds below strength for national and regional recruiting campaigns. There are no current plans to disband units which are two thirds below strength.

§ Mr. Colvin
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the strength of(a) the Regular Army Reserve, (b) the Royal Naval Reserve and (c) the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Reserve.

§ Mr. Hanley
On 1 January 1994, the strengths of the regular reserve forces¹ of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force were as follows:

Strength

Royal Fleet Reserve 3,476

Army Reserve 44,882

Air Force Reserve² 15,560

¹ The regular reserve forces do not include service pensioners with a recall liability, who are governed separately. The Army's long-term reserve is also separate. Neither category is included in the figures given in the answer.

² The Royal Air Force Reserve includes ex-regular officers; Royal Fleet Reserve and Regular Army Reserve do not.

§ Mr. Colvin
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of those reservists of the regular reserve receiving a call-out over the past five years have reported to their operational base.

§ Mr. Hanley
The only time in the past five years that members of the regular reserve have been called out was during the Gulf conflict. On that occasion my Department sent letters to appropriate ex-regulars seeking volunteers for service. Following this, some 770 individuals were taken into service. Additionally, a limited compulsory call-out resulted in a further 133 individuals being taken into service. Only two of those individuals to whom call-out papers were sent failed to respond without an immediately acceptable reason. It is not possible to break down any of these figures between regular reserves and other former regular personnel.

§ Mr. Colvin
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the role of the eight Territorial Army battalions in the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and their likely deployment times.
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§ Mr. Hanley
The role of the eight Territorial Army battalions in the Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps is to conduct security tasks in the rear area of the battle zone as required by ARRC headquarters. These will include such tasks as the defending key logistic installations and supply routes. The likely deployment time is 90 days from mobilisation.

§ Mr. Colvin
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the operational role of the Territorial Army battalions other than those in the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.

§ Mr. Hanley
The 28 Territorial Army battalions which do not have an operational role in the Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps have a national defence role. In terms of the three defence roles, this can be considered as:
(a) Defence Role 1. To carry out a wide range of tasks including Military Alliance operations and Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) in peace, tension and war. To provide the framework for the reconsitution, regeneration and expansion of forces.

(b) Defence Roles 2 and 3. To be prepared to augment or reinforce national, United Nations or Alliance operations.

§ Mr. Colvin
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the conditions of call-up and service of the regular reserves.

§ Mr. Hanley
The principal conditions of call-out of those former members of the regular services who have a reserve liability as a consequence of their service in the regular forces, including service pensioners who are liable to recall, are laid down in the different authorities according to service and rank as follows:
(i) For former officers of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, in two Orders in Council made in 1962 and 1982;

(ii) For former officers of the Army, in the Pay Warrant 1964;

(iii) For former officers of the Royal Air Force, in the Reserve Forces Act 1980.

(iv) For former other ranks of all three Services, in the Reserve Forces Act 1980.
These provisions are summarised in the tables below. The first column lists the category of personnel; the second records the authority for the call-out; the third describes the circumstances in which call-out is permitted; and the fourth indicates the maximum duration of service once called out.
The Ministry of Defence is preparing legislation on the reserve forces, which we hope to be able to introduce in the 1994–95 session. This will include measures to simplify the present arrangements for the call-out or recall of former regular service personnel.
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Former members of the Royal Air Force, other than officers

Force Authority for call-out Description of call-out Duration of Service once called-out

1. Men of the Air Force Reserve RFA 80, s10(1) RFA 80, s.10(4) If it appears to Her Majesty that National Danger is imminent or a great emergency has arisen Up to the earlier of: "Until Her Majesty no longer requires his services" (RFA 80, (s.21(l) or

"The remainder unexpired of his term of service in the Air Force Reserve" (RFA 80, s.21(2))

RFA 80, s.11(1) When warlike operations are in preparation or in progress Up to twelve months in aggregate (RFA 80, s.13(1))—

"but not more than the remainder unexpired of his term of service in the Air Force Reserve" (RFA 80, s.21(2))

RFA 80, s.20(1) For home defence service, (i.e. service in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man in the event of an actual or apprehended attack on the United Kingdom—RFA 80 s.156(1)) Up to the earlier of the following: "Until Her Majesty no longer requires his services", (RFA 80, s.21(1)); or "the remainder unexpired of his term in the Air Force Reserve" (RFA 80, s.21(2))

RFA 80, s.23(1) To aid the civil power in the preservation of the public peace Until no longer required

RFA 80, s.38 For training "For one period not exceeding 15 days" (RFA 80, s.38(b)); and

"For such other periods as may be prescribed, none of which shall exceed 36 hours without the consent of the person in question" (RFA 80, s.38(6))

