The Earl of Carlisleasked Her Majesty's Government:
What percentage of officers in the three Armed Forces, above the rank of Major, Wing Commander or Lieutenant Commander, have served with their respective reserve forces; and what steps they are taking to ensure that as many officers as possible experience service with the reserve forces, especially those destined for the higher command positions. [HL2666]
§ Lord GilbertInformation on officers serving in the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force is not held in the form requested. About 10 per cent. of officers serving at the rank of major, equivalent to lieutenant colonel in the Army, or above in the Royal Marines have served or are serving with the Royal Marines Reserve. About 30 per cent. of officers serving at the rank of lieutenant colonel or above in the Army have served at Territorial Army units since 1975. The reserves are closely integrated with the regular forces and the figures requested would not fully reflect the extensive contact that regular officers in all three services have with reservists. While there is no policy to ensure that they experience service in a reserve unit, most regular officers can expect to meet and serve alongside members of the reserve forces during their careers, without necessarily being posted to a reserve unit.