HC Deb 22 January 2004 vol 416 c1397W
Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how compulsory mobilisation of the Territorial Army in Operation Telic affects the continuity of Service calculations for the(a) Territorial Decoration and (b) other longer Service awards. [149280]

Mr. Caplin

The Territorial Decoration (TD) was replaced by the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal (VRSM) in 1999, although those members of the Territorial Army (TA) who had already completed a significant period of Service towards the award, can still receive the TD.

Periods of compulsory mobilisation by TA personnel on Operation Telic will count towards the TD, the VRSM or the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how compulsory mobilisation of the Territorial Army affects eligibility for annual training bounty; [149281]

(2) whether the Territorial Army's annual training bounty is payable in the respect of compulsory mobilisation service. [149282]

Mr. Caplin

While compulsory mobilisation does not in itself qualify members of the Territorial Army for their annual training bounty, certain aspects of that service can contribute towards the award. For example, mobilised service in theatre can be considered as meeting the requirement for a 15-day camp (or training in lieu).