2. Air Force Pensioners RFA 80, ss.31;32; 33 Whenever men of the Air Force Reserve have been called-out for permanent service under s.10 or s.20(1) Until "such date which Her Majesty may by Order in Council declare to be the end of the emergency which was the occasion of the calling-out permanent service of persons of the reserve in question." (RFA 80, s.32(4)(b))

Former officers of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines

Force Authority for call-out Description of call-out Duration of Service once called-out

1. Royal Navy officers— Emergency and retired lists Order in Council of 27 June 1962 (NL(R)838.61) "In the event of actual or apprehended attack on the United Kingdom" As for ratings (i.e. up to three years, which can be extended to up to five years)

Order in Council of 18 May 1982 (D/NMT/133/1/33) "Whenever warlike operations are in preparation or in progress" For such period as the Admiralty Board sees fit

2. Royal Marines officers— Emergency and retired lists Order in Council of 27 June 1962 (NL(R)838.61) "In the event of actual or apprehended attack on the United Kingdom" As for ratings (i.e. up to three years, which can be extended to up to five years)

Order in Council of 18 May 1982 (D/NMT/133/1/33) "Whenever warlike operations are in preparation or in progress" For such period as the Admiralty Board sees fit

Former members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, other than officers

Force Authority for call-out Description of call-out Duration of Service once called-out

1. Royal Fleet Reserve (Special Class) RFA 80, s.10(1) RFA 80, s.10(4) If it appears to Her Majesty that national danger is imminent or a great emergency has arisen Up to three years (RFA 80, s.17(1)); extendable to up to five years (RFA 80, s.17(2))

RFA 80, s.11(1) When warlike operations are in preparation or in progress Up to twelve months in aggregate (RFA 80, s.13(3))

RFA 80, s.37 For training Up to 92 days in any one year. (RFA 80, s.37(3))

2. Royal Fleet Reserve (Ordinary class) RFA 80, s.10(1) RFA 80, s.10(4) If it appears to Her Majesty that national danger is imminent or a great emergency has arisen Up to three years (RFA 80, s.17(1)); extendable to up to five years (RFA 80, s.17(2))

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Force Authority for call-out Description of call-out Duration of Service once called-out

RFA 80, s.16(1) In the event of actual or apprehended attack on the United Kingdom Up to three years (RFA 80, s.17(1)); extendable to up to five years (RFA 80, s.17(2))

RFA 80, s.37 For training Up to 92 days in any one year. (RFA 80, s.37(3))

3. Naval Pensioners RFA 80, s.30 In any emergency The duration of the emergency which occasions the call-out

Former members of the Regular Army, other than officers

Force Authority for call-out Description of call-out Duration of Service once called-out

1. Men of the Army Reserve RFA 80, s.10(1) RFA 80, s.10(4) If it appears to Her Majesty that national danger is imminent or a great emergency has arisen Up to the earlier of: "Until Her Majesty no longer requires his services" (RFA 80, s.19(1)) or Remainder of time due in Reserves (RFA 80, s.19(2))

RFA 80, s.11(1) "Whenever warlike operations are in preparation or in progress" Up to twelve months in aggregate (RFA 80, s.13(3))—

but not more than "the remainder unexpired of his term in the Army Reserve". (RFA 80, s. 19(2))

RFA 80, s.18(1) For home defence service (i.e. service in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man in the event of an actual or apprehended attack on the United Kingdom—RFA 80, s.156(1)) Up to the earlier of the following: "Until Her Majesty no longer requires his services", (RFA 80, s.19(1)); or "the remainder unexpired of his term in the Army Reserve" (RFA 80, s.19(2))

RFA 80, s.23(1) To aid the civil power in the preservation of the public peace Until no longer required

RFA 80, s.38 For training "For one period not exceeding 15 days" (RFA 80, s.38(a)); and

"For such other periods as may be prescribed, none of which shall exceed 36 hours without the consent of the person in question" (RFA 80, s.38(b))

2. Army Pensioners RFA 80, ss.31;32; 33 Whenever men of the Army Reserve are called out for permanent service under s.10 or s.18(1) Until "such date which Her Majesty may by Order in Council declare to be the end of the emergency which was the occasion of the calling-out for permanent service of persons of the reserve in question." (RFA 80, s.32(4)(b))

3. Army Long Term Reserve RFA 80, s.34 Whenever men of the Army Reserve are called out for permanent service under s.10 or s.18(1) Unless previously discharged, until "such date which Her Majesty may by Order in Council declare to be the end of the emergency which was the occasion of the calling-out of the Army Reserve." (RFA 80, s.34(3)(b))

Former Army officers

Force Authority for call-out Description of call-out Duration of Service once called-out

1. Class I of Regular Army Reserve of officers (Most ex-Regular officers) Pay Warrant 1964, AC 14173, Amendment 60 Article 285a (i) For service in any part of the world when warlike operations are in preparation or in progress Until no longer required

