Defence Force Reservists in the UK, currently serving on a part-time, voluntary basis, are due to receive advanced training, enabling them to be sent to global hotspots alongside their full-time Army colleagues. This commitment to improved training and the possibility of international deployments is being put forward by top brass in the Defence Forces and the government. The aim is to rejuvenate and expand the struggling Reserve Defence Force (RDF).
According to the Department of Defence, the RDF is set to become a contingent proficient in training, operating, and deploying in sync with the permanent Defence Forces, both domestically and internationally. The enhanced, more demanding training, coupled with the potential for deployment in missions mandated by the UN, is expected to attract eligible applicants to the RDF and ensure the continued service of existing members.
At present, the RDF is comprised of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve, with a strength of approximately 1,400 active members, a figure that represents just a third of its total capacity. Despite attracting up to 1,000 candidates in recruitment drives, many potential reservists lose interest due to prolonged delays in the medical screening stage of the application process.
However, plans are underway to establish a new Air Corps Reserve and to further boost the RDF’s numbers by recruiting an additional 400 members by the end of the year. Expansion is planned for 2025 and beyond. Despite the small number of reservists deployed abroad in the past, the plan is to increase this significantly and introduce a “specialist Reserve” division to enhance skills and preparedness for deployment.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, stated that the transformation and modernization of the Defence Forces, including the rejuvenation of the RDF, was a fundamental part of his main agenda. He asserted that each RDF member will develop essential skills in teamwork, leadership, management, physical endurance, mental agility, task-oriented focus, and operation under pressure throughout their Defence Forces career.
“Companies should be endorsing their staff who are part of the RDF, as they also stand to gain from the acquired skills. This point was emphasised by Mr Martin on Wednesday at the Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin, during the unveiling of the Renewal and Growth Strategy for the RDF. This blueprint is pivotal for the RDF’s renewal, one of the strategic goals highlighted in the Defence Forces Commission’s report.
The Defence Forces Head, Lt Gen Seán Clancy, dubbed the scheme to broaden and update the RDF as a substantial stride towards the transformation of the Defence Forces. By 2030, he visualised Óglaigh na hÉireann transforming into a combined, flexible, and utilitarian military force to safeguard our sovereignty, ensure Irish citizens’ safety, and uphold Ireland’s interests.
According to the new RDF blueprint, there are plans for increased enrolment along with simultaneous efforts to retain personnel and boost the effective strength of the force. It also guarantees that the reservists and reserve units will be allocated the necessary resources to enhance military capabilities, and to act as needed.
Additionally, there will be a shift towards the integration and deployment of the RDF, enabling them to train and function smoothly both domestically and internationally alongside the Defence Forces.”