The Ministry of Defence has contacted the employers of Armed Forces Reservists to keep them up to date with regards to the ‘intelligent mobilisation’ of Reserve Forces to support the national response to COVID-19.

02 April 2020

It is expected that 3,000 Reservists will be required as part of this tranche and will initially be mobilised for six months, to be kept under review.

Major General Simon Brooks-Ward, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets), has written to the employers of the Reservists, to thank them for their on-going support and explain how the Armed Forces proposes to use its Reservists in support of the nation’s response to COVID-19.

At the moment, only Reservists with specialist skills that meet specific requests for help from other government departments will be called out.

Maj Gen Brooks-Ward says in his letter: “This is just the initial stage of the tried and tested ‘intelligent mobilisation’ process. It is intended to fill specific gaps by carefully selecting the right reservists available. As and when those reservists are selected, they should inform their employers and ensure there are no compelling reasons why they cannot be released, before confirming their availability for mobilisation.”

No one already working for the NHS or delivering front line services will be mobilised to make sure these key workers can continue their excellent and critical efforts.

Maj Gen Brooks-Ward goes on to say: “The reservists – your employees – who are mobilised for the COVID-19 Support Force will be working for the benefit of everyone in the country, including their local communities and civilian employers. Thank you again for your help making that possible.”

The Reserve Forces will be used to help deliver a range activities, such as providing additional medical and logistical support for the NHS, acting as liaison officers and deploying specialist skills such as engineering and accounting.

Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey said: “Our Reservists are a truly remarkable group of people; each with their own skills and experience from their civilian careers beyond the armed forces.

“At times like these, to be able to draw on that pool of talent and expertise is invaluable. I know that our Reservists will answer the nation’s call with real enthusiasm and will play a key part in our response to COVID-19.”

Further details for Reservists and their employers are available here: www.gov.uk/employee-reservist/mobilisation

Copyright MOD Army