(ii) For service in any part of the world if the Queen orders the call-out of Army Reservists when it appears to Her that national danger is imminent or that a great emergency has arisen Until no longer required

(iii) For service in the United Kingdom in defence of the United Kingdom in the event of an actual or apprehended attack Until no longer required

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Former officers of the Royal Air Force

Force Authority for call-out Description of call-out Duration of Service once called-out

1. RAF Reserve of Officers (RAFRO) RFA 80, s.10(1) RFA 80, s.10(4) If it appears to Her Majesty that national danger is imminent or a great emergency has arisen Until no longer required

RFA 80, s.11(1) When warlike operations are in preparation or in progress Until no longer required

§ Mr. Colvin
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information is held about the location, availability and suitability for military service of the regular reserve.

§ Mr. Hanley
Information on the location, availability and suitability for military service of the regular reserves is held centrally by each service on computer. The information is regularly updated and includes details of home address, contact number, current employment, service history, medical history and specialist qualifications.

	Established	Actual
Royal Naval Reserve¹	4,700	4,103
Royal Marines Reserve	1,220	1,049
Royal Naval Auxiliary Service²	2,199	2,200
Territorial Army³	63,950	63,819
Royal Air Force Reserve⁴	2,209	1,768
¹ Excludes University Royal Naval Units.
² Due to disband on 31 March 1994.
³ Includes the Officer Training Corps. Excludes the Home Service Part Time element of the Royal Irish Regiment and Non Regular Permanent Staff.
⁴ Excludes the University Air Squadrons.

	1992–93 actual £ million	1993–94 forecast £ million	1994–95 estimate £ million
Territorial Army¹	134.2	128.0	114.2
Royal Naval Reserve²	9.5	8.7	9.0
Royal Marine Reserve	2.4	2.2	2.2
Royal Auxiliary Air Force and RAF Volunteer Reserve	4.6	4.2	4.4
TAVRA³	15.8	15.6	15.3
¹ Excludes the Home Service Part Time element of the Royal Irish Regiment, and Non Regular Permanent Staff.
² Excludes the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service, which is due to disband on 31 March 1994.
³ The Territorial Auxiliary Volunteer Reserve Associations (TARVAs) costs include salaries, heating, lighting and consumables, and vehicles.

	Strength
Royal Fleet Reserve	3,476
Army Reserve	44,882
Air Force Reserve²	15,560
¹ The regular reserve forces do not include service pensioners with a recall liability, who are governed separately. The Army's long-term reserve is also separate. Neither category is included in the figures given in the answer.
² The Royal Air Force Reserve includes ex-regular officers; Royal Fleet Reserve and Regular Army Reserve do not.

Former members of the Royal Air Force, other than officers
Force	Authority for call-out	Description of call-out	Duration of Service once called-out
1. Men of the Air Force Reserve	RFA 80, s10(1) RFA 80, s.10(4)	If it appears to Her Majesty that National Danger is imminent or a great emergency has arisen	Up to the earlier of: "Until Her Majesty no longer requires his services" (RFA 80, (s.21(l) or
			"The remainder unexpired of his term of service in the Air Force Reserve" (RFA 80, s.21(2))
	RFA 80, s.11(1)	When warlike operations are in preparation or in progress	Up to twelve months in aggregate (RFA 80, s.13(1))—
			"but not more than the remainder unexpired of his term of service in the Air Force Reserve" (RFA 80, s.21(2))
	RFA 80, s.20(1)	For home defence service, (i.e. service in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man in the event of an actual or apprehended attack on the United Kingdom—RFA 80 s.156(1))	Up to the earlier of the following: "Until Her Majesty no longer requires his services", (RFA 80, s.21(1)); or "the remainder unexpired of his term in the Air Force Reserve" (RFA 80, s.21(2))
	RFA 80, s.23(1)	To aid the civil power in the preservation of the public peace	Until no longer required
	RFA 80, s.38	For training	"For one period not exceeding 15 days" (RFA 80, s.38(b)); and
			"For such other periods as may be prescribed, none of which shall exceed 36 hours without the consent of the person in question" (RFA 80, s.38(6))
2. Air Force Pensioners	RFA 80, ss.31;32; 33	Whenever men of the Air Force Reserve have been called-out for permanent service under s.10 or s.20(1)	Until "such date which Her Majesty may by Order in Council declare to be the end of the emergency which was the occasion of the calling-out permanent service of persons of the reserve in question." (RFA 80, s.32(4)(b))

