The Public Accounts Committee report
here (.pdf 40 pg.), and the Ministry of Defence's response
here
Def Min's response:
"I have personally met a number of Reservists during my current trip to Afghanistan, including a number of first-class medics at Camp Bastion in Helmand. Reservists' contribution to operations is outstanding.
"Many Reservists have deployed as individuals with specialist skills which are vital to our operations. Reservists' skills are enhanced by their experiences on deployment and carried back into their civilian employment.
"I welcome the Public Accounts Committee report. The report clearly states that Reservists now expect, and want to serve on operations. We are continuing to make improvements to those areas that fall short of the high standards that Reservists rightly expect.
Reservists, such as this soldier from 4th Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (4 LANCS), are a vital part of the UK's Armed Forces [Picture: Chris Barker] . Opens in a new window.
Reservists, such as this soldier from 4th Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (4 LANCS), are a vital part of the UK's Armed Forces
[Picture: Chris Barker]
"Since the committee last heard evidence a year ago, many of the report's areas of concern have been addressed, particularly provisions for the welfare, training, recruitment and equipping of the Reserves. Recruitment for the TA is now improving.
"Research indicates that an expectation of fitness is a barrier to some recruits – they think they are 'not fit enough' to join the Reserves. We cannot afford to lose such potential recruits, and must therefore strike a balance between fitness on entry and an individual's potential – potential that our training can release.
"We set rigorous standards for physical fitness which every reservist deploying on operations is tested against prior to deployment, and the report acknowledges this."
