§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the Territorial Army and Army Reserve are to be called out for service with NATO implementation force in former Yugoslavia. [4836]
§ Mr. SoamesFollowing further planning work, a requirement for about 460 TA and Army reservists has been identified in the UK's contribution to the NATO implementation force. In order to allow a margin for those who prove to be medially unfit or otherwise unsuitable for service, I have authorised the call-out of up to 550 members of the Territorial Army and Army Reserve. All are volunteers for the operation. They will report to the infantry training centre, Catterick for medical screening, and selection and acceptance into service. Those who deploy will undertake refresher training before joining their units.