Former officers of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines
Force	Authority for call-out	Description of call-out	Duration of Service once called-out
1. Royal Navy officers— Emergency and retired lists	Order in Council of 27 June 1962 (NL(R)838.61)	"In the event of actual or apprehended attack on the United Kingdom"	As for ratings (i.e. up to three years, which can be extended to up to five years)
	Order in Council of 18 May 1982 (D/NMT/133/1/33)	"Whenever warlike operations are in preparation or in progress"	For such period as the Admiralty Board sees fit
2. Royal Marines officers— Emergency and retired lists	Order in Council of 27 June 1962 (NL(R)838.61)	"In the event of actual or apprehended attack on the United Kingdom"	As for ratings (i.e. up to three years, which can be extended to up to five years)
	Order in Council of 18 May 1982 (D/NMT/133/1/33)	"Whenever warlike operations are in preparation or in progress"	For such period as the Admiralty Board sees fit

Former members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, other than officers
Force	Authority for call-out	Description of call-out	Duration of Service once called-out
1. Royal Fleet Reserve (Special Class)	RFA 80, s.10(1) RFA 80, s.10(4)	If it appears to Her Majesty that national danger is imminent or a great emergency has arisen	Up to three years (RFA 80, s.17(1)); extendable to up to five years (RFA 80, s.17(2))
	RFA 80, s.11(1)	When warlike operations are in preparation or in progress	Up to twelve months in aggregate (RFA 80, s.13(3))
	RFA 80, s.37	For training	Up to 92 days in any one year. (RFA 80, s.37(3))
2. Royal Fleet Reserve (Ordinary class)	RFA 80, s.10(1) RFA 80, s.10(4)	If it appears to Her Majesty that national danger is imminent or a great emergency has arisen	Up to three years (RFA 80, s.17(1)); extendable to up to five years (RFA 80, s.17(2))

Former members of the Regular Army, other than officers
Force	Authority for call-out	Description of call-out	Duration of Service once called-out
1. Men of the Army Reserve	RFA 80, s.10(1) RFA 80, s.10(4)	If it appears to Her Majesty that national danger is imminent or a great emergency has arisen	Up to the earlier of: "Until Her Majesty no longer requires his services" (RFA 80, s.19(1)) or Remainder of time due in Reserves (RFA 80, s.19(2))
	RFA 80, s.11(1)	"Whenever warlike operations are in preparation or in progress"	Up to twelve months in aggregate (RFA 80, s.13(3))—
			but not more than "the remainder unexpired of his term in the Army Reserve". (RFA 80, s. 19(2))
	RFA 80, s.18(1)	For home defence service (i.e. service in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands or Isle of Man in the event of an actual or apprehended attack on the United Kingdom—RFA 80, s.156(1))	Up to the earlier of the following: "Until Her Majesty no longer requires his services", (RFA 80, s.19(1)); or "the remainder unexpired of his term in the Army Reserve" (RFA 80, s.19(2))
	RFA 80, s.23(1)	To aid the civil power in the preservation of the public peace	Until no longer required
	RFA 80, s.38	For training	"For one period not exceeding 15 days" (RFA 80, s.38(a)); and
			"For such other periods as may be prescribed, none of which shall exceed 36 hours without the consent of the person in question" (RFA 80, s.38(b))
2. Army Pensioners	RFA 80, ss.31;32; 33	Whenever men of the Army Reserve are called out for permanent service under s.10 or s.18(1)	Until "such date which Her Majesty may by Order in Council declare to be the end of the emergency which was the occasion of the calling-out for permanent service of persons of the reserve in question." (RFA 80, s.32(4)(b))
3. Army Long Term Reserve	RFA 80, s.34	Whenever men of the Army Reserve are called out for permanent service under s.10 or s.18(1)	Unless previously discharged, until "such date which Her Majesty may by Order in Council declare to be the end of the emergency which was the occasion of the calling-out of the Army Reserve." (RFA 80, s.34(3)(b))

Former Army officers
Force	Authority for call-out	Description of call-out	Duration of Service once called-out
1. Class I of Regular Army Reserve of officers (Most ex-Regular officers)	Pay Warrant 1964, AC 14173, Amendment 60 Article 285a	(i) For service in any part of the world when warlike operations are in preparation or in progress	Until no longer required
		(ii) For service in any part of the world if the Queen orders the call-out of Army Reservists when it appears to Her that national danger is imminent or that a great emergency has arisen	Until no longer required
		(iii) For service in the United Kingdom in defence of the United Kingdom in the event of an actual or apprehended attack	Until no longer required

Former officers of the Royal Air Force
Force	Authority for call-out	Description of call-out	Duration of Service once called-out
1. RAF Reserve of Officers (RAFRO)	RFA 80, s.10(1) RFA 80, s.10(4)	If it appears to Her Majesty that national danger is imminent or a great emergency has arisen	Until no longer required
	RFA 80, s.11(1)	When warlike operations are in preparation or in progress	Until no